Job Discussion Forums

Hadit · Joined: 17 Sep 2009 Posts: 109

Looking at some MA programs, I notice a few have the option for one to obtain a ESL certification to teach K-12 in a specific state in the US.

I am wondering how useful this is, because most all international school work abroad will be teaching expats regular English, correct? It seems it would only really help one getting a job here in the states. Any views on this? It appears getting certified in regular English teaching and then an MA in TESOL would be more useful.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

By "international school...abroad", do you mean any school outside of your home country, or schools that are labeled as international schools (and cater to expat children and returnees)?

ESL certification is not for any specialized English. It will help in many situations. The "certification" you described so briefly looks more like a state license than a TEFL/TESL cert.

Just a master's will give you some theory and background. A true ESL cert will give you more, and a good one will also give you some practicum. So, is that worth it to you, or do you feel comfy jumping into a classroom cold?

Hadit · Joined: 17 Sep 2009 Posts: 109

Yeah I mean teaching certification for ESL, not a certificate like a CELTA. Am I correct that true international schools for expats pay the best? It would seem that in these ESL certification wouldn't be necessary. The requirement for these is a teaching cert. and 2 years experience.

This credential would open up good paying jobs in countries where there is no real ESL scene and/or a Masters isn't appreciated.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

The more you get, the better your employability. BUT, for the license, you'd proabbly have to teach in the US for a couple years. There are alternative programmes that can fast track you, and give you a discount on tuiton.. these are often in high needs schools, and I personally woulnd't last, consider that the dropout rate for HS students is over 50%

I've got 3 certs from NJ, although they're still valid, they haven't been converted to full licenses since I've never taught in NJ, or the US. actually, I've only spent about a week in NJ Smile

I got it back when they were desperate to certify teachers.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

What sort of MA programs are you looking at? Mine had the option to add of an ESL credential as well. It was an MA TESOL program.

Are there other programs (e.g., an MA in English) that also offer the credential? If you do an MA in TESOL/Applied Linguistics with or without the ESL certification, you'll be qualified for EFL/ESL work, not international school work.

International schools pay better than language institutes, but with an MA (and experience) you can get a good university job. Of course, your options for well-paying uni jobs are a lot more geographically limited.

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