Job Discussion Forums

[lalazart]

[artemisia]

[lalazart]

Glenski
I would like to ask you specifically, because it seems that you are actually in Japan.

Do you think it would be very difficult for me to find a job in a larger city in Japan with my qualifications, even as an ALT or someone at a language school? I know I could find a job fairly easy in Taiwan, but I would like to try somewhere new. However if the market is as flooded as some people make it sound, it seems that I would be better off to get experience in Taiwan first and then head to Japan later on.

[johnslat]

Dear lalazart,

Glenski'll probably see this, but if you want to talk to a specific poster, a PM (private message) might be better.

Since you have more than 5 posts, you can PM now.

Regards,
John

[smurfetta]

You may not want to teach at home now but I agree with the others that it would be wise to get your certification now. It will open up a lot of doors. Also, you may change your mind and want to return home to live and work. Having your certification means that you will be employable both at home and abroad. Think of it like an insurance policy.

[fladude]

[naturegirl321]

Alternative certws abound, but read the fine print, a LOT of them are in high risk schools with high drop out (think 50% plus) rates. I looked at some in Texas and Colorado, they wanted bilingual teachers, but when I saw the drop out rate, I changed my mind.

As for certs, it's pretty easy to get.l For example, for my P3, preschool to grade 3, I simply had to prove that I had a BA and was first aid trained.

For my ESL K to 12, I had to take an English writing and speaking test.

For my Spanish K to 12, I had to take a Spanish speaking test and then the Praxis, which was so easy it was a joke, I aced the speaking, getting all of them right, they spoke SO slowly. Culture, on the other hand killed me, despite having lived in Spanish speaking countries for over 7 years. I still got over 90% on it.

For the Spanish, I think I had to prove that I had X amount of credits at uni, but it wasn't that much. Certainly not what you need for a major, I only minored in it and that was ok.

BUt like the above poster says, it depends on each Dept of Ed. I did these back in 2006 and 2007 in NJ. Rules have tightened and I know there are more reqs now.

If you go to states taht are in need of teachers, like Alaska, or district that need teachers, like inner cities, it's pertty easy to get certified. Just keep in mind that many of the teachers who enter these programmes often don't get beyond the first year.

[nickpellatt]

Maybe Im just splitting hairs, but doesnt anyone think its weird to have a 4 year TESOL degree that DOESNT include any observed teaching practice?

[spiral78]

I agree, nick. It's a teaching degree and should by definition include a practicuum...but the wide range of what's considered 'reputable' education being what it is, I'd ask the candidate this question if it weren't clear on his/her CV that a practicuum was included.

[Glenski]

[nickpellatt]

[therock]

[nickpellatt]

Without any observed teaching practice, isnt it actually less than a CELTA, rather than a glorified version of it?

[spiral78]

If it didn't have observed teaching practice, I'd worry - yes.
I agree with earlier posts that to make the most of this degree, the OP should really consider certification (requires a practicuum, I think - right?) and get some experience possibly at home before heading abroad.

An MA is most usefully done after a couple of years of work experience, IMO. MAs focusing heavily on theory - it's far less meaningful to study theory that one can't (yet) link to practice.