Job Discussion Forums

[Art Teacher love w/Turk]

Im an Art Teacher in Washington, D.C., I've been an art teacher for 12 years. I have a great resume (CV). I plan to get my TEFL, TESOL, TESL from Oxford Seminars next month. Except I dont have my Masters! Im visiting Istanbul on April 15th thru the 25th. To see my girlfriend who is TURKISH, who is a English teacher at a middle school in Istanbul..(we met in London). We want to get married! (We skype daily)
I need advice, I need help. I need to meet coffeespoonman!!!! I want to move to Istanbul permanently! But, I need a JOB! I want good money, but I will pay my dues first if I have to. I know after reading the posts I still need some help..Have I missed the boat for next Fall already? Im ready to move first of July. I just need someone with an inside connection. I have taught innercity my whole career if I can teach hood kids art I can teach English to anyone. !!! Coffeespoonman please!!!! Give me some good advice. Would a private Uni like Bilgi hire me? Would an American private hire me? Do you know any openings now?? Or possible openings at Bilgi?For your trouble... Would love to meet you next month if possible. Im buyin'!

[coffeespoonman]

Hi Art Teacher love w/Turk (hereafter referred to as Art),

Well, first of all, congratulations on your marriage plans. I'm sure that you'll be able to find a job here fairly easily. Having said that...

You say you have a great CV. What does that mean exactly? A B.A.? Ok, that'll get you a job, but probably not a great one. Years of experience teaching art to inner city kids? Not really going to help things. Here's what I recommend:

Send your CV now to a range of private and good public universities (and high schools if you're into that). Make sure you say in your cover letter that you're moving here to marry your Turkish girlfriend (that will show that you're not a backpacker likely to leave after a year or do a runner mid-semester). Also, mention your plans to get certified.

I you haven't reserved your place or paid Oxford yet, don't. The CELTA is much more widely respected here. Try to do that as soon as possible. If you've already committed to Oxford, that's ok. It's not going to hurt you; it's just that the CELTA is more recognizable in Istanbul.

If you don't hear back from the unis (or high schools), email them in June, before your big move. Remind them that you're coming. Email them again in July, after you get here. Your best chance to get a great job here with your somewhat limited TEFL credentials is to sneak in at the end when schools realize they need a few more teachers, fast.

If that doesn't work out, wait until late July / early August and go around to the better language schools, throwing your CV around. Something WILL turn up. You might be stuck at like 1500 - 2000 TL for a while, but if you're determined, you'll move up pretty quickly.

Check your PM.