Job Discussion Forums

speakyword · Joined: 08 Jan 2011 Posts: 6

I'm just wondering if anyone has any information about the job market in Canada (or the US as I think it might be closely related). I am teaching abroad right now. I am going to start an MA. program soon (I'm not sure where yet) and that will qualify me to teach university here. But I am wondering what I would have to do to teach university in Canada one day.

Also, when I am considering MA. programs. What might North American schools be looking for? At this point I have to study via a distance program as I cannot leave the country for long periods of time. But other than that, what would help? I am considering either The University of Leicester (2.5 year online MA TESOL and Applied Linguistics) or possibly The University of Auckland (1 year MA TESOL) but I am worried that a 1 year Masters will not be taken seriously.

Any information on the subject of the North American university job market would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

tttompatz · Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 2:32 am Post subject:

For the most part, for teaching in a university in Canada (an most decent universities in the states) you need a Ph.D in your field of study or terminal degree (MBA for business schools) in your field of study.

If you want to consider a community college (2 year programs or university transfer programs) then a recognized MA/M.Sc/PhD are required.

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rtm · Joined: 13 Apr 2007 Posts: 1003 Location: US

tttompatz · Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 3:27 am Post subject:

Yes, I had not considered teaching ESL (in Canada usually as an outside program for international students intending to move into university studies) but (when I wrote that) I was thinking of teaching subjects (like becoming a lecturer/professor in a MATESOL or similar type program).

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speakyword · Joined: 08 Jan 2011 Posts: 6

Yes, yes. I was just talking about teaching ESL in university. Also, community colleges are fine too. I just want to make sure I have something of worth and interest to do in Canada should I decide to return home. And good to know about the one year program

santi84 · Joined: 14 Mar 2008 Posts: 1317 Location: under da sea

I'm from British Columbia. If you are interested in teaching ESL in a Canadian university (or university-college) then yes, an MA in TESOL is the standard minimum (along with TESL Canada Professional Level III). In B.C., schools are looking for instructors who can teach using CALL as well as experience in Asia (specifically China and Korea). Of course, there are plenty of instructors whose experience is from other areas, but that might help give you an edge - unfortunately the competition is extremely stiff here in Canada! I can't think of many instructors who did not have a bare minimum of 10 years overseas experience.

speakyword · Joined: 08 Jan 2011 Posts: 6

Ok, that's great to know. Anyways, I've got a few years in Korea under my belt at this point and am not planning to leave Asia anytime soon... so that with an MA TESOL is at least working towards what I'll need if I wanted to teach in Canada eventually (I'm from BC too). So I'm happy to hear that. Thanks very much!

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

One year master's are taken seriously, but as people have said usually to teach in a uni in Canada or the US, you need a PhD. BUt it has been done if you only have an MA and uni teaching experience.

I have a couple friends teaching online with only Masters degrees. Depends on the university. Religious ones may be easier as well. I thought there was a doctorate of business as well.

Try PMing denise. She recenlty moved back to the US.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

santi84 · Joined: 14 Mar 2008 Posts: 1317 Location: under da sea

cassava · Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Posts: 175

In Ontario, the Teachers' Colleges became part of the university structure when high school and elementary teachers were required to hold a B.Ed degree (a one-year training program). In the case of secondary school teachers, for example, the B.Ed was largely a replacement for what was previously called the HSA certificate.

When the HSA was abandoned, instructors for the B.Ed programs, regardless of what they were teaching, could legitimately claim that they were teaching in a university. However, they were never regarded as academic university professors, merely as Teachers' Colleges instructors (TCIs) who happened to be working in a university.

After the change had been made, some TCIs complained of feeling slighted and patronized by the university as a whole. Even decades ago, a TCI holding a MA or M.Ed and teaching ESL to potential public school teachers would not stand the remotest chance of being considered for a position of professor of linguistics in the "regular" academic section of the same university.

The changes to which I have referred took place in Ontario a very long time ago. However, I doubt that the rigid distinctions which were created between the two parts of the university have changed to any great extent.