Job Discussion Forums

The Mystery Cow · Joined: 02 May 2004 Posts: 5

I'm definitely a newb to this, so any help will be appreciated.

I've been looking through a bunch of different job postings online, and I've found that a lot of them seem to require at least one year of work experience.

I'd like to know how strict this requirement generally is. Is it still worth sending a resume or inquiry? If you have a TEFL certificate, do employers sometimes look the other way on experience?

windsorman1972 · Posted: Fri May 14, 2004 4:55 pm Post subject:

It's definitely worth sending an inquiry. Based on my experience in China (I've been here 3 years), if you have a degree then the TEFL certificate should be accepted if you don't have the experience. If you don't have a degree or experience but just a TEFL certificate, then there are still many schools that will hire you. Usually in the poorer or Northeastern provinces where there is a shortage of foreign teachers.

Trod76 · Joined: 11 May 2004 Posts: 15

Most of these schools want to be confident that you will be able to handle yourself and your students. That's why they post that in there ads. If you can assure them that you are the right person, they throw all that out the door. They like confidence.

Guest · Posted: Fri May 14, 2004 9:51 pm Post subject:

Dear Mystery Cow

When I arrived here 9 months ago (from Australia) I had NO DEGREE, NO QUALIFICATIONS and NO EXPERIENCE. I was 56 then and I am now 57.

I think a lot of the Schools prefer a mature person because we are less likely to do a "midnight flit". In my case, I am coming back here for a 2nd year (plus hopefully more) as I really love it.

The first week was DAUNTING to say the least, but now it is great. It does take me longer to plan the lesson than to actually give it, but that is due to my lack of experience.

I know that the kids could SMELL my fear when I first started "teaching" so it took me a bit of time to get them under control, but now I feel that I have gained some respect - with the older children anyway.

Best of luck

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

Experience in the teaching field may indicate whether you last the time you are supposed to be with your employer. Many lose heart within a week or two when faced with kids from a different national cultural background that in turn are not used to cooperating with a Westerner on his own terms.

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

Experience in the teaching field may indicate whether you last the time you are supposed to be with your employer. Many lose heart within a week or two when faced with kids from a different national cultural background that in turn are not used to cooperating with a Westerner on his own terms.

woza17 · Joined: 25 May 2003 Posts: 602 Location: china

I agree with Rhonda and Roger, confidence and a well thought out lesson plan that the students think is relevant.
I am working in a junior middle school and am familiar with their English textbook so I plan my lessons around the unit that they are doing that week.
I am earning their respect because they see what I am doing is relevant.
Try to see it from the student's perspective as well.