Job Discussion Forums

sidjameson · Joined: 11 Jan 2004 Posts: 629 Location: osaka

When it's time to move on and go somewhere new how easy or should that be how difficult do you think it is to avoid having to start at the bottom of the TEFL ladder again?
I have been in Japan 6 years. I have built up my teaching skills so I really do feel that I am a very good teacher. I started in the language schools but am now working at a university and junior high school. On the other hand I only have a degree and a TESOL cert as far as qualifications go.
The thing is it may just be Japan but I really couldn't face going back to the long dark days of one to ones, unmotivated students, kids that are only there because their parents are paying and all the other general stuff that make the private language school what it is.
The trouble is that of course most of the good jobs are got by contacts and most of the jobs advertised are precisily the type that I have just described. That coupled with my lack of a MA could mean a serious backward step carreer wise if I move on.
But I have to move on if only for my sanity. So what do you think? Have you changed countries and not slid too far down the food chain?
Any recommendations for countries that are easier for the more experienced teacher to start over again? Oh and this time saving money is not an issue.
Looking forward to all your views.

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

so, you are a "very good teacher", eh? It's time to move on, if only to maintain your "sanity".
Now what tells you that elsewhere it's not as insane as in Japan?

If I was so sure I was "a very good teacher", I would seek comfort in the stats proving how many extra locals have acquired excellent English communications skills thanks to my endeavours.
And that would keep me sane in a world otherwise marked by mediocrity!

sidjameson · Joined: 11 Jan 2004 Posts: 629 Location: osaka

Thank you Roger for that very helpful reply. Rolling Eyes

The trouble with writing anything down in a few sentances is that it is always easy for others to take a negative attitude to the poster or the post.
I have confidence that I am a good teacher. Is that ok Roger? There is nothing wrong with Japan at all. I have loved it here. My "sanity" refers to my being here 6 years, nothing more. Time to move on. In my opinion you can't ride the same horse forever. Is that ok too Roger?
Funny how you decided to see the possible negative in my post and also in me. Are you having a bad day, trouble with your relationship?
It's ok if you are. Don't worry too much. Maybe it is time for a change. You could always move on and try somewhere new. Smile

Celeste · Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 6:33 am Post subject:

I know haow you feel, sid. I have changed countries a couple of times, and each time I have had to rebuild my reputation. I think that the important thing to do is only apply for jobs that will somehow improve your situation. This is not necessarily a more prestigious job, but perhaps one in a fabulous location, higher paid, more vacation time, or something else that you feel would better your life. If you are an experienced teacher and are very good at what you do, it shouldn't take too long to prove yourself in your new location. My usual formula for moving is 6-12 months of working my butt of at whatever job I happen to get in order to prove myself, another 6-12 monthsof taking as many private students as I can in order to network, and finally sitting back to reap the rewards of all of this hard work. (The rewards being the really good private gigs, the higher positions, etc.) Not a magic formula, but it has worked for me so far.

Teacher in Rome · Joined: 09 Jul 2003 Posts: 1286

I've changed countries quite a bit, but I've always been able to find something with a different focus. Have you seen any positions which involve new aspects to teaching? Or positions which look as if they can offer you new experiences?

Like you, I would absolutely hate to go back to a private school with the sort of conditions you describe. I have a lot of years' experience (in my opinion!) and after time spent in general English and business English, I am now working more in materials development and online courses - it's something I find really exciting...

shmooj · Joined: 11 Sep 2003 Posts: 1758 Location: Seoul, ROK

Sid,

I know you are also feeling like change may be good for you from your burnout post. You talk about "only" having basic qualifications.

But if you are a good teacher, why not get an MA? If money is no longer a pressing issue, perhaps you have some to invest in an MA. A year out on an MA course would be a) a change b) focussed and c) make sure your next job was not a step down the ladder.

ANd if you are as good a teacher as you believe, you should have no trouble pulling off an MA after 6 years at the grindstone.

How about it?

foster · Joined: 07 Feb 2003 Posts: 485 Location: Honkers, SARS

I moved from Japan to HK from Conversation school to Proper High school. It is tough starting over, but this was the best move for me in the long run, I know it.

I agree with Celeste that your next move should be on that improves your over-all situation. Regardless of where you end up, you will be starting over, but perhaps you don't have to start at the bottom.

Going back to school may be an option for while to get a new perspective and new ideas.

Back to the arguement about too many choices.... Wink

been_there · Joined: 28 Oct 2003 Posts: 284 Location: 127.0.0.1

I'm with Smooj on this one: To move up the ladder (like it or not) you need the paper.

Go for it.

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

You could also go for your DELTA or PCGE if you don't want to go for a MA right now.

Belmont · Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 5:39 am Post subject: what country next?

To sidjameson,
Don't go for the MA tesol. Since you have tons of experience already in EFL, go for an MA in something marketable back home, such as in the regular academic side of English, like lit or comp. Believe me, EFL MA's don't get you too far here.

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

I have only worked in two countries. 10 years in Turkey and now 18 months in Qatar. Guess what? In 6 weeks time I'm returning to Turkey. Maybe if you go somewhere else you'll end up returning to Japan.

Belmont · Posted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 4:56 pm Post subject:

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

I've worked at private schools, primary and secondary schools, universities and teacher training. I don't know where I'll work when I return. First, have a holiday though Very Happy

Cleopatra · Posted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 6:31 pm Post subject:

sid,

If you're worried that an MATESOL might be very limited, consider a Masters in Applied Linguistics which is more adaptable and broader in scope.

struelle · Joined: 16 May 2003 Posts: 2372 Location: Shanghai

I'd say move on. 6 years is a long time in one country, and you've got the experience and skills to transfer your teaching to another place.

The nice thing about this profession is that mobility is easier than the more fixed 'corporate' jobs which require long-term contracts and staying put in one region.

One word of advice, though, be clear in research about the type of country or region you'd like to go next.

Steve