Job Discussion Forums

[teachersmile]

I am soon to be 49. I have taught elementary school for 23 years in the US. I wish to teach in SE Asia (Thailand, Viatnam, etc) as I understand the wages are livable. But, can I be hired at my age? In my research, the answer seems a definitae no in S. Korea. Which countries seem to be more willing to take a youthful experienced teacher? I am taking 1 year off from my current teaching position to "dabble" in this new field. At this point, I am looking for one year (July-July). I am willing to teach older students for a change of pace as well, but love all ages.

I am also confused as to which, if any, certification I should pursue. I have taught ESL students all of my career and therefore have had many trainings over the years, including SIOP. In my situation, would an online 100 hour course suffice, balanced with my classroom experience? Or would it be best to get a course in country?

I do appreciate your time. Have a great day.

[tttompatz]

Your age is a factor but not a determining one. I am older than you have have no problems finding work or staying employed).

Your timetable IS a determining factor and pretty much rules out work in a public school in Asia (with the exception of a few American based international schools) leaving you largely with language academies and they do want 20-somethings who are malleable and inexperienced.

Aug - Aug or Feb-Feb for Korea
May - March for Thailand
April starts in Japan
etc.

.

[Glenski]

Not only public schools, but international schools will not follow a July to July schedule. I'd say you are quite qualified for international schools, but unless you change your timing you won't get in with them, IMO.

[DrGrafenberg]

The public schools in China run from September to July, with a months winter holiday too. If your desperate to work from July there's always summer camp jobs to fill in the time.
You could send your resume off now for a few jobs and see what sort of response you get. There'll be a lot of adverts appearing in the next couple of months.
Don't be put off from applying because you don't meet the criteria, by not having a CELTA etc.

I know it's not SE Asia, but maybe it's worth considering.

[naturegirl321]

YOu might be able to find 10 month contracts at universities (Sept to June). Some international schools need a teacher for a semestre to fill places that teachers on sabbatical or maternity leave have. 100 hours online usually isn't enough. You should have at least 120 hours, plus face to face teaching practice.

[tttompatz]

[teachersmile]

I sure appreciate the info everyone, thanks so much.

As for Thailand...anyone have any recommended language academies? I'd love to be in a smaller city/large town. Any prefered sites (besides Dave's) for job searches? China as well?

I do have a little flexibilty in my schedule,, as I am done teaching here in mid June and don't need to return until mid August next year. Maybe a six month job contract would be wise, then do some academy work in another locale (or see where the wind blows).

I am excited to learn about new lands, people and add to my teaching experiences.

I'm still confused as to whether I should pursue some type of certification?

Thanks all, and have a terrific day.

[tttompatz]

PM sent

[coledavis]

On the subject of certification: I would advise this. Language teaching is rather different from other types of teaching. E.g. explaining grammar, ways of helping students to accumulate lexis efficiently, running conversational exercises, dictogloss etc. It can mean the difference between being an effective teacher who is able keep his or her students engaged and being the boring one who people want to get rid of.

Also, you want a good job, by the sound of it. Think about what type of employer will take teachers who don't really know their subject all that well and which will offer decent pay. (Apologies if your elementary teaching work did include a fair amount of language teaching; I'm assuming the opposite extreme.)

[johntpartee]

You're not too old. I'm 58 and just started a new job in China a little over a month ago. A married couple from the US live downstairs, he is 66, she is 64. The were offered another year at the end of the current contract (September) but turned it down. After I had been here two weeks the college president offered me a five year contract.

I have an ESL certificate but it's not required.

[coledavis]

Yes, I went to teach English in Siberia in my 50s. Personality and skills are what count. The better employers know that.

[teachersmile]

Thanks for all the comments.

I have learned that my current license in the states includes authorization in ESOL. I have done many trainings and worked with ESL students my entire career.

Do any of you know how international schools hire sub teachers? Since I can't do a 2 year contract, I thought this might be a good route to look into.

Have a super day all.

[tttompatz]

[chezal]

[bjp07]

You're never too old! Go get 'em.