Job Discussion Forums

MsRT · Joined: 25 Nov 2013 Posts: 20

Ok, that's clear. Thank you rtm and nomad soul.
However, I was wondering ma in linguistics and tesol could work for schools in the sense that English is still their second language. Perhaps, even the EAL section? Just exploring my options here....

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

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

I'll echo what nomad soul said -- international schools exist largely for children of expats who are living in a foreign country (e.g., Americans living in Japan). So, the students would be native English speakers already, and there would be no need for ESL/EFL teachers.

That said, there are many schools around the world that call themselves "international" in that they conduct classes in English for local students (rather than children of expats). In these contexts, there might be a need for EFL teachers. These schools are often not accredited by any organization outside of the country the school is in, so home country certification/licensure is less likely to be necessary (though some schools still prefer it in order to add to the legitimacy of the school).

HLJHLJ · Joined: 06 Oct 2009 Posts: 1218 Location: Ecuador

I'm currently doing some part time ESL/EFL (the line is somewhat blurred) work in a proper international school. The regular content classes are taught in English. I do extra classes with a small number of students with weaker English who need a little help to get up to level.

My job is considered support/administrative, not teaching staff. I don't have (am not required to have, and it wouldn't help if I did have) a teaching licence, just regular EFL qualifications (CELTA, etc). The terms and conditions of my contract are those of a local, unqualified hire and are not comparable with what the 'real' teachers get. The hours suit me at the moment, but I can't imagine a licensed teacher being willing to take a contract like this for any length of time.

South Coast · Joined: 18 Jun 2009 Posts: 4 Location: Busan, South Korea

Different countries have different terms for teaching qualifications and the programs leading up to qualified teacher status. (Let's leave out NQT vs QTS for now.) It seems the original poster didn't do sufficient research before posting.

My humble US state school did not have a B.Ed program--my guess is that the equivalent is an undergraduate degree in liberal arts (preparation to teach elementary school). For anybody interested in teaching at international schools, as rtm mentioned, what makes more sense is to do a postgraduate teacher certification program rather than a B.Ed. Again, terms vary--PGCE, Graduate Diploma of education, etc. Teachers in Canada go to teacher's college.

Posters have already clarified well the requirements for international schools. I'm currently applying for international schools after recently completing a teaching certification program in the US. It's encouraging to see Big Worm's post from a hiring committee perspective as I do have a BA in the subject (English) I'm licensed to teach. I also have an endorsement/ add-on to teach ESL. So, to clarify for HLJ and others, teaching ESL/EFL at international schools as a qualified teacher is similar to teaching another subject, assuming one is a licensed teacher qualified for ESL. Hope that helps for clarity.

Aloha,
South Coast (currently West Coast)

HLJHLJ · Joined: 06 Oct 2009 Posts: 1218 Location: Ecuador

South Coast · Joined: 18 Jun 2009 Posts: 4 Location: Busan, South Korea

Thanks HLJ for the info on the situation there--Japan, I assume from your recent post history.

You're right that it varies from school to school. I should have stated that "teaching ESL/EFL at international schools as a qualified teacher can be similar to teaching another subject".

Here's a recent discussion from another website (International School Review) related to the topic at hand that shows both sides:

MOD EDIT

I definitely agree with the final thread in the post--"In the US you can get certified in in ESOL, Pk-12. It's just one of many comparable teaching certificate areas, such as elem ed, special ed, Art, HS English, etc. Keep in mind this is not TEFL certification. This is a state issued certification. Check Search and ISS and you will see many job listings for ESL teachers. I can't imagine any teacher coming out of her degree program with a certification in ESL accepting a position that pays half of what a home room teacher would get." (The last line is very similar to what you already stated above.)