Job Discussion Forums

[Sara Avalon]

[Cdaniels]

OK, sorry! I did so want to be helpful.
Oh, but its so tempting to criticise further!, Must...restrain...myself...
I'm still assuming you don't want to teach in the USA. There are opportunities to teach, and even teach ESL, here. I would go to school myself, and might still do it yet. You probably won't want to take my word for the value of getting a degree, but here's a post on Dave's about advanced degrees that might be inspiring (or more confusing?) http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=29789&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=bachelors+degree&start=0

[sojourner]

Sara,

The most lucrative jobs appear to be in the International schools, as well as with HK's NET scheme and Brunei's Dept of Education. To be eligible for such jobs, you need to have a minimum of a Bachelor's degree, as well as a recognised teaching qualification (eg B.Ed, PGCE, Grad.Dip.Ed, etc). Also, you may be required to show proof that you are registered as a school teacher in your home state/province. A CELTA, in itself, would not be regarded as an adequate form of training - although, I vaguely recall reading somewhere that with the NET scheme, preference is given for those who have such a qualification, AS WELL as the B.Ed, etc.

You enquired about distance education. I doubt very much that you would be able to find a B.Ed/PGCE course that is entirely online/DE, as in such programmes one needs to spend time observing experienced teachers in action - as well as having to give practice lessons.

If you don't attend to return to Canada for several years, you might as well use your time fruitfully by improving your qualifications. As you currently have a '3 year degree' only, the first step would be to enquire as to whether you could have the subjects passed, articulated to a 4-year degree programme, and to do the remaining subjects by distance education. If you can't find a suitable Canadian university, do a search on the DE/online degree programmes offered by a number of Australian universities.You'll find such programmes significantly cheaper than those offered by Nth American institutions. Re Australian Bachelors' degrees - yes,they normally require the equivalent of 3 years of ft study, but are the equivalent of Nth American 4-year degrees. Then, enrol in a Master's programme - but, first things first ! Also, enquire with the Canadian educational authorities and universities about which subjects you should include in your DE studies, as well as to whether there could be any problems in being admitted to a teacher training programme on the strength of an Australian degree.

Getting a recognised BA degree is the first step in getting a good job in the ESL world. In some countries (eg ROK), such a degree is essential in order to be eligible for a work visa.

You also mentioned someting about having a TESOL certificate. How long did it take to complete ? Did it involve having to teach some students ? A uni/community college qualification ? If your course involved more than 4 weeks of ft study, and included a practical teaching component, there may be little point in enrolling in a CELTA course. Yes, it's possible that some employers may only be familiar with CELTA/Trinity qualifications - thus, when applying for jobs, show the schools evidence of the components of your course. If you have had a minimum of 2 years of teaching experience, and would like to be a D.O.S. at a language school, you might want to enquire about doing a DELTA course, or the Trinity equivalent.

Good luck !

Regards,

Peter

[Sara Avalon]

Thank you sojourner, Kent F. Kruhoeffer, Justin Trullinger, and Chris_Crossley! Lots of great advice. I like your suggestions sojourner. That's exactly what I needed!