Job Discussion Forums

[januthin]

What is the difference between the two? Can you teach ESL in the U.S. after teaching in Europe with a TEFL? Essentially, is it the same course, or are there differences? Anybody know the policy on accepting a European TEFL in ESL programs in U.S.?

[denise]

Many ESL jobs in the States require an MA.

d

[johnslat]

Dear denise,
And, even with an MA, lots of luck finding a full-time, all benefits package, ESL teaching job here in the States.
Regards,
John

[denise]

That's precisely why I'm not there.

d

[Gordon]

There are no major differences between the two, nor do you need to get any other certification to teach ESL. Of course a masters is required for the better positions, but not for teaching in language schools.
If you can teqch EFL, than you can teach ESL and vice versa. There are some differences, but too difficult to adapt to. Basically instead of teaching a group of students with the same L2 (2nd language, [EFL]), you are now teaching students with a different L2 (ESL).

[ntropy]

No shit!

I was recently "let go" from my Cdn uni despite being one of only two/10 certified teachers, alumni, the longest serving there (off and on since 1997, mostly off), most years of experience, best student evaluations, only one of 10 teachers with an MA, student letters to the Dean complaining of the decision, etc.

Official explanation: student numbers. I was hired for this stint (my third there) minutes after 7 other teachers and they "had to decide someway so we went with seniority."

The real reason, I am sure, is I am the only teacher who would fail the Bangladeshi students who are immediately pushed up to Advanced despite testing in at Int/Beginners (the Dean, is by the way, Bangladeshi, and sponsors them all).

It's a shit job anyway. 4 month contracts, no benefits, shitty pay, long hours.

I'm off to see the world again. Africa, Vietnam or Chile here I come!

[ntropy]

Sour Grapes, Ntropy. You're a shite teacher and you know it.

There, I said it so no one else has to.