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How to translate a background as a non-traditional educator

 
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GFish



Joined: 15 Oct 2015
Posts: 5
Location: Washington, United States

PostPosted: Wed Oct 21, 2015 11:52 pm    Post subject: How to translate a background as a non-traditional educator Reply with quote

I have a somewhat unique problem, and hopefully someone here can give me a good answer, or at least a good place to start.

I have a Master's Degree in Education, but it is specifically in Adult Education, and I have worked doing things such as teaching the GED and working as a literacy tutor.

I am thinking that some of these accomplishments might be somewhat hard to describe on a resume for someone in a country where these non-traditional approaches to education might be very different or not exist at all. On one hand, I have not taught in a traditional school, and have no certifications for it. On the other hand, I can say that I have a Master's in Education and have taught in a college classroom.

How do people who have teaching experience in the non-profit or corporate sector, or with non-traditional populations, sell those experiences when applying for jobs overseas?
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nomad soul



Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world

PostPosted: Thu Oct 22, 2015 1:17 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Your situation is not unique; there are lots of career changers with non-educational and/or non-traditional teaching backgrounds working in TEFL. I personally know of two Americans with your exact degree (adult ed) and background who have taught EFL abroad for years, while others were former public school teachers. Although you've taught native speakers, English language teaching focuses on developing the four language skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing rather than content, so you definitely have transferable skills (e.g., teaching essay writing, reading comprehension, etc.). That's how you'd craft your resume/CV.

You need to decide which countries/regions you're interested in and who you want to teach (children or adults). Then look at actual job ads in your target countries to see what employers require. Also post your questions on the Cafe's country-specific forums.

Definitely consider getting a CELTA or SIT TESOL, which are in-class teacher training courses for those new to teaching teen and adult English language learners. You'll find there's a difference between teaching subjects like math, science, language arts/literacy, etc., and facilitating an EFL class. TEFL training is important, but for now, ask to observe a few ESL classes at your local community college and/or non-profit ESL organizations to get a better feel for the field. Talk to the teachers.

That said, where and who do you want to teach? Smile
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GFish



Joined: 15 Oct 2015
Posts: 5
Location: Washington, United States

PostPosted: Mon Oct 26, 2015 9:36 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

nomad soul wrote:


That said, where and who do you want to teach? Smile


I have studied Chinese and lived (briefly) in Taiwan, so I would probably start there. I would consider many different places, if it seems to be a good opportunity. I am not up on where the new good place to go is: for all I know, it might be Mongolia or Nambiba. I do have to admit that I am spoiled enough that I would prefer a pretty developed country.
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nomad soul



Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world

PostPosted: Mon Oct 26, 2015 9:47 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

To teach children or adults? That generally determines your target locations.

As for Taiwan, take a look at discussion threads on the Taiwan forum to get a sense of the TEFL market there.
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GFish



Joined: 15 Oct 2015
Posts: 5
Location: Washington, United States

PostPosted: Mon Oct 26, 2015 11:26 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

nomad soul wrote:
To teach children or adults? That generally determines your target locations.

As for Taiwan, take a look at discussion threads on the Taiwan forum to get a sense of the TEFL market there.


I think I would do best with adults, including teenagers. Its not a necessity, but I think I would do best with that age.

Even in the US, when I tell people I have a degree in adult education, they kind of look confused about what that means. Why does anyone over the age of 18 ever need to learn anything? Its a developing discipline in the US, and I don't know if the idea exists at all in other countries.

Especially in a lot of East Asian countries, which seem to have a rather either/or attitude towards success in school, I don't know if the idea of teaching GED to adults would seem like worthwhile experience---they might think I am only suited to teach "losers".
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nomad soul



Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world

PostPosted: Tue Oct 27, 2015 2:56 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Let go of your personal assumptions about how you think people in other cultures might view your degree and experience; EFL teachers reflect just about every degree major possible --- many of us were career changers. Your employer and students will simply know you as an English language teacher, which is how you'll need to start seeing yourself. Again, a CELTA, SIT TESOL, or equivalent hands-on EFL teacher training course will be pivotal in helping you transition from GED/subject instructor to language teacher.

That said, since you want to focus on adult EFL learners in SE Asia, be aware that the majority of teaching jobs in that region are with children or a mix of adults and kids. Rather than researching individual countries in SE Asia, head to the General Asia forum. Some posters will insist that you don't need a CELTA --- that a cheapo or online TEFL cert is enough or that one isn't needed at all. However, keep in mind that the better employers worldwide expect to see a valid, quality TEFL qualification. In fact, the two teachers I worked with who had MAs in Adult Ed had a CELTA as well. (This was in the Middle East.)
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