Job Discussion Forums

[Allie]

Hello

I am looking into moving back to Queretaro, my husband is from there and we lived there for 4 years a couple of years ago.

I have a degree in Teaching English as a Foreign Language from a university in France, I am CELTA qualified and I have 2 years' experience of teaching business English in Queretaro and a further 6 years' experience of teaching private lessons to teenagers both in Queretaro and France.

I don't really want to go back into teaching in a language school due to the hours, I have a daughter. I would prefer to work in a private or public secondary school or even a university.

Does anyone have any experience with working in a private or public secondary school in Queretaro? Do I need to get my BA translated? I already have an Apostille. I also recall reading somewhere that I need to have a Mexican qualification to be able to teach in state schools. Am I right?

I'm also thinking about doing a MA in TEFL by distance learning. Do any of you have any experience with a Mexican or European university which offers such a course? I'm staying clear of US universities due to the high price.

Many thanks, any information or advice is much appreciated.

[Guy Courchesne]

You won't have access to public schools as a foreigner, nor would you want to anyway, given the conditions and fairly low pay. Plenty of opportunity in private schools though.

To access the private schools, there are two things that will really help you. First, can you obtain state certification as a teacher for wherever you are? Not clear where you are from, but this is done on the state level in the US.

Second, can you get some experience in a formal school setting before coming back to Qro?

The Mexican qualification is largely moot when working for a private school. The school will take your existing qualifications once hired and get authorization from SEP to have you on staff. It's a process you won't even really see.

The MA TEFL is not really of any use at this level since ESL/EFL are a) not applicable in English language arts (literature, composition, etc) at the private school level in primary or secondary. ESL/EFL is more applicable in second-tier bilingual schools though I doubt you'd see much benefit in the MA over your current degree. If you'd like to stay in education for the long term, I'd suggest branching into education or interdisciplinary studies perhaps.

[Allie]

Thanks for your advice Guy, this is really helpful.
I forgot to mention in my first post that I'm British, but did my degree in France.

[Guy Courchesne]

Is it possible to get QTS (qualified teacher status) in the UK rapidly? I am not very familiar with the process.

[Allie]

It takes a year in the UK.