Job Discussion Forums

goodEnglishes · Joined: 19 May 2016 Posts: 30

Hello everyone!

I have an MA TESOL and six years of diverse teaching experience, one of which was post MA TESOL at a university ELP.

I am curious to know for myself and for others in the field I may someday mentor what the full range of post MATESOL qualifications I could consider might be. I've met a couple of colleagues pursuing Deltas and a couple of course pursuing PhDs (any ideas on how to continue toward this path online in an affordable way?), but I know there must be WAY more opportunities you all out there are exploring or have explored or know people who have.

Let's make a solid list together!

goodEnglishes · Joined: 19 May 2016 Posts: 30

Here's some good advice I just stumbled upon here on the General Forum to begin answering my question:

Speaking for most of east / SE Asia....
For the long term... professional teacher (PGCE) in upper high school is a good option. It can also lead into school administration as an even longer term option (related MA/M.Ed required). This is a very viable long term option and will last into your 60's with decent paying options.

An on-line MA won't really get you into academia other than as a short time lecturer. Academics / academia are "traditional" and academic snobbery is alive and well. If you want to get into the tertiary sector then a decent MA / M.Ed with a full thesis and published research is the way to go. A PhD is likely required in this future.

There is no shortage of work for those with graduate level credentials and willingness to hop around the in the Asia region. (eg: I regularly speak at regional and international conferences in this region - Kota Kinebalu, Penang, Bangkok, Seoul, HCMC and Vladivostok in the last 15 months.) Great part time work and works well with my position in school administration.

Programs might include: MA/M.Ed TEFL/TESOL/EIL, MA curriculum development, MA Applied lingustics, M.Ed in any education field (become a teacher of teachers - I teach ELT management courses at one of the better known universities in Bangkok as a part time position.)
A decent MBA works wonders in Asia. There are lots of non TEFL / teaching related opportunities for someone with Asian experience.

I guess what I am trying to say is to look at YOUR aptitudes and work from there. Pick the job then find the qualification you need rather than get some qualification and hope it will lead somewhere.

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twowheel · Joined: 03 Jul 2015 Posts: 753

I am in this boat as well. I have gotten a lot of mileage out of my M.A. in TESOL and I am really glad that I got it. It will continue to serve me well and help me continue to get viable work that pays well. However, lately I have been thinking about additional credentials as well: Delta? online EdD? Both? I will think about it for the next year and talk to more people about this.

I have even considered MBA programs as well.

twowheel

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

A doctorate will not get you better jobs. Stick with what you have. Get on with the teaching and getting those monthly paycheques. THAT is what the game is about., not having fancy diplomas that you can frame and hang on your office wall

twowheel · Joined: 03 Jul 2015 Posts: 753

suphanburi · Joined: 20 Mar 2014 Posts: 916

As an MATESOL with Asian experience and a decent research proposal you can get into a decent PhD program at places like Chinese University of Hong Kong. These are often fully funded with a 20k HKD stipend to go with it.

A couple of TOP universities in Singapore offer similar packages. Talk to them.

Again it boils down to, "What do you want to do next?"

Pick a job then get the credentials you need rather than get some expensive wallpaper and hope for a better job.

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twowheel · Joined: 03 Jul 2015 Posts: 753

goodEnglishes · Joined: 19 May 2016 Posts: 30

Getting an MBA is something I have considered in part to land high paying Business English positions. Getting a fully funded PhD in China or Singapore is not something I have considered because I wasn't aware of the fully funded part! Great ideas so far... keep them coming!

(By the way, I am banking on my company paying $10,000 usd toward my next diploma, degree, certificate, etc. I'm researching opportunities right now assuming this is true as well as that they would pay for any qualification I choose, even an MBA)

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

nimadecaomei · Joined: 22 Sep 2016 Posts: 605

I would recommend a PGCE. Opened up the doors for me.

twowheel · Joined: 03 Jul 2015 Posts: 753

suphanburi · Joined: 20 Mar 2014 Posts: 916

Costs less, takes only 1 year and the pay at the end of it is usually better than a PhD working in a Uni.

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The bear · Joined: 16 Aug 2015 Posts: 483

The trouble is PGCE make teaching children 99% of the time. Great if you enjoy that, but it's not for everyone.

suphanburi · Joined: 20 Mar 2014 Posts: 916

Which is why I tell everyone to look at what they want to do FIRST then get the qualifications to achieve that goal rather than attain some qualification and hope it will lead to something better.

nimadecaomei · Joined: 22 Sep 2016 Posts: 605

I teach at a high school, and from my experience there is not much difference between these students and uni students. Well, the high school students do try harder.