Job Discussion Forums

[NuestroJuan]

Greetings,


I wanted to reach out to folks in this community to glean some information about attaining a state teacher certification.

Let me provide a bit of background information. I’m from the US, and I’ve been teaching for eleven years. I’ve taught in Azerbaijani schools as a US Peace Corps volunteer, at language centers in Azerbaijan and Russia, at a community college and migrant shelter in the US, and at the university level in Germany, where I live now with my wife. I also gained some e-learning experience developing an online course at the German university. I have a CELTA and master’s in TESOL.

During the two years I’ve been in Germany, the job prospects in the teacher field have been - perhaps not surprisingly - underwhelming. I rarely get a response from schools, and when I do, it’s almost always for freelance lessons in God-knows-where. At the university level, if one attains a coveted contract position, it’s usually for two years, and then they cut you loose.

No doubt many TEFL teachers share in the frustration of investing time and money gaining experience and/or an MA-TESOL to see it amount to little or nothing. It’s become increasingly clear that international school teaching is a possible way to secure long-term employment, not only in Germany but elsewhere. I feel I have the tools to make it in this field. I’m just missing an integral piece of the puzzle, which is a state teacher certification.

An American guy who was in a similar position recommended TEACH-NOW, a nine-month online course that costs $6000. He pointed out that it isn’t the best program, but it’ll get you the certification you need. At this point, I would like to get the certification in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible. I am also about to move to a small town in Bavaria, and I’ll have some time on my hands.

Do you all think I am barking up the right tree with this? In terms of career and raising a family, I’m not sure what other path to take.

Furthermore, does anyone have any experience or insight with TEACH-NOW? Would anyone recommend different programs for certification?

Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.