Job Discussion Forums

[Ellis]

TOO OLD FOR AN APPARENTLY WANING INDUSTRY?
by
Ellis E. Seamone


SIXTY-SEVEN? That's not so old ... especially for an ESL instructor who positively adores teaching those not even half his age. In fact, speaking from a purely personal point of view, this activity has done nothing less than reinforce my enthusiasm for the students, the industry as a whole, and the English language. And, as for the roughly 5 years I spent in Asia in the r�les of teacher and assistant administrator, I found the entire experience both educational and inspirational.

It has now been more than 13 years since I first stumbled my way into an ESL class, while my enthusiasm for the undertaking has not weakened one iota. But, what has happened since 9/11? Apparently, every industry in the USA has been adversely affected in one way or another -- ESL hardly being an exception. Student visas have been severely restricted on both sides of the Atlantic and Pacific, while schools have generally been having a hard time of it. Some have even called it quits in the face of what can be rightfully described as harsh circumstances, while, at minimum, classes have certainly been reduced in many schools. Of course we all recall those "good old days" when both teachers and students were overflowing with enthusiasm, and owners could boast of filling their coffers with seemingly endless profits. Alas, now it is quite a different story. In this time of comparative woe, many schools have been forced to either reduce their teaching staffs or become ultra-selective when replacing departing personnel. During my own recent job-seeking campaign, one employer leveled with me by blatantly declaring that he NEVER hires a teacher over 40 years of age because (A) the students insist on associating with instructors who are closer to their own age group; (B) that he usually has to wind up paying the veteran teacher an hourly rate higher than that of his younger colleagues; and (C) that the older teacher comes across as too fixed and more inflexible than his/her younger counterpart who possesses far less experience and confidence, but a greater sense of "obedience!" That's what the man said. It is quite difficult to believe that the ESL industry has turned out to be like so many other capital ventures: a quest for the "holy buck" at the risk of both educational standards and professional ethics. Logically speaking, the older veteran of ESL would have far more to offer his students than his/her younger, less-experienced counterpart who is merely one or two steps from the university graduation podium. Alas, this assumption no longer has merit in many ESL schools, particularly here in the United States. Call it required exigencies in the face of unusual times, it still adds up to what a slightly more paranoid individual might understandably term as a conspiracy! Be that as it may, there's no denying that an imbalance DOES exist. In fact, it is a problem that, in the humble opinion of this dismayed sexagenarian, appears to be growing worse by the day. Unhappily, this issue has been so much on my mind of late that, just last week, I dreamt of myself proudly leading a mass demonstration of unemployed ESL "oldsters," with deafening shouts and banners flying high! On second thought, it is far better to continue penning a solid protest for the eventual acknowledgment of all -- both employers and teachers alike. EQUALITY is what I foster. Sound familiar? You bet your "Azar" it does! Even those of us who have been made to feel that we should be retired, banished, or deceased, there still exists the spark of enthusiasm bolstered by years of expertise in a field of endeavor so vitally important and entirely within the realm of our capability. Amen.

[lajzar]

Well, you're describing EFL in one country. I asure you that here in Japan, EFL is alive and kicking.

As for the age factor, I think it is entirely credible to believe that younger people might be more in touch with pop culture references, slang, and current affairs issues that are relevant to young people. These do combine to give teh foundation for making lessons that are more interesting for younger people.

Not to say that older people can't also be aware of these things, but the law of averages is against older people in this aspect. I'd hazard a guess that after 2 years experience, most of the people who are chronically incompetant will already have been weeded out.

Just offering a counterpoint here. Feel free to discuss amongst yourselves.

[Bindair Dundat]

I can sympathize with you, Ellis, if you're having trouble finding a job. I know how that feels. I've had my application go into the round file for all kinds of reasons, some that I thought were good and some that I thought were bad... I've been regarded as being of the wrong sex, the wrong color, the wrong age, the wrong nationality, the wrong temperament, the wrong type of expertise, the wrong type of experience, all of that and more. It can be tough.

However, I think that people should be free to hire whoever they want, for whatever reasons they choose. Nobody owes me a living. It's my task to fit in. If I can't fit in, I need to look farther afield for those venues where I can fit in.

I'm in my mid-fifties, and I expect that my next EFL job will be my last. I am preparing to make a career change, partially because older teachers have trouble getting hired, and partially because my interests are changing. There are jobs that are better suited for older people.

I'm in school now, and I took a course a couple of semesters ago from a guy who was 97 years old and still going strong. Besides teaching (NOT EFL!), he runs his own business and does some writing on the side. Just something to think about, perhaps.

BD

[kev7161]

I am 43 and am "ultra-hip"! Actually, I do keep my ear to the ground when it comes to modern pop culture. Any of my students can ask me if I know of Linkin Park, Kobe Bryant, Britany, Brad Pitt (Troy is very popular around here these days), and so on and I generally know a bit about them. I read entertainment magazines because I enjoy them, but also because I do want to make sure I can carry on a conversation with my students on subjects they actually enjoy talking about. I feel this is very important.

[nolefan]

while you hit the spot as far as some schools and managers go, I can say first hand that there are plenty of schools that value age and experience...even in China.
One of my coworkers is a 73 years old gentleman from the states. He retired a few years back and moved here... there is no indication that the school wants him out or that he desires to leave.

On the other side of town, I know a 61 years old aussie that just got hired.

just my 2 jaos..

[gugelhupf]

I'd always thought age was something of an asset in many Asian cultures.

[ls650]

Is TEFL waning? From what I can see the market for native speaker teachers seems as strong as ever.

[moonraven]

I think the age issue is not a big deal. I have probably been discriminated against (I am going to turn 60 this year)--but the numbers indicate that I am not out of the hiring loop, as I get job offers every week--whether I am looking for work or not. My relationships with students of all ages have always been super--and I have even received recognition at junior high graduations for having the most interesting, challenging and entertaining classes. If a teacher can keep groups of 12 to 15 year olds interested, challenged and entertained--when their hormones are doing loop the loops in the classroom-- something is going right.

Unfortunately a lot of older folks--and younger folks, too--are not themselves lifelong learners. Somewhere along the line they either consciously or unconsciously decide that their learning days are behind them. No matter what age someone is when that happens, he/she has closed down the channels. I think that's very sad--and it's especially sad when it happens to folks in the teaching profession, as it is tantamount to losing one's vocation.

[lajzar]