Job Discussion Forums

[michiganteacher]

Any information on this subject would be helpful. I am an American, I am working in Spain currently. Eventually, when I return home I would like to work somewhere, preferably in the west.
Obviously, this is all subjective and depends on the place you work, but; how is the pay in the states (California, Seattle area, etc.), are the qualifications different (I�ve got a Trinity Cert., and a few years experience), any other info would be great, experiences, good or bad, anything.

[JosephP]

Do the one year teacher certification course at the university of your choice. Fill in a billion forms and there you are, a teacher in Anywhere, USA. Your CELTA or Trinity (both respected outside the USA) are basically unknown in the land of blinders.
If this route doesn't do it for you, maybe pin notices in Asian supermarkets and the like and make a local library your office. Better yet, get some training as a plumber, carpenter, or truck driver. You'll be knocking back work and making a pretty good packet while you are at it.
Buena suerte.

[ChicagoCubMike]

The private schools will recognize CELTA/Trinity/online certifications and experience, and will pay less (in Chicago, anywhere from $8 to $14 an hour)--it's all how you spin it in your cover letter. The community colleges will pay more (in Chicago starting at $19 for f/t union and $15 p/t), but will generally require you to have an MA in TESOL or linguistics. That is not always the case though. At least one CC in Chicago does not require that MA. Pay is natch better on the coasts.

Bottom line, if they're not asking for an MA, just make sure you have a good cover letter that talks up your certs.