Job Discussion Forums

jo23 · Joined: 24 Nov 2004 Posts: 6

ive got a TEFL certificate and have been teaching abroad for a while, but ive been thinking about teaching in the future back in the UK, maybe immigrants or university exchange students. Does anyone know whats the best option, a PGCE or MA? Also does anyone know anything about the new ESOL PGCE? think it started this year

lou lou · Joined: 31 Oct 2004 Posts: 37 Location: England

Hi there,

I think it depends what you want to do. To teach in school, then the PGCE. (I would like to find out more info on the TEFL one aswell) If you want to teach at uni then I think you're looking at a masters at least, but do check.

Phil_b · Joined: 14 Oct 2003 Posts: 239 Location: Back in London

Someone with more knowledge than me might be able to throw a bit more light on this.... but there are a number of 'acceptable' qualifications to teach in FE colleges, where a lot of the ESOL teaching goes on (with Refugees and asylum seekers mainly). check out

http://www.selecteducation.co.uk/lecturers/lecturers_j.asp?articleSL=223&ip=%25

or www.fento.org for more details. While these should be compulsory, there are not necessarily so, especially for agency staff... This will (and should) probably change in the near future...

A lot of the work is done through Agencies, Select Education and Protocol Professional being the main ones... The situation is considerably better if you get employed directly with a college (esp. in regards to holidays, pension, etc. Agencies pay around �20 p/h (in London - probably less 'in the sticks').

I know nothing about Uni work, but you'd need at least a Masters and possibly a PhD

Private language schools seem to pay rock bottom wages... you can find some offering �7-�10 p/h

jo23 · Joined: 24 Nov 2004 Posts: 6

thanks! that info was useful.

another question - any idea of the average salary for a permanent job teaching asylum seekers in a college?

Will. · Joined: 02 May 2003 Posts: 783 Location: London Uk

You can find work in FE colleges with only a CELTA but you will only be part-time... so a few hours a week. Should you find Ft work the contract will expect you to gain a level 4 Fento certificate or equivalent within a time frame of one year.. maybe two. Paid for by the college.... in your time. or similar arrangement itis not necesary to take a PGCE but it a good qualification to have

Phil_b · Joined: 14 Oct 2003 Posts: 239 Location: Back in London

I've seen a job advertised at "up to" �28k (unqualified ie. no Fento qualifications) or �31.5k (fento qualified) - Dependent on previous salary, experience, etc. Obviously then they would require you to get qualified if you weren't. The college would prefer you to have a DELTA as well.

Another on TES jobs offers �17-31k depending on experience, so there is quite a range....

These are both in London - might be different in other places (likewise, so would your living expenses)

As a comparison, I only have a CELTA and I work pretty much fulltime through an agency - My salary is something like �16k - but my hours could change at any time - it might be good to start out, but if you can get qualified and a full-time contract, you'll be in a much better position.