Job Discussion Forums

bg430 · Joined: 09 Feb 2005 Posts: 25

I have a BA and I am in the midst of completing a Masters in Ed/Multi-subject Credential... all I have left is the student teaching and I can't do it until the fall. I am looking for a minimun one year contract... I really want to learn Spanish fluently. I don't have TEFL cert. but I have been substitute teaching in a 99% Latino district (1st-3rd grade) for over a year. I am available ASAP. I would deeply appreciate anyone who could offer help.

thanks, bg

Flo · Joined: 29 Mar 2004 Posts: 112

BG - Some more information would be helpful. Where would you like to teach, and what ages? Are you looking for a primary school job?

Also, if you are student teaching in the fall, how are you going to complete a one year contract some place else?

Thanks -Flo

thelmadatter · Posted: Wed Feb 09, 2005 7:33 pm Post subject: Mexico

Ditto BG on more information. Not all teaching jobs are EFL. If you are looking at high school level, Tec de Monterrey hires foreign, native-English-speaking teachers for its international baccalaurate, bilingual and bicultural programs. They have 33 campuses around the country. (www.itesm.mx) Also a number of "colegios" hire foreign teachers and require US/Canadian teaching credentials. Dont forget the schools for diplomats' kids either.

bg430 · Joined: 09 Feb 2005 Posts: 25

Thanks Flo:
Where would you like to teach, and what ages? Are you looking for a primary school job?

I will teach wherever there is a good opportunity. I'm not all that fond of DF due to the air pollution. I guess being in a big city like Monterey or Guadalejara... I'm open to suggestions. Somewhere the weather is moderate and not so extreme. I wouldn't want to be in the jungle (Chiapas) or near a major tourist destination on the coast (Acupulco/Mazatlan).

In terms of the ages and primary jobs... I'd love to work with primary children, but I'm open to middle school and high school. I learn so much about myself from the younger kids...

Also, if you are student teaching in the fall, how are you going to complete a one year contract some place else?

Because I can push that back to Feb2006 if needed. Being that I've completed all the coursework, scheduling student teaching is very flexible. I can't tell you how wonderful it would be to come back for student teaching and be speaking Spanish at a high level... and what a benefit it would be to those kids and thier parents.

thelmadatter, thanks also:

I don't think I would be able to take a position that formal due to the fact my Masters/Credential is in progress and not yet complete. I would be interested in a job that my current experience/education could afford me.

Hope this helps to clarfy some of the missing info.

bg430 · Joined: 09 Feb 2005 Posts: 25

Still looking for suggestions if anyone from the front can offer them. Thanks.

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

PM me...I have a lead for you in Guadalajara

bg430 · Joined: 09 Feb 2005 Posts: 25

Okay, so what are my options after posting this and getting nowhere, with the excpetion of a few helpful leads/suggestions provided by Wouter, Guy, and Flo.
Is it in my best interest to just go down there and find something? I'm open to plan B (whatever that is), since plan A (getting an online lead of some sort to work out) doesn't seem to be getting me any closer to those street tortas.

Flo · Joined: 29 Mar 2004 Posts: 112

BG - A little patience goes a long way! Finding a job takes more time than a week or two. It took me about 3 months to find the job I have now. The application and interview process can be slow since the bosses at most jobs are doing other things such as teaching, managing students, paying bills, etc.

Also, you should try looking on some other website for job placement. There are some leads posted on the Latin America branch I believe.

You can also come to Mexico and look around. Right now, however, is not the best time to be job hunting since it is not the beginning of the school year or semester for most institutions.

Good Luck!

bg430 · Joined: 09 Feb 2005 Posts: 25

Thanks Flo, I guess the patience thing really does play a factor. I just got so used to recieving immediate offers when dealing with Asian schools, specifically South Korea. Mexico is where I want to be but I might have to spend some time in Asia to pad the bank account so that I'm not pressed for finding work immediately upon arrival. I'd be free to explore a little, find a city or region that suits me. I'm not going to give up on it just yeat, though.
Also Flo or anyone else in the know, when is the best time to be in Mexico applying at schools in person?
Thanks