Job Discussion Forums

ajarngarrett · Joined: 02 Feb 2005 Posts: 8

Ok, I know this has been hashed over before, but I'm trying to make a serious decision here. What is more valuable in the TESL/TEFL world, a MA TESL or MA Ed?

I really would like to get a MA TESL and teach at some "reputable" Universities. However, I may want to teach at an International School someday. Many I.S. desire "certified" teachers. It would be sad to have a MA English (TESL) and not be able to teach high/middle school english!! However, in the states I know that's the case. It doesn't matter what paper you have if you are not "certified".

Actually, I could have an MA Ed and not be a "certified" teacher. Geez!!!

Sheep-Goats · Joined: 16 Apr 2004 Posts: 527

In Thailand the MEd would be much more valuable as university jobs -- even those at higher payers like Chula and Mahidol -- are just used to pick up the fat corporate work in the afternoons. And for puffing yourself up. The MEd will put you in the running for international school work -- but it won't gurantee you good work there as many of the teachers you'll be in competiton with will have a teaching cert from back home, a BEd, and the real killer is the years of experience with their national curriculums (British curriculum leads in the number of slots available in Thailand, just because more Thais go to study there as its seen as being cheaper than the states -- and because it's somewhat traditional for their Kings to study over there).

Whether this is the situation or not in other countries will depend pretty much on how well international schools in those countries compare to universities in terms of pay and benefits. So, in other words, your "best" degree will depend on your intentions.

Find a place that'll put MEd TESOL on your degree to cover your bases as best you can, if you don't know where you're headed.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

For most MEd degrees, you need a B Ed first, not just a BA. If you don't have a BEd then you will need a PGCE or its equivalent. There are exceptions, but I found that this was the case in most graduate programs I enquired of.

Sheep-Goats · Joined: 16 Apr 2004 Posts: 527

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

I can't recall them off hand, it was a little over a year ago i was looking. I remember there were 1 or 2 MEd programs that didn't require a BEd.

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan