Job Discussion Forums

[FreddyM]

I've been reading the eslcafe for a while, trying to understand this industry as much as I can. I am rather new to it, although I have had experience teaching English as a Second Language.

My question is this...I want to try and make a career out of this in Mexico, but I also want to eventually land a primo job in the field. I noticed a job ad in the International Jobs section for an English teacher at the prepa/university level with Tec de Monterrey, and the position pays over $300k a year. To me that just sounds amazing, close to nothing I've ever seen listed for any other type of EFL position for any type of school. They do however require a MA or MEd in TESOL. Is this a typical salary for this type of position for Tec, or any other university of this caliber in this country?

Right now I do have an MA in an unrelated field (social sciences), as well as a (recently) expired state teaching certificate in ESL. I also have experience teaching ESL at the primary level in the U.S., and at the secondary level here in Mexico. These qualifications seem to be good enough to land a pretty decent job, but....not the primo university positions? If I plan to make a good career out of this would it make sense for me to try and get a Master's in EFL (or TESOL...I'm not even sure what the differences are). And if so, would an online program suffice? Does anyone know of any good online programs? Are there any universities in Mexico that might offer such a program? I'd prefer a program I could complete while still working here.
And finally, is age a factor? I've been told by some university professor friends that in Mexico, once you are over forty it is difficult to get a tenure track position at a university. I'm in my mid 30s right now, but if a career at a good university is my goal, how soon should I start making preparations to get in that kind of position?

Any help in answering these questions by those with much more experience than me in the field is greatly appreciated.

-FM