Job Discussion Forums

mep3 · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 212

If you have several years of experience teaching ESL outside the U.S. And an MA TESOL, are full-time jobs at U.S. community colleges:

A) fairly easy to get
B) somewhat competitive but very attainable
C) extremely competitive, and maybe after years of trying you'll get one

?

Thanks a lot .... Mep

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Scarce and relatively poorly paid, I think is the general concensus. If you can give us a more pinpointed location, someone might have more specific info.

mep3 · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 212

Thanks. The greater NYC area, but I'm also just interested in the U.S. market in general with those criteria. mep

taikibansei · Joined: 14 Sep 2004 Posts: 811 Location: Japan

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

thanks, takibansai. New York market for ESL is one I'm not familiar with. Do you mean that with an MA and a phd + experience, permanent (contracted) jobs with benefits are available?
Maybe I should go for that phd too!

taikibansei · Joined: 14 Sep 2004 Posts: 811 Location: Japan

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

ok, I will go on a limb and say that I am probably eligible without further formal education, thank goodness. But I'll keep it on the back burner for now. Leave NY for those who really want to be there!
Thanks for the info and details. It's quite useful to know.

comenius · Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2007 10:26 pm Post subject:

Agree, I spent a number of years teaching in the NYC area, including at LaGuardia Community College. Getting an interview was only made possible because I was working at another university in the city who know of the opening and referred me.

As with many things, I think getting your first foot in the door will be the hardest part. After you can establish yourself and develop a solid reputation, though, additional opportunities should come a lot more easily.

mep3 · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 212

Interesting Comenius. When you said, "getting an interview was only possible because I was working at another university in the city who knew of the opening and referred me," do you mean an interview for a part-time job or a full-time job?

Also, if you got a full-time job, had you presented many papers at conferences?

Lastly, I'm curious -- several people on this thread have commented that you can get a full-time job with the MA TESOL, that you don't need a PhD. Here's a slightly different scenario -- what if you (me) have a PhD, but it's in English Lit, and no MA TESOL (but lots of ESL teaching experience)? Any chance for full-time jobs (after getting a part-time job)? (I mentioned the MA TESOL in my OP because I was weighing the pros and cons of getting one before going to NY, but I'd prefer to just go first).

Thx .... mep

Sherri · Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 5:44 am Post subject:

I think the fine points of hiring really depend on the college and the hiring committee as to what they will allow. For example the job ad might say something like MA in TESL, Linguistics or a related field. It might also say MA degree or equivalent--then it is up to the hiring committee to decide on the definition of "related field" or "equivalent"

Also in my own experience, I worked first as a part-timer, then when a fulltime position became available, I applied and got it. It helped that I already understood the program and how the college worked, our strengths and weakness. I have an MA in TESL, over 15 years of relevant experience, presentations at conferences but no published research. I am working on that though!

Best
Sherri

mep3 · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 212

Thanks Sherri. That's all good info. It makes sense. It zzounds like there's no specific formula.

Mep

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Like most of the 'better' positions in our field, you've pretty much got to be there on the ground, with local contacts, to be considered. It's pretty rare to land a great job from a distance - I think that's true in most fields, unless you're transferred by your company.

mep3 · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 212

Yeah, I'm sure you're right about that. I doubt one would have a snowball's chance at lining up a job in NYC from out of town just by sending resumes. When I mentioned considering "getting one before I go," by the way, I meant an MA TESOL, not a job.

Thx .... Mep

comenius · Posted: Sun Apr 22, 2007 12:17 am Post subject:

Hi Mep,

Sorry to be gone for a few days and not responding to your question more quickly.

I was referred for a part time job. I was always on "adjunct" status with the Universities where I was working in New York. Full time jobs with benefits, at least in ESL programs, seemed to be for all intents and purposes pretty much non-existent.

mep3 · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 212

Ugh, I see.

Re:

[quote="comenius"]Agree, I spent a number of years teaching in the NYC area, including at LaGuardia Community College. Getting an interview was only made possible because I was working at another university in the city who know of the opening and referred me.

As with many things, I think getting your first foot in the door will be the hardest part. After you can establish yourself and develop a solid reputation, though, additional opportunities should come a lot more easily.[/quote]

How did you get your first adjunct position? Thx .... Mep