Job Discussion Forums

[destiny's tot]

I'll start by saying that I'm well-qualified, experienced and have excellent references.

I saw an interesting full-time post advertised on tefl.com today and phoned the DOS for an informal chat, during which she told me that she would be 'uncomfortable hiring someone who is 46 as she is 37'.

I took the inference of this to be that she would feel undermined or her authority would be diminished in some way if she employed teachers who were almost ten years her senior.

I appreciated her candour and could see no point in trying to convince her otherwise, so I politely ended the call and shall continue looking for a post.

Any thoughts about this, anyone?

[jr1965]

All I can say is that it is the school's loss. May I ask: was the person you spoke to a Spaniard? My husband (who's Spanish) has been on a couple of job interviews here in Madrid (in the tech field, not ELT) that he was more than qualified for, but sure enough, his age came up. He's 40, though he looks about 10 years younger. The people who were interviewing him in one case were in their early 30s; in another case, the interviewer was 43 (just a bit older). These people felt "uncomfortable" when my husband finally told them he was 40. I guess all would have been OK if he'd said he was younger. This may be how things are here, but frankly, I think they were just threatened by someone with more experience and better skills. Their loss, I say. Now he's in with a great company. Same goes for you. There are MANY students in Madrid (in the business sector in particular) who would welcome a knowledgeable, engaging teacher, whatever your age. Best of luck!

[silverlining]

The issue of age does bother me I am afraid as I am over 50, but still young enough to teach with energy and enthusiasm! Isnt there EU legislation about Age Discrimination now? Cant you report her? Its her loss - good luck for the future.

[Moore]

That DOS is clearly very inexperienced. There are well over 150 schools in Madrid, and you do not need to tolerate that sort of discrimination (nor poor wages, poor conditions, nor anything else for that matter). You did the right thing: just politely move on to the next school - there's a desperate teacher shortage right now in Madrid, so it is most certainly their loss.

[destiny's tot]

Thanks for these replies. It's heartening to read them. I don't think it's 'sour grapes' to say that the DoS (who is English) did me a favour by speaking frankly, saving me from a hiding to nothing.

Would reporting it help? In my view, the age question is incidental because it belies a style of management characterised by a fundamental unwillingness or inability to trust employees.

I relate this syle of management to the culture of performance targets and statistics that has found its way into mainstream education. This culture is something I prefer to avoid because it is easily abused by poor managers, creating a cynical climate where teachers become defensive rather than creative - only teaching their students what is needed to pass certain exams without fostering a love of their subject.

I am not at all cynical about teaching because I believe I can generate sufficient empathy, confidence and trust to enjoy that most essential element; job satisfaction. However, I also believe that ESL/EFL teachers are particularly vulnerable to exploitation and that it's important to recognise the thin end of the wedge when it hovers over us like the sword of Damocles.

Thanks also for the advice about Madrid. Actually, I'm looking for work in Valencia. El Che has kindly given me some valuable pointers and I'm making a preliminary visit in a couple o0f weeks - any further tips would be welcome.

[sheikh radlinrol]

Count your blessings. Just imagine if you'd taken the job and were now taking orders from the cretin who made these idiotic remarks. You can do better. Good Luck!

[CMB]

Most employers do nothing but complain that they can't find any decent teachers over the age of 25! I think that DoS is ridiculous.

As far as reporting it, to be honest, I wouldn't bother. You see ads in the paper and in shop windows all the time saying things like: Wanted, female shop assistant, 18-25 years old, or Wanted: top level salesman (male, 35-50 years old). Unfortunately, not uncommon here.

[destiny's tot]

I've just returned from my visit. I'm pleased to say that it went extremely well and I received three full-time job offers (including one at a particular school I'd targeted).

My age wasn't an issue at all; on the contrary, my experience was viewed positively.

This forum has helped me and I'm grateful - thanks to all. Please send pm if I can be of assistance to others.

Best

Destiny's Tot

[quoi_de_neuf?]

Nice one! Congratulations! Hope the job works out well and so glad you've got something after your unpleasant experience with an ageist DOS!

Quoi