Job Discussion Forums

[marksuth]

Hello ESL Cafe-ers,

I was wondering if anyone knows any good websites to get info about the ESL schools in Vancouver. For example, one that compares them either from the perspective of a student or teacher.

I've just returned from a year of teaching in Japan, and am looking for some work to tide me over for the summer at the hope of going back to school in the fall. At the moment I have a couple of interviews lined up, but have gone through this before with Japan and am trying to do the research before hand. I've noticed a few recent posts of a couple schools to stay away from, and was wanting to know if anyone else has had any other experiences like that - or even positive experiences would be good too! Any advice would be welcome. Thank you for your time,
Mark

[marksuth]

Well, being the first to respond to my own post might be a first.

After attending several interviews that week, I was placed on the substitute list at one school downtown. I didn't feel very comforted at that point. However, that weekend, I got a call from the school to substitute for an entire week, which was followed by another, and another, and in that third week they hired me on full-time. A part of me just thinks it was lucky timing on my part.

A few pointers to help anyone out would be:

check out craig's list under the education section. While this can be problematic as anyone can list there for free, use your common sense.

Although most of the postings require a teaching certificate, they may take you on if you just have the experience and a little charisma. Don't let all the info they put in the ad scare you away.

Also, make sure they're going to pay you about $20 to start. I've seen some list for $10-12, and you're worth more.

You may have to accept substitute positions at several schools and follow them all up. With summer here, so are the students. They might be quick to hire you on, but let you go in the fall - this may work for you, it may not.

Google the school to try a get a feel. Check out their website (if they have one - that might be a good sign too). It may be hard to try and talk to a teacher while you're there.

Hope this helps,
happy hunting,
Mark

[Gordon]

I've been out of the loop as far as Vancouver language schools go for many many years, but $20/hr even seems low. Work should be very easy to find this time around, but it is the Fall when enrolment drops and so does the newer teacher hires. Schools will all want a tefl cert as well as a bachelor's degree any of the half decent ones will anyways.

[VanKen]

[marksuth]

No doubt we all want more, but at $20/hr, I'm making about the same as I did in Japan, and only working a few more hours a week without any of the stress.

[choctawmicmac]

Try educationcanada.com