Job Discussion Forums

[Lao Wai]

Hi there,

Has anyone noticed that educational institutions in Asia often seem to feel that a TEFL qualification and a BEd./PGDE are equivalent to each other? You'll often see job advertisements which state the candidiate must have a BEd. OR a TESL certificate. This really annoys me. While I do feel a TESL certificate can be useful for those teaching ESL, I do not think that it is equal to a BEd./PGDE.

I'm certified to teach in Canada. It is expected by the Department of Education that, if I have ESL students in my class, I will be able to teach them. If necessary, I would have to do my research just as I would do if I had children with ADHD, Autism, etc. In most jurisdictions it would not be expected for me to pay to obtain additional training (i.e. a TESL qualification).

I have a major problem with the PNET Scheme requiring certified teachers to complete a TESL qualification on top of their teaching credentials, on their own time. If you are a decent teacher, your skills should be transferable and you shouldn't need a TESL cert.

If the PNET Scheme wants 'qualified teachers' they should pay them more or offer better incentives. I know there are some variations on the pay scale with regard to teacher qualifications, but they are not significant. One of the differences involves BA teachers being 'capped' at a certain limit on the scale. But really, how many teachers stay in Hong Kong long enough for this to mean anything? Furthermore, an individual who obtains a BEd. usually invests a lot more time and money into that qualification as compared to individuals who only have a TESL cert. (which can often be obtained online).

Personally, I feel the PNET Scheme should drop the requirement for a BEd. altogether. Many of the PNETS I know aren't really using their 'professional knowledge'. Mostly, they are using their experience working with kids and their native language. You don't need to have a BEd. to do this. Perhaps hiring teachers with BA+TESL as teaching assistants would be the better way to go.

Those are my thoughts...anyone care to respond?

Regards,

Lao Wai (a recent leaver of the PNET Scheme)

[Horizontal Hero]

I'm thinking of getting the damn TESOL cert. One job I applied for (Wall St.) told me I had to do a one week online TEFL course before Icould teach. Another language school in Beijing told me I could only work part-time because I didn't have the TEFL cert. When I pointed out that I had managed to be a head teacher and Director of Studies of an international ESL prgram on my quals, it didn't make any difference. And yeah, I got the B/A (hons), Dip e.d in English teaching - and a PhD . But hey, no TEFL. And that's what really counts for those who lost their frontal lobes in a chainsaw accident.