Job Discussion Forums

[Woodrackets]

Greetings,
I am an American working in Japan as a university EFL teacher. Since
the number of kids here has been decreasing, and the number of
qualified teachers has been increasing, I feel I need to do something to
maintain my employability. As a 40-something, married-with-kid guy with a full schedule, I cannot handle a masters program. I wonder if a 100% dedicated on-line ceritifcate or diploma course is worth my while. If so, whose program would you suggest?

Wood

[shmooj]

Hmmm, I'm not sure you will get many encouraging replies to this. The uni market is getting more and more competitive. But your experience should stand you in good stead though and you might want to try and get some publications under your belt so that you can prove you're academically aware and productive.

However, I would say that no one who attempts a Masters has the time. You have to make it. If you wait for the time you will never do it. I was working 60 hour weeks while I did mine for long periods. I just had to do it. A lot of degrees are flexible too regarding time needed to complete them. Bear in mind that the MA route if done part time will take you a minimum of three years. You could be out of a job easily before then.

Secondly, if you want to make yourself more employable at university then a Masters would be the best way to go. If it is down to you with a certificate and someone with a Masters... well we won't go there.

Doesn't sound too encouraging I know but that is what I think the situation is. Others may have more encouraging suggestions.

[J-Pop]

In addition to the comments (good ones, especially on "time") from shmooj, I wanted to offer this opinion.

I can't see how a "certificate" would add any more to your employability in the future than does your collegiate-level teaching experience.

All other things being equal--on a slight variation of shmooj's example--if the choice were between you [w/ college teaching experience] & someone else--with a certifcate but no similar experience--I think you would probably come out ahead. Thus, I can't really see how the certificate would be an advantage.

Perhaps, if you are seriously looking at staying in teaching, in Japan, long-term--a better question to ask yourself might be this: can I afford not to have an MA? Not possessing an MA could very well "cost" you more in the future, especially in terms of opportunities lost, than the (relatively) short term costs of time & other resources. It can be done.

[PAULH]

I'll keep this short but in any of the university job postings that Im aware of (JALT jobs page and http://jrecin.jst.go.jp)

NONE of them ask for a non-degree TEFL certificate for a university position- its either a Masters or PhD and publications. When you consider that 99% of the people applying for these jobs will have a combination of the above you will not be seriously considered for secure university jobs wqithout a masters degree (which is required for part time jobs anyway)

As the other poster says- you can not afford not to go for a Masters. like you, i have a full time job, have two kids to raise and am going after a PHd becuase of the tight job market here.