Job Discussion Forums

[dixie]

I (think) I have decided that I will bite the bullet, and study for a Masters degree. However, I am not sure where to apply, nor what field to study in exactly.

I have a Bachelor�s in Education (elementary K-6), so am thinking of either doing one in education, or linguistics (because I plan on staying here for quite sometime, I thought the linguistics might help more with EFL teaching). But I really do not know what would be more beneficially to me, both in regards to making me a better teacher (well, at least more knowledgeable), and a better prospect to schools. Any suggestions?

Secondly, does anyone know of any good online programs that I won�t have to sell my first born to in order to be able to afford it?

Thanks for the input!

[MELEE]

I've considered doing this program MA in Linguistics for the Language Professions by distance from Stellenbosch University in South Africa.

For the time I've decided that my family needs me to have more free time, not less. So I've postponed any further study for the time being.

You also might consider Actualizaci�n en Ling��stica Aplicada a Distancia from UNAM if you are looking for an inexpensive option that would be recognized in Mexico.

[dixie]

Thanks MELEE.

I was just talking with a friend, and she suggested to nix linguistics, as it relates more to research, then "reality". However, I will take a look at the SA link you posted, and see how it might work for me.

Will also check out UNAM, although I would like something that will be universally appreciated (not sure if this falls into that), esp. in Canada should I ever (god forbid) have to return.

[geaaronson]

I would nix both. Why not study another subject to expand your teaching opportunities. There seems to be a small demand for literature majors here in Mexico.
The University of Phoenix has an online program that is well advertised. My boss in the states, a department chair at a small university, just finished their PHd program in educational leadership which will put him in line for a $175,000 presidents position.
You can always pick up teaching skills from an intensive one month CELTA program for less than $3,000.
As the American programs are expensive, why not check into British or Canadian online programs.

[dixie]

[lozwich]

If you're looking to get into management, I think something in Educational Leadership would be a good idea. Try thinking about where you want to be 10 years from now, and then look into what you need to get there.

That's what I did, and although I'm not the biggest fan of planning, I'm really looking forward to the next few years of study, because its right on the path I want to be on.

[MELEE]

There are some Brisith MAs in ELT management there are some good threads about MAs here

[kosherpickle]

[FreddyM]

Have you considered a CELTA or a DELTA? Actually I don't really know much about either one of them, but I am trying to be realistic about the context, this being Mexico, and how much value a degree or diploma would have here. I've also thought about further study, but am somewhat reluctant to do an entire Master's program due to time and effort involved, as well as cost. I also already have an MA, but it's not in teaching English. In fact my particular qualifications as an "English teacher" are pretty secondary to what I actually studied in college.

My thoughts about Mexico are that, if you are doing this for career advancement, would this additional degree really open up many more doors for advancement? Or are you already at a pretty decent level, and any higher advancement would seem to be dependent more upon connections rather than credentials? I think your IBO experience and training would eventually give you the biggest opportunities since there are few IB schools that I know of, and even fewer qualified IB teachers around.

Let me know if you figure anything out? I'm struggling through the same thoughts!

[scottmx81]

Secondly, does anyone know of any good online programs that I won�t have to sell my first born to in order to be able to afford it?

There is a school in Alberta that I've been intrigued by: Athabasca University. It was set up by the Alberta government with the specific purpose of catering to distance education. It is fully accredited in Canada and the US. Doing a distance education program out of Canada could be the best option if you may return here one day, considering our country is notorious for not recognizing foreign educational qualifications. It looks like they have a an individualized Masters program in the Arts.

I'd be interested in hearing any experiences with this university that anyone has had. Especially studying and writing the exams in Mexico.

[Oathkeeper86]

I am getting a MS Ed in Adolescent Education, focusing on teaching Latin and ESL. I am not sure if I will be able to stay in the United States, however, and from what I have gathered, it's difficult to begin teaching in public schools in Mexico since I assume I would need to become "certified." Do any teachers here teach in public schools? If not, what options do you think I would have?

[Snowmeow]

My future employer has its teachers do their Masters in Education through Framingham State College. I am told the tuition is $2000 which I believe is very cheap.

[thelmadatter]

A masters in English can be very valuable here in Mexico. Pretty much essential for decent jobs in higher ed and certain schools like Tec de Monterrey pretty much require them. I have a masters in "English Language and Linguistics" (really a TESOL program but the director has a thing about research and disses teaching even though applied linguistics is SUPPOSED to support people who "just teach" - but a I digress). It got the the job I have now, which I got when I was out-of-country and pays good... even better, I have a lot of say in what I do, allowing me to design classes and even begin the school's digital language lab/semi-self access center. Now, if the job were only in DF or there was a good way to commute between DF and Toluca, I would be in heaven. As it is, I have started the schmoozing process needed to eventually get myself to DF, where my "real life" is... Toluca is a tough place for foreigners who prefer city life (IMHO)... unless you're raising a family.

Dixie, Athabasca University sounds like an option to consider.

A masters is valuable/essential in certain types of EFL jobs. In Dix's case, I do believe it is extremely valuable in the long run to build on the good foundation she already has.

[FreddyM]

Here's some info on the distance graduate program at Framingham State College. Seems pretty appealing, not expensive, flexible, and doable. I know some private schools in Mexico work with them, I wonder if you could create your own program directly with them, without the assistance of where you work right now.


http://www.framingham.edu/dgce/iep/about.htm

[geaaronson]

kosherpickle
I believe the question was directed to me even though you put both of our statements in quotes, and Dixie had already told you her educational background.
My background consists of a BA from the University of Connecticut in English (a literature program) and a masters in photography from a fine arts college.
I have been offered full time positions at two different places here in DF, Alexander Bain, an IB school in Barranca del Muerte, and the IH school. I turned both of them down. I prefer the adults in corporate Business environments.
I wish I could help you. It`s so hard to tell exactly what is needed in todays marketplace anymore. I`ve had similar confusion over the years and can truthfully say, there are no hardfast rules. For years I was told that one had to have a MFA in studio arts to get a position teaching art at a university and so that is what I did. I got my university position but then noted people with only a MA in studio arts getting positions alongside me and those I graduated with who likewise had MFAs could not get a position!!! So you go figure it all out and tell the rest of us.