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Halden
Joined: 05 Jan 2009
Posts: 2
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 Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2009 4:07 pm Post subject: Foot in the door? |
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Hello all,
Like many here I'm looking for a little friendly advice from those of you who've been around a bit. There's a bit of background needed to appreciate the question (or do I just like the sound of my brain narrating?!), so I'll get to that first... I've been in Jakarta working for a mapping company for the past 2 years in a combination technical, training and managerial role. Previous to that I've been in the mapping industry for some years and have two years classroom teaching experience (at cram schools) in Korea several years ago and 6ish years of other various teaching experience.
I have just started an online Masters in Education in preparation for a planned career switch. the question is this: with the goal of soon becoming a high school teacher, can anyone suggest an avenue of work that would help carry me towards that career?
If all else fails I would complete my degree while working at a cram school if the right one came up in order to maneuver myself into a better position (in Japan) once I've graduated, but my vision of this move does not put me in a place where kids = dollars being top priority, or me for that matter.
Thoughts anyone? And thanks!
Halden |
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Glenski
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Posts: 12844
Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN
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| Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2009 9:48 pm Post subject: Re: Foot in the door? |
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| Halden wrote: |
| I have just started an online Masters in Education in preparation for a planned career switch. the question is this: with the goal of soon becoming a high school teacher, can anyone suggest an avenue of work that would help carry me towards that career? |
You're going to be considered entry level right now, so expect to be an ALT or an eikaiwa instructor when you first start working here. If ALT, that means your foot is in the door. It'll be up to you to decide if you want to teach solo in HS after you've had a taste of what HS is like as an ALT. It is more likely that you'll have to teach in a private school if you want a solo direct hire position. In any case, the MA will usually not make a large difference.
If you want to work in an international HS, then get a teaching license and some experience in your home country first. |
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Halden
Joined: 05 Jan 2009
Posts: 2
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| Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2009 5:11 am Post subject: |
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Thanks for the input Glenski.
MA wouldn't make a difference... but an Education BA would? I suppose also that the credentials I have (2 college diplomas, a BA and a post-graduate degree) plus other teaching/training experience would be necessary to get the job/visa, but not necessarily light anyone's fire so to speak?
From what I understand, what's needed to obtain a professional position in Japan is professional classroom experience, and to get that in-country requires starting at or near the bottom. Is this accurate? Seems that the market for qualified individuals is a lot more complicated then in places like Korea or Taiwan.
But regardless of the market, it appears that there are a lot of opportunities available... will take your advice and look out for ALT positions.
Thanks a lot,
Halden |
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Glenski
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Posts: 12844
Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN
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| Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2009 8:00 am Post subject: |
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| Halden wrote: |
| MA wouldn't make a difference... but an Education BA would? |
I never said that, and it doesn't even make sense.
Bottom line, if you have not worked here before and do not yet have a master's, you are going to have to start out on the bottom run. Even with a master's, if you have no experience here, it is highly unlikely you will start out with something other than eikaiwa or ALT work.
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| I suppose also that the credentials I have (2 college diplomas, a BA and a post-graduate degree) plus other teaching/training experience would be necessary to get the job/visa, but not necessarily light anyone's fire so to speak? |
You only need one bachelor's degree to be eligible for the work visa. In fact, if one doesn't have that, 3 years of work experience will substitute.
Cram school experience in Korea is unlikely to be viewed in Japan with any sense of equality or importance. Bottom rung, step up.
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| From what I understand, what's needed to obtain a professional position in Japan is professional classroom experience, and to get that in-country requires starting at or near the bottom. Is this accurate? |
With tongue firmly in cheek, I will ask with as straight a face as possible what you mean by "professional position"? I've already stated the requirements for a work visa. Requirements for jobs are different.
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| Seems that the market for qualified individuals is a lot more complicated then in places like Korea or Taiwan. |
Depends on what market you are talking about:
eikaiwa
business English school
international school
public school
private school
university
junior college/vocational school
I'll be happy to explain which one if you tell me what you are shooting for.
| Quote: |
| But regardless of the market, it appears that there are a lot of opportunities available. |
The market is flooded now with teachers. It's an employer's game. |
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