Job Discussion Forums

Manaus · Joined: 15 Apr 2008 Posts: 52 Location: Orlando, FL

I don't post on here that often, but I wanted to share that I'm starting my MA in TESOL in the spring and am really looking forward to what the future holds for me.

Curhat · Joined: 23 Nov 2008 Posts: 3

I'm in the very beginning stage of an MS TESOL program. All I can say is if you're not working, you're better off with an intensive 1 year program. If you are working, an extended one is ok. Mine is on the extended side, and they got me doing lots of nonsense classroom observations, when all I want them to do is teach me how to teach (I mean that IS what I paid them for). One entire semester, and I've only done a 5 min presentation...geez....that money would have been better spent on theater classes. Anyway, after reading the posts on this website, I'm looking at switching to a K-12 certificate program. Those programs will actually give you student teaching experience. And since I wanna go to Indonesia, apparently international schools are the best gigs.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Where would you like to work with that MA?

readytotravel · Joined: 16 Nov 2008 Posts: 77

I am also starting an MS in Tesol this January. Shenandoah University allows up to six years to complete the program and it can be done completely through distance education.

hollysuel · Joined: 07 Oct 2007 Posts: 225 Location: Connecticut, USA

Have a great time all! I did mine between �96-98 and it was a lot of work, but also a lot of fun. I have no regrets!

Symphany · Joined: 10 Aug 2006 Posts: 117

Glenski, would your university accept an MA TESOL? If not, does anyone (Glenski included) know of many schools that do?

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

The university where I work won't hire anyone with less. Experience is also required.

hollysuel · Joined: 07 Oct 2007 Posts: 225 Location: Connecticut, USA

Symphany · Joined: 10 Aug 2006 Posts: 117

Thanks for the response Spiral. Its good to know where applicants stand with universities. I understand that a master's is the minimum preferred, but I was wondering if many universities don't ask for/expect a PhD. What it seems like is the MA Tesol/MEd is the standard for teaching ESL at the university level, I've looked at alot of the programs and they almost all seem to want experience first, at least in Ontario and a few online-only courses I've looked at. Its a bit of a catch 22, can't get the job you want without experience and can't get the experience to get you the MA you need without experience.

Symphany · Joined: 10 Aug 2006 Posts: 117

What I was asking Glenski and maybe Holysuel, if you've worked at a university, is that are most universities satisfied with an MA or even less (ie a BA +TEFL) or do they require a Phd?

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish