Job Discussion Forums

[paytons]

I'm seriously considering a move to DF within the next few months. I am hesitant though, about the possibilities for employment within the city. I have a degree, and lots of work experience, but none teaching. If anyone would kindly answer the following, it would be a huge help.
TIA

Is TEFL/TESOL a must to teach in DF?

How much Spanish *must* I know to be successful (as far as teaching English goes-I do plan to learn in time and would be staying with a native)?

Realistically, how long will it take me to find work (if the above two aren't huge issues)?

Finally, any important advice for a Canadian (I love the city, but am a little concerned about the culture shock--currently travel bi-weekly there).

Thanks again!

[geaaronson]

No, a TEFL is not so much of a necessity. I have one, but I have had only a few inquiries about it from prospective employers. I was a bit surprised about the lack of interest on that subject because in other parts of mexico, its importance is much higher.
The reason for that is that traditionally there has been a huge demand for ESL teachers here in DF. The employers are hiring people that might not necessarily be hired in other parts of the country.
Having said that, let me remind you that the entire field has tightened considerably in the past year. I had three gringo colleagues leave Mexico in the past year to return to the USA. I had one colleague who was an independent teacher who occasionally hired other teachers relinquish his business to go work for another company as an academic coordinator, and now a fifth colleague is strongly considering giving up teaching entirely and going to work in telephone sales full-time.
I have been here 3 1/2 years and I did not see any departures from Mexico in the first 2 1/2 years of living here, so that should give you an idea of what is happening here.
As if that is not convincing enough, I have another friend who has been here for 9 years who has traditionally taught business Corporate English 18-22 hours a week who is now having difficulty filling 15 hours of week. That is likewise my own state of affairs with almost an identical case history.( I am now currently down to 10 hours which will increase to 13 in two weeks time.)

To live comfortably teaching Corporate business English at the standard 150 pesos per hour, I have to teach 18 hours a week. Anything less and I am scraping by.

In all likelihood if you are doing the corporate english route, you will fill four mornings with work from recruiters for a total of 6 hours. The rest of the day will be much harder to fill and you will spend a lot of time hustling for it.

As for being bilingual, don�t sweat it. Many have rudimentary Spanish proficiency or none at all. You will be placed in advanced conversational classes only, however. Fortunately there are enough of those to fill your mornings like I said in the above paragraph.
You will fill your mornings within two weeks. Filling out the rest will take months, unless you get lucky

[Mexicobound]

[dixie]

There are places in DF that will hire you without any teaching experience, or a TEFL/TESOL, or a relevant degree, but you'll find the pay is abysmally low. The types of schools that hire unqualified and inexperienced teachers are not very respectful of their students so why would they respect you?

Take some time to get a training course and you'll benefit.

[Phil_K]

[Prof.Gringo]

[Julieanne]

Santa Fe is beautiful