Job Discussion Forums

[davejw6]

I've been applying for teaching positions throughout Asia over the past 2 years after completing an M.Ed. (Teaching Second Languages). I've found that job offers have been less, then when I just had a B.A. Although, some schools would regard an M.Ed highly, many won't consider you because (maybe) you are over qualified, or they do not want someone to critisize their curriculum or syllabuses.
International schools want teacher's with a B.Ed and teacher's licence, and it would seem that language schools often want someone with minimal qualifications so that they can train them to follow their specific curriculum/methodology.
I'm writing this for people who are considering enrolling in an M.Ed. I would have definitely completed a post grad' cert' in Ed' first, if I knew then what I know now.
Has anyone else had similar experiences?
Cheers.

[GambateBingBangBOOM]

Your qualification is probably for university and college level work. A M.Ed (Second Language Education) sounds like it is approximately the same as an MA TESOL, which in turn is about the same as an MA Applied Linguistics etc. (Have a look at qualifications of the English language instructors in universities around the area where you did your program are- especially the university that you did your program through). It's normal to not have to do a B.Ed in order to do a M.Ed. The purpose of each is usually very different.

You are indeed overqualified for most language school jobs. You can teach at private high school. It's not an uncommon thing to do. You could apply for JET from your home country as well.

Oh, Second language Education may be specifically for teaching English in English speaking countries (French in Canada is also under the banner of second, as opposed to foreign, language education, though in reality it's no more 'second' than English is in Japan for most Canadians outside of Quebec, New Brunswick, parts of Nova Scotia and eastern [not so much any more] and northern Ontario).

Why is it that you don't really know what your degree is for even after having (presumably) researched different programs, applied for your program, paid for it, and did all the coursework for it? At the very least your school should have a "who is this degree for?" and "what can I do with this degree?" sections in the faq about the program or other promotional material (brochure etc) for the program.

Note: If you even smell like you may judge the curriculum in Japan or compare it with other countries, you won't get hired. Period.

[davejw6]

I presumed that an M.Ed, would not only improve my teaching skills in ESL/EFL teaching, which it has, but I it would also improve my chances for employment, which so far it hasn't. I have accepted a position at a Chinese uni', which the pre-requisites were a B.A. and teaching experience. I may or may not have been accepted for this position with or without an M.Ed, but other universities (in China) would accept my qualifications without an M.Ed. This may turn out to be a very rewarding position, and I may not consider applying for international school positions in the future.
I'm sure my studies will benefit my students and myself in the future, but the main point of why I am wriring is for anyone considering doing an M.Ed, and some issues/disappiontments they may encounter.
Cheers.

[RollingStone]

Not being critical, and I appreciate you posting because I have been considering/researching ESL-related MAs (to go along with my BA, MA in a different area), but are there other considerations as to why you are not getting offers? I mean, have you been told outright that `we want someone with a B.Ed and M.Ed`? I am guessing that you have not been flying back and forth for interviews to Asia so is it possible that the current market (read: flood) could be contributing?

(Not to hijack but, if what the OP suggests is accurate, this is an example of what I meant elsewhere by credentialism. To write a MA you have to show you are up to speed, they dont take anyone. Also, a B.Ed does not have magic properties to make one a worthwhile teacher. A BA is a BA.)

Good luck.

[RollingStone]

Question: why would a postgrad certification (by this you mean CELTA etc) place you in better standing? Do you mean in tandem with your MA or in place of?

[GambateBingBangBOOM]

I think he means he would have done a PGCE (that's the same as a consecutive B.Ed in North America) instead of or before doing a M.Ed.

Keep in mind that the OP seems to have completely avoided actually applying for jobs in Japan that a M.Ed (L2 Ed) is designed as training for (he mentioned language schools- overqualified-, and he mentioned International Schools -wrong qualification-), though he did apply for university positions (or ONE university position at least) in China.

[Mr_Monkey]

[womblingfree]

[RollingStone]

Thanks for the clarifications!

[davejw6]

Thanks for the response..
I've lived and taught in 4 asian countries, and I've found that international schools pay very well and have lots of vacations the same as in the West.
But, they require a teacher's licence, which can only be obtained by completing a 4 year B.Ed, or a B.A and a 1 year PGCE/GDTL in Aus'.
What would have been better for me was to do a GDTL instead of an M.Ed first, then I could've worked at an international school.
The bottom line is you have more options with a Teacher's Licence.
The upside is....I can teach adults at uni's or language schools.
Maybe in the long run this might turn out to be a better choice...I hope:).
Cheers, packing the bags for China....

[RollingStone]

I admit I do not understand the UK or Aussie systems. In Canada, you get any BA then do a M.Ed, to teach. AFAIK, that`s it.

[GambateBingBangBOOM]

[Mr_Monkey]

[santi84]

[Glenski]