Job Discussion Forums

[Spector]

In the 'Mexico versus Ecuador' thread, Prof.Gringo says that "Most first time jobs in Mexico are either in a language school or teaching business classes."

If that is the case, then am I right to assume that they are paid less than jobs in colegios?

Also, since first time jobs are not in colegios, does that mean suitably qualified rookies still have a reasonable chance getting a teaching job after the school hiring season (June-August) is over?

[Phil_K]

Yes and Yes!

In general, the language schools probably pay more per hour ($100-160 (pesos) per hour in D.F.). The problem is that most only pay for actual teaching time and the classes are not in great supply. At this upper rate, you only need around 20 hours a week to make around $13000 a month, which is doable in a successful school, and a pretty good wage here. However, this kind of opportunity is rare and it not secure given that classes can drop off at any time. What the colegios give you is the security. Personally, I'm more of a seat-of-the-pants person and if I were starting from scratch, I'd go for the former, working at more than one place if necessary. It depends on your needs. Regarding your second point, yes, language schools hire throughout the year, when new clients are found. Often though, you answer an ad, full of hope, and find that they can only offer you 8 hours a week or somesuch!

[TheLongWayHome]

Yes, language schools are a good place to start. Make some contacts then get out, unless you're just here for the crack.

You can make a fair amount teaching business classes through language schools but why bother when they're paying you the least possible. Go independiente and get your own classes.

Unfortunately in Mexico, it's really not what you know but who you know that'll get you into better places, especially full-time positions. Language schools are great places to make contacts, party etc. but little else.

[Phil_K]

[TheLongWayHome]

[rrrjjjmmm]

Hi again Spector!
I work in a language school that offers external business classes to clients. I teach 5 business classes a week and about 8 in-house hours. I work on a salary so get paid regardless of the classes. If a business client cancels for a day, I just teach in-house instead. I also get allocated hours from my schedule for (paid) planning time.

[Spector]

Thanks for the advice, kiddies

At the moment, I don't have the TEFL qualification. My plan at this early stage is as follows:
I would focus on one city, namely Guadalajara, get a TEFL qualification there and then start personally handing in CV's to the language schools in the area. While doing this, I would play it cheap in both lifestyle and accommodation until I got some hours established. Only then would I consider renting an apartment, hopefully furnished to a basic level.

Which part of this "plan" do you consider to be the most naive and unrealistic?

[Prof.Gringo]

[Prof.Gringo]

[Phil_K]

[gregd75]

[amaranto]

gregd75, your school sounds quite ideal compared to my experience with language schools. It's great that you seem so open with your new teachers. Teachers where I worked were paid less for not sticking to a rigid plan and employing the exact methodology the school was trying to promote as its brand.

Kudos!

[gregd75]

amaranto, thankyou for the compliment. I just try to have an environment in the school where the teachers have the opportunity to develop professionally and the students get to learn, while enjoying their classes.

We are lucky to be in Guadalajara and when there are academic events (for example MEXTESOL and publisher events) we cancel our classes for that afternoon and we all go together. My idea being that if my teachers can continue their learning, they are going to be a lot more interested in what they are doing... the students will be happy... then they will come back and hopefully even recommend us! Happy teachers, happy students, happy owner.

I don't pay a great salary, I simply can't afford to, because there is so much competition around me offering cheaper prices. And I am not creaming a huge salary from the business either, so its a balancing act with every language school.

My biggest piece of advice for anyone looking for a position here in Mexico is to ask the institution where you hope to work for the email address of a present teacher. This will allow you to talk to a current employee and find out how things really are.

Of course, if the institution is reluctant to do that, then you'll know immediately that its not going to be a good place to work... what would they have to hide?

Once offered a position, I think its perfectly reasonable to ask for contact details of a current employee. It shows responsibility and interest on the part of the new hire. I encourage new teachers to talk to old teachers. My school isnt perfect, but I like people to come with their eyes wide open as to what they have let themselves in for.

[TheLongWayHome]

[gregd75]