Job Discussion Forums

[flordelis]

Thank you in advance for allowing me to enter this forum, and for any helpful information that may come my way. I also apologize if these questions have been asked before, but I am looking for information specific to my experience and background.

I am looking to teach abroad after a 2-year teaching hiatus. The following is my teaching experience, as I see it's necessary to make a proper "diagnosis:"

BA: Elementary Education
MS: TESOL

Teaching Experience:
10 years in the public school system as a bilingual/ESOL teacher (K-5)

Part-time/supplemental/summer work includes:
3 years as an adjunct professor at the university level, teaching future educators best ESOL practices
1 term at our local community college as an adjunct teaching English in a refugee vocational program
Trainer (2 years) and assessor (previous 4 years) for National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

I was Teacher of the Year 2006 and have National Board Certification in English as a New Language (although it's not really useful outside the public school system).

I have not taught for two years, as my now-fiance and I left our jobs to travel around the world. Best thing I ever did! I am back home now and do not want to go back to the public school system. I would love to continue traveling and teaching, combining the two things I am most passionate about. I start next week as an adjunct at a university (lecturer teaching ESL), but this is only part-time.

I would like to teach abroad in the future, and feel that my qualifications and experience should get me a good job. Am I right to think this? Where would be the best places to apply? Where are the best working conditions? Should I go for international schools abroad? Universities in the Middle East? South Korea? Japan? I am open to exploring different parts of the world, but also want to be compensated for my experience and would like to work for a reputable place. My first choice would be university students/adults, as I'm ready for a change from the elementary level.

There is also the issue of my fiance, who is not a teacher. His experience is in construction/code inspection. Is it feasible for both of us to find work in the same place, me as a teacher and him as ... whatever? He's willing to try anything, as long as we can be together. He does not have a degree (no BA) so I imagine teaching wouldn't be an option anyway. We would be married before going abroad.

Sorry for the babbling. Just wanted to get some input from experienced colleagues who could steer me in the right direction. Thanks again for your help!

[Glenski]

Think international schools or perhaps universities/junior colleges. Competition for the latter is very high in Japan, but if you don't try, you'll never know.

As for your husband, that will be a problem. The visa is a no-brainer, even for someone without a degree, because (in Japan anyway) he can get a dependent visa after you get a work visa. That will allow him to work PT. The issue is, doing what? If he has no language skills, it will be pretty tough.