Job Discussion Forums

[LindseyF]

I don't necessarily have a preference on which age group I'd like to teach, so with that being said: If I want to broaden my chances of being hired in the ME (mainly Oman or the UAE), which should I choose to major in: Elementary, Middle, or High School Education? (I'm aware that my chances are slim either way without any experience, but I'll be teaching for atleast 2 years in Damascus in the beginning to gain experience).

If I major in High School Education, would I be 'covering my basis' and still be considered for hire at lower grades? (I'm not significantly concerned about salary.)

Lastly, if I plan on getting my CELTA as well, would there be any point at all in getting my TESOL cert?

Any helpful information would be greatly appreciated!

[veiledsentiments]

Unfortunately, none of them will "cover all your bases." Most of the education programs that I have seen make you choose between preparation to teach children and preparation to adolescents... different courses... different teaching styles. Every university will offer a slightly different program based on their state's needs.

The program that I was in... back in pre-historic times... , the preparation was directed for kindergarten through grade 6 (where you have the same students for most of the day in one classroom) or grades 7-12 where you need to major in a subject area like English (for native speakers), science, math, history... whatever. There was little crossover between the two and you ended up with a license to teach at the levels that you majored in only. And you definitely want to end up with a teaching license/certificate that makes it legal for you to teach in the US. (I am assuming that you are American from your vocabulary choices... things are different in other countries). Being a certified/licensed teacher will allow you to eventually get into the better jobs... where you need experience too. It is not only higher pay, but often better students and conditions.

But, you need to start checking university websites near you and in your state of residence (for local tuition costs).

CELTA or TESOL Cert... Here's a possible catch... CELTA is better accepted overseas. But, if you plan to teach in the US at some time, I'm not sure if it is accepted for US K-12 certification in ESL. You might want to check that.

It is difficult to advise you on what level to teach. I chose secondary ed because I had no interest in teaching children. But, that is me. From what K-12 teachers in the Gulf have told me, the older the kids, the more difficult they can be to teach... especially if you are young and inexperienced. The HS kids can be a handful.

I hope that helps a bit...

VS

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

And, be prepared for tough competition if you go for the truly "international" schools. History/Geography teaching positions are especially difficult to get.

I started out as the above certified teacher. I quickly changed over to ESL to put something into the missus' and my stomachs.

Being single (or single-like ) seems to be another leg up on the competition...

NCTBA

[15yearsinQ8]

hhhmmmm - teaching is not like accounting - in your mind, you're asking 'should i specialize in accounting for banks or investment firms or a real estate firm - where will the jobs be' - you cannot say what should i major in for the greatest chance of employment - many elem certified teachers won't last a period of instruction in a high school and visa versa - WHAT AGE STUDENT DO YOU REASONATE TOWARDS? WHERE ARE YOUR Aptitudes, abilities, skills and knowledge?
if you have 'no preference', then you obviously don't know yourself well enough to proceed and you don't know the vast difference of skills needed to teach the different age levels
and HS experience and cerification WILL not land you an Elem job - no way no how

having said that, IMHO there are more elem positions, and elem positions have less 'takehome work' - elem has the most jobs

[LindseyF]

Thanks so much for the replies. I've helped tutor students from 5 to 16 years old in English, and have enjoyed (and disliked) many different things about all the ages, but I'll try some deep meditation to get to know myself better just incase

My local college happens to split up all 3 levels of education, while most others do group at least 2 together I'll definetly be licensed before venturing out, and it seems the CELTA will be my best bet -- there's no way I'd attempt to teach students here in the States I have high hopes (along with my general experience in the ME) that students, especially the youngins, don't curse at or try hitting their teachers, nor do they bring weapons to school, or atleast this isn't common ... I'd hate for my parade to be rained on, but has anyone's experience proven otherwise?

[elamericano]

I'd like to drag up this old post and ask a related question: Would having experience in teaching university prep year in the Middle East be a good background for moving on to teach secondary school in the region? (in regards to employers' perceptions, student aptitudes, etc.)