Job Discussion Forums

Matt_22 · Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 193

I'm thinking of taking the leap to becoming an actually certified teacher. I have taught ESL for over 3 years now throughout Asia, with the following education -

BA - Political Science
MA - Int'l Studies
TEFL Certificate (4 week)

If I decide to go into education as a career, I'd prefer to teach Civics, Social Studies, History, English, or ESL in an international school - preferably in the Southeast Asia region (I am currently in Indonesia).

Are there any programs in the region that are highly respected or considered good value? What kind of degree will be required for positions at the major international schools in Jakarta/BKK/KL - MA/BA (ed)/Dip (ed) ?

Zero · Joined: 08 Sep 2004 Posts: 1402

I don't think we are supposed to post links here but if you were to google international schools review, I think you would find an excellent site with a forum devoted to bona fide international schools. My understanding is that you need to be certified in your own country and have two years post-certification there, such as in a public school. Fair enough, but at least in the U.S. right now, the problem is the experience is very hard to get because the job market for teachers is absolutely lousy. There are a lot of certified teachers sitting around unemployed all over the country.

bdbarnett1 · Posted: Sun Oct 03, 2010 5:23 pm Post subject:

I teach as an international school in Guatemala City. You will need to have certification from your home country (preferably English speaking) and 2 years of experience after getting that certification. However, that experience does not have to be in your home country - lots of international schools will hire new teachers, though you MAY be able to take that as indicative of the level of education at that school.

Good luck!

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

YOur best bet is to go back to your home country and get a license. You MAY be able to get a job in an intl school right after graduation. Other schools prefer you to have two years experience. It depends on the school and often the country.

On the other hand, you might be able to get a job without a license. I taught in an intl school in Peru and had an offer from an intl school in China as well.

bdbarnett1 · Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2010 12:34 pm Post subject:

Naturegirl is right...I do know of a couple of people who did not have certification. However, I would be hesitant To rely on that as a long term career strategy.

LongShiKong · Joined: 28 May 2007 Posts: 1082 Location: China

I've just completed the 2nd month of my 8 month teacher cert. program in Canada. I'd taught ESL in China since 2001 in both public and private institutions but got tired of the lack of professionalism. I'd love to hear from those teaching at Int'l schools in China because I'm debating returning or heading elsewhere next year.

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

I think it depends upon what you mean by 'international schools'. If you mean the sort of places where diplomats and affluent expats send their children, then I think a mainstream teaching qualification (from your home country) is usually required.

LongShiKong · Joined: 28 May 2007 Posts: 1082 Location: China

Yes, and that's why I've returned to Canada to get this degree. What I'd love to know is how well such schools are run before I commit. Int'l school contracts are generally 2 yrs and although I don't expect perfection, I certainly don't want to return to the managerial mayhem that I'd experienced in both the private and public sectors.

Perilla · Joined: 09 Jul 2010 Posts: 792 Location: Hong Kong

Yes, for any good international school you will need QTS (qualified teacher status) - which means a PGCE or PGDE or BEd, or whatever it's called in your country.

fladude · Joined: 02 Feb 2009 Posts: 432

mimi_intheworld · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 167 Location: UAE

fladude, QTS is the British equivalent for the US's "certified teacher". They have a national standard; each state in the US has its own (though many overlap). Just to help everyone in the clarification.

For the OP - if you can get a place, an alternative teacher certification program (in the US) will help you get certified while you're teaching. I did mine in Texas, and my district more or less paid for the training. The caveat was I was required to remain in the district for 3 years (including that first year while I was taking the certification course), but that was actually a good thing for my CV.

If you're looking for a position teaching in the US to get that certificate and experience, try inner city school districts or alternative schools. Seriously, alternative schools are where it's at! (So long as you can deal with the high rates of violence and low levels of academic ability.) I loved working at mine. It was an excellent first teaching job.

bdbarnett1 · Posted: Sun Oct 31, 2010 2:19 am Post subject:

Insubordination · Joined: 07 Nov 2007 Posts: 394 Location: Sydney

I have also enrolled in a Dip. Ed. starting in February (it'll take me two years part-time), with a plan similar to the OP's. I also joined that website you mentioned. Forum's not very active however.

I have taught a lot of 'High School Preparation' courses as well as 10 years in ESL. Do most schools really require the two years of post qualification experience?

Trebek · Joined: 30 Oct 2003 Posts: 401 Location: China

I had to take 18 hours of Education courses in addition to my BFA degree. But many cities need teachers and you can work as a teacher while getting your certification in an alternative Ed program.

BocaNY · Joined: 24 Mar 2009 Posts: 131

Can you get a job at an international school if you have a teaching cert but no experience? I want to get certified but I don't want to spend all the that in the US.

Does the experience have to be in public schools or does private school work too? I know that to work in private schools you don't need a teaching cert.