Job Discussion Forums

Captain_Fil

Hello everyone.

I know that most of you view online courses as inadequate.

But what about this....

What if I combined a decent online course with months of volunteer work?

I'm thinking of volunteering to teach English to newly arrived immigrants here in California. I could volunteer at a church or welfare center.

So what do you think?

Will this help me land a job someday?

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

Obviously an online course and related volunteer work is better than either one alone. The volunteer work (and observation) would be invaluable. Is there any reason why you can't dedicate some of that time to teacher-training? Is it the cost?

To decide whether or not it will suffice, it would be good to know where you want to work and whether you have a degree. Some siblings I know went to work in China. Not one of them had a degree and they were all under 21. I have no idea how they swung that one, but they taught for quite a few years.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

It'll work in places where online certs and little/no experience is accepted. The problem, as Insubordination pointed out, is that you need to be observed (and get feedback from) experienced teachers to fulfill the practice teaching component. If no-one really knows how well you do, you'll still be at a disadvantage on a competitive job market.

Really depends where you want to go.

Good on you for at least trying to make the best of what might be a tight situation, though.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Do you have a degree?
Where do you want to work? (country and type of teaching institution)

tttompatz

Captain_Fil

seamallowance · Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2011 6:15 am Post subject:

There are plenty of good jobs here in China that don't require all that nonsense. Proper teacher training is invaluable, but if you don't have it and you need a job (and you are resourceful/creative/intelligent) then come on over and start slingin' lessons.

Captain_Fil · Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2011 12:12 am Post subject:

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

It sounds like your use of 'rewarding' is the 'well-paid' variation. If so, do think again. If you own a school or write a successful book, then maybe; otherwise, it's very unlikely.

If you wish to alter your thinking to 'interesting', 'offering opportunities to meet people and/or travel' and having the opportunity to talk about interesting things: yes, it's likely if you put the effort in.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Ahem!

Do you have a degree?

Captain_Fil · Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2011 1:39 pm Post subject:

Yes. I do have a degree. (A BA from San Francisco State University.)

No. Rewarding does not strictly mean financial.

An investment banker could make $1-3 million a year by working 80 hours a week. That means sacrificing time with family and friends. And it means living in the office. Is that rewarding?

An ESL teacher could make a modest but decent income in a faraway country. On work days, the ESL teacher helps people improve their economic opportunities (through the learning of English - the language of commerce). And the students appreciate it. On off days, he or she enjoys the pleasures of the host country (dining, sightseeing, relaxing, etc.). Occasionally, there are return visits back home to a warm and loving family. Now, isn't that rewarding?

Wink

TeresaLopez · Joined: 18 Apr 2010 Posts: 601 Location: Mexico City

jpvanderwerf2001 · Joined: 02 Oct 2003 Posts: 1117 Location: New York

If you want to make EFL a career, then I would highly suggest getting a CELTA/Trinity and/or start on an MA.

Captain_Fil · Posted: Thu Mar 10, 2011 10:16 am Post subject: