Job Discussion Forums

avasconcellos · Joined: 05 Jun 2010 Posts: 6

Hi. I'm new to the forum. I will have my master's in ESL completed by the end of Summer. I am changing careers and have not taught before. I am interested in teaching at a community college or university. Not willing to travel abroad.

I've found that the HR pages at colleges and universities don't list ESL employment. Is sending a resume to the ESL department chair a good idea? Any suggestions?

Thanks.
Andrea

Isla Guapa · Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2010 7:31 pm Post subject:

ESL is often part of the English Department, at least at community colleges. From what I know of the job market for ESL teachers at US community colleges. full time positions are far and few between.

michgreen · Joined: 16 Apr 2010 Posts: 27

ESL programs at the community college level are either in the International Education department or listed as International English (for international students) or Basic Studies/ ABE (for immigrants).

The English faculty is usually w/in the Humanities Department at the college level and they tend to distance themselves from ESL- there can be a lot of animosity between the two because of funding.

Depending on the region, the market can be very tight. Most require at least 2 years experience. The best way to find a job is to go to the college- department directly. See if you can pick up a last minute class or get on the teacher's pool list. If you lack the experience, volunteer in the immigrant classes- get your name out in that department, so when the next quarter/ semester comes around they know who you are.

Don't send your resume, most universities hire within, that is, if they have an MATESOL/MAT/Applied Ling program, they usually hire their grads.

Isla Guapa · Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2010 8:27 pm Post subject:

avasconcellos · Joined: 05 Jun 2010 Posts: 6

Is it generally felt that in order to acquire the two years experience, you have to teach abroad? Are US college and universities not conducting training themselves but are relying on other countries to train new ESL instructors?

michgreen · Joined: 16 Apr 2010 Posts: 27

The Community College of Philadelphia is very lucky, I work in one of the biggest community college systems in the States and because of budget cuts and the way that ESL is divided up into International students and immigrants/refugees there is a lot of animosity.

Our ESL department through Basic Studies/ ABE receives additional grant money that the Humanities Department (English faculty) doesn't get and vise versa, whereas our ESL program for international students receive no federal money. Also, the faculty in the Humanities Department and Basic Studies can get tenure whereas the faculty for international students can only get full-time status. So, the atmosphere can be quite tense given the current budget crisis in higher ed.

Andrea, where did you get your MA from? The answer to that question is both yes and no.

Many US universities that offer an MATESOL/MAT will hire their graduate students, esp, ones that were TAs. If you did your practicum or an internship through a community college, they will usually hire you as a part time adjunct faculty. So it comes down to who you networked with during your MA. Otherwise, teaching overseas is the other option.

avasconcellos · Joined: 05 Jun 2010 Posts: 6

My MA will be from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. It was completely online. I do not live in Minnesota. I have a TESL teaching certificate from the (very small) university where I did my undergrad and I did a teaching practicum also. My undergrad university is experiencing budget cuts. Unfortunately, I did not get to TA at SCSU or practicum there as I own my own business where I live. I'm trying to ascertain how best to make my career transition.

From what I gather, the transition will need to be done slowly due to lack of full-time employment and my lack of teaching experience. It may be that I will need to acquire some other position in a college or university and work my way into ESL teaching.

michgreen · Joined: 16 Apr 2010 Posts: 27

The transition will be slow, but it appears that you do have experience and I would include the teaching that you did for your certificate, regardless of how long ago it was.

The best way (but slow) is to volunteer at your local community college teaching immigrants (that's the big demand right now). Once you get into that department and get to know the faculty / staff and they get to know you, you'll have an 'in'.

Good luck.

dave3br · Joined: 02 May 2010 Posts: 6

The TESOL career page often posts full-time job openings for some of the bigger programs in the US but most will require experience. Besides the other search terms mentioned, ESL programs are also called "Intensive English Program" or "English Langauge Institute."

Community Colleges usually need part-time help, especially to cover night classes. This can be a good way to gain experience and you will be in a good position if a full-time spot opens up. You might also consider volunteering at a community program for awhile to gain experience.

I would send my C.V. to any programs in your area and then follow up with a phone call. Even if they don't have a spot, they might be able to point you to someone who does. Sometimes it is just being in the right spot at the right time.

Good Luck

fladude · Joined: 02 Feb 2009 Posts: 432

I think your best bet is to focus on high school teaching first, although this will require you to become a certified teacher, which an MA by itself won't get you. But don't worry the hoops you jump through will help you down the road.

The best high school jobs for ESL will be in the SouthWest, or in the alternative on a "reservation."

In all honesty teaching high school ESL will probably pay as well, if not better, than teaching at a community college, although the hours and BS will be a lot more intense.

avasconcellos · Joined: 05 Jun 2010 Posts: 6

I appreciate the positive feedback and suggestions.

The State I currently live in has public school furloughs. There aren't even subbing or temp jobs in the public schools here. I am looking at private high schools in my area.

shotten99 · Joined: 09 Oct 2011 Posts: 5

Avasoncellos, how did you find the program at St. Cloud? I am currently investigating it. Have you had luck with the job market?

fladude · Joined: 02 Feb 2009 Posts: 432

Honestly in today's job market, I would say your odds of getting a job at a US college with an online degree and no experience is extremely poor.

shotten99 · Joined: 09 Oct 2011 Posts: 5

I was afraid of that. I do have experience, but not at the university level. How have these online degrees been treated? I'd hope that there would be a difference between Saint Cloud State University and a place a mill like the University of Phoenix. I've honestly got nothing better to do in the short term anyway.