Job Discussion Forums

[overhere]

I am in the process of transitioning in a teaching career. I plan to start classses in January which will lead to a M.Ed in TESOL from the University of Missouri (distant learning). This program does not lead towards licensure in the United States. It is geared toward people who want to teach in public schools, universities etc. overseas.

Recently, I have thinking if it would be wiser to instead pursue a program at a State university (literally steps from my apartment)..It is a Masters of Arts in Teaching and although it does not offer a concentration in TESOL it does offer certification in English and/or Social studies for grades 9-12. The total cost of the program is about $6,000 more than the University of Missouri and would lead to Teacher certification in Kentucky.

Just a bit about my background and goals. Native Speaker, U.S. citizen, Male, 50, single, no kidsm non related masters...I have 23 years professional experience in social work, career counseling, training and development and public administration.

My idea job would be teaching English at a University in Korea or Vietnam (although I am open to the whole world) . I primarily want to work with older students and/or adults. I would like to teach for 8 to 10 years and then tutor in semi-retirement.


I am thinking that being certified would allow me to pursue my goal of teaching at a University while at the same time give me the options of teaching at international schools or if for some reason, the need occurs, back here in the U.S.


My questions are regarding International schools:

1. Do they all require teacher certification in your home country?

2. How competitive are the positions? Are they difficult to get? Would someone coming from a non-traditional career track like me have a chance?

3. Is age discrimination a factor?

4. Are there as many opportunities at International schools as they are n TEFL?

5. What are the advantages/disadvantages of working for an international school?

Any other advice would be appreciated.


Thank you so much for your replies. You folks are always so nice. Thanks again.

[Glenski]

That would be TEFL, not TELF, wouldn't it?

Here in Japan, what I have heard is that some schools will slap the word "international" on it, but it may not really be an international school. Many real ones do exist here, of course. Heads up on that.

Word here also is that one needs not only the teaching license but also 2 years of experience using it.

4. Are there as many opportunities at International schools as they are n TELF?
My guess is no. TEFL constitutes a huge number of teaching institutions: K-12, pre-school, uni/college/junior college, vocational school, business English agency or direct corporate hire, conversation school, etc.

5. What are the advantages/disadvantages of working for an international school?
One would be that you don't have to teach just English there. Most any other subject is taught, as long as you are licensed for it. Another advantage is that (as far as Japan's are concerned) I believe everything is taught in English, so using the local language is not all that necessary. I don't know how real or practical that is, though.

[overhere]

Apologize for the typo...Yes, I aware of the misleading labels some schools use...the focus of my inquiry was more of the traditional/legtimate international schools....The experience factor was going to be question #6 but I thought the post may have been running a bit long ..didn't want you ladies and gentlemen falling asleep reading my post

Thanks for your response Glenski!

[Zero]

TEFL is a bigger field probably by a factor of about 100. International schools pay much more, anywhere from about twice as much to six times as much. Traditionally, international schools hired teachers with long years of experience in their own countries, so hiring managers should be used to a bit of gray hair. First-tier schools require certification in everything except perhaps ESL, in which case the MA TESOL should be useful. Second-tier and "fake" schools might not require certification or might waive the two-years'-experience requirement.

[naturegirl321]

1. No, there are lesser "international school" that don't or those in countries taht not a lot of people want to go to.

2. Vary. Some are super competitive, others aren't. It depends ona lot of factors, such as the country it�s in, the school, and the pay and benefits package.

3. Some times

4. Yes, if you have the right qualification and experience.

5. They're usually better than the average language school. They may also provide better help with housing, visas, flights, and have better pay.

If you're not a licensed teacher, you might want to check with Search Associates. I hear that you can attend their job fairs.

FYI: about ageism, I work at a uni in Asia. OUr cut off hiring age is 45. yep, that's right, 45.

[scintillatestar]

Do international schools really not require (state) certification in ESL? This certification does certainly exist.

[HLJHLJ]