Korean Job Discussion Forums

[FistFace]

I am thinking of starting an online MA with an accredited school in the USA, but the actual name of the Masters is "MA in Teaching."

For those of you who work at top-tier universities, would this be on par with English, TEFL/TESOL, or Education MA's, or at least help me get my foot in the door?

I work at a small university in Seoul now.

[bassexpander]

Well, I think most lower unis don't even mind an MA in other subjects.

[Khenan]

Contact someone at the university about the specific types of coursework you'll be doing for the degree. At my university, a masters in education equated to preparation for teaching secondary school, while a masters in teaching was geared towards teaching elementary school. This isn't a universal rule by any means, but can give you an idea that the school probably has a specific idea in mind for the curriculum.

[matthews_world]

I've been wondering the same thing.

How are the chances of finding a higher-tier uni job here in Korea with an MAT?

[bassexpander]

Well, FF, not sure if you know this, but our coworker "S" has a Masters in Special Education. The two of us joked that her degree likely helps more with teaching English in Korea than an MA in TEFL/TESOL!

[purple_buddha]

Actually, special education and TEFL/TESL/TESOL have a lot of similarities in their approach to language acquisition. For those native English speakers with a learning difference or disability, such as dyslexia, learning English is a lot like learning a 'foreign' language.

Many of you may not know or have heard of Landmark College located in Vermont (USA). The following is a quote from their website:
"Landmark College is the direct result of a singular vision � that of Dr. Charles Drake. This vision � to provide students with dyslexia, AD/HD, and other learning disabilities with a liberal arts college education that also addresses and transforms those disabilities into learning assets � has been the guiding light for Landmark College's presidents, faculty, and staff throughout the years."

Here is a list of faculty members who teach there with ESL related degrees:
Sandy Bower, M.A.T., English as a Second Language, St. Michael�s College
Janie L. Duncan, M.A.T., French and English as a Second Language, School for International Training
Susan Frishberg, M.A.T., English as a Second Language, School for International Training
Eve A. Leons, M.A.T., English as a Second Language and Spanish, School for International Training
Gene Parulis, M.A.T., English as a Second Language/French, School for International Training
Carol Ghazal, Reynolds M.A.T., English as a Second Language/French, School for International Training

If these people can teach 'special ed' type students, then it's not surprising that someone with a Master's degree in Special Education can effectively teach ESL/EFL students.

[FistFace]

So anyone know if a Masters in Teaching is going to be a worthwhile endeavor, or should I hold out for a Masters in Education?

[purple_buddha]

FistFace,

Nobody can answer that question for you. If your immediate goal upon completion of the MAT program is shooting for a top-tier university position in Seoul, then I suggest you talk to some instructors at several or more of those institutions and request their input. (I'm sure there are a few posters here on Dave's who should be able to give you some insight.) You may want to inquire about how possessing said MAT degree would influence your chances of a) being granted an interview, and more importantly, b) being offered a contract. Then again, by the time you will have finished your master's the conditions at those schools will have already changed.

For starters, Korea still hasn't adjusted to advanced, online degrees like the US; and, even back home, many employers still don't widely accept online degrees in education related fields, particularly when it comes to teacher certification. Of course, attitudes toward online and distance education continue to improve there. However, the status quo for earning advanced degrees in Korea favors brick and mortar style learning, period. What do you plan to do with your degree after Korea?

Secondly, since I don't know your background or the MAT program you're considering, I can't really comment on the potential benefits. But, unless you have a baccalaureate from a well known school in the states, graduating from a lesser known graduate school with a diploma earned online is probably not going to open many doors for you. If that's the case, and you feel you must do an online MAT, you might want to consider studying at a reputable brick and mortar school that offers an online or distance option. Where you went to school in my estimation counts for a lot to administrators at the top Korean universities.

Lastly, online MA TESOL, MA Applied Linguistics, MA (or M.Ed) English, and M.Ed in XXXX holders abound at universities and colleges throughout the peninsula. An online MAT in a subject other than English or ESL would probably come after the aforementioned credentials in order of hiring preference. You'd be competing with people with more experience and more favorable credentials. If you're having doubts, why not just do an online M.Ed or MA TESOL?

[DrunkenMaster]

[purple_buddha]