Korean Job Discussion Forums

thebektionary · Joined: 11 May 2011

I'm currently teaching in a middle school for GEPIK but I have my sights on the horizon. I don't want to be stuck in this kind of thing forever; however, I really love teaching so I want to pursue higher education in order to get a better teaching job.

I've thought about it a lot over the past couple of weeks and I've decided that I really want to get into teaching in international schools. Everyone I know who does it loves it and it just seems like the perfect fit for me. I don't want to return to America, I want to continue living in different countries, and I want to continue teaching.

I am looking into online masters programs now and I've found one that I'm interested in. I just want to make sure that the degree I get will help me get a job in an international school. What do they usually require? The masters I am looking at is a Masters in Education with a specialization in International Teaching but it does not lead to licensure. Do you need licensure to work in an international school or just a masters? Is it better to get a masters in a specific subject?

Also, if you could recommend any good programs I'd appreciate it a lot. Thank you!

EDIT: I found most of the information here:
http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=223486&highlight=international+schools

I'm still interested in getting a masters AND licensure, so like I said before, if anyone has any programs they can recommend I'd appreciate it.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

thebektionary · Joined: 11 May 2011

I heard from someone who did the program I'm interested in that this particular program is heavy on practice and light on theory.

thebektionary · Joined: 11 May 2011

So I can get licensed through this Praxis test? Do you think it's better to take this test than the Massachusetts one?

almosthome · Joined: 16 Nov 2012

Passing the PRAXIS tests will not automatically qualify you for licensure. Florida, IMO, has the 'easiest' and cheapest alternative certification program, but there is still a lot to it:

http://education.fiu.edu/certification.html

thebektionary · Joined: 11 May 2011

Thanks, I'm actually from the Miami area! I knew that FIU offered it but I thought that it was just in TESOL. I'll have to check it out further.

And no wonder why Florida has the easiest licensure program. That explains everything Rolling Eyes

Our education system is absolutely terrible.

staygold · Joined: 18 Aug 2012

I'm really interested in this as well. I found the Teacher Ready program which is also based in Flordia, but you can do your observations and teaching in an international school. You have the option of getting a Master's with the university they work with once you complete the program.

PatrickGHBusan · Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2012 8:14 am Post subject:

MA + Certification is the way to go it you wish to teach at good international schools in different countries.

If that is your choice then the educational investment will pay off.

Being certified opens all sorts of doors.

thebektionary · Joined: 11 May 2011

That's definitely what I am going to do, I just need to find the best and most affordable way to do it.

thebektionary · Joined: 11 May 2011

Also, staygold, this is fantastic. Thank you so much. It's really affordable. To get my masters through Framingham's program in Seoul and my teacher's certification through this, it would only cost a little over 10,000 dollars and I could stay here the whole time... amazing.

climber159 · Joined: 02 Sep 2007

This is where I was a few years back. I moved back to Massachusetts to do another masters and earn teaching credentials. Whatever information you found that indicated a Massachusetts license is had with only taking the MTEL exams is wrong. Yes, a preliminary license may be obtained by taking the MTELs, but you still need to complete a teacher preparation program (including a teaching practicum) at a university to obtain your initial license. This license is then good for 5 years of teaching in Massachusetts (if you never teach in Massachusetts, then it's good forever).

I currently teach in an international school now and can say that this has been one of the best career decisions I've made. I love my job, I love how much I can travel, and I earn a very good living.

The good international schools are quite competitive so having a masters degree as well as teaching credentials will certainly make you a more attractive candidate.

pm me if you've got more questions.

OneWayTraffic · Joined: 14 Mar 2005

Concur with all the above posts. They will be looking at classroom experience teaching the target subject in a Western School, and in order to get that you will need the teaching cert.

thebektionary · Joined: 11 May 2011

I just applied for the Teacher Ready program and when I finish that (or towards the end of it) I'm going to enroll in the University of West Florida's online Masters of Education program. I'm really excited about all the opportunities that will open up for me as a result of this and happy to be freed of that depressing, "What am I going to do next? ...Well I can't really do anything..." stuck-in-prison feeling about jobs.

timhorton · Joined: 07 Dec 2005

qwunk89 · Joined: 16 Jan 2003

I did the TeacherReady program and am currently working on my MA in Elementary Ed online through UWF. With TeacherReady, I worked with an international school in Thailand. Upon completion, the TeacherReady program leads to certification (have to take state tests, not Praxis in FL) and will also count for 12 credits towards your MA at UWF (about 1/3). TeacherReady was very organized; the two grad classes I have taken at UWF, not so much (although I had the same prof for both classes). Feel free to PM me.