Korean Job Discussion Forums

[blunder1983]

Its early days yet, but i really like teaching at the mo and am thinking of making this a permanent career (not soley in Korea but u get what i mean)

So I'm thinking about investing in some proper qualifications to teach.

Currently I'm only interested in TESOL but that may change, so what do u reccomend I do... (I'm 22 uk age, and graduated last year in Econ and Management)

I have a Trinity TESOL cert.

[VanIslander]

Even though you have the Trinity certificate, others have posted on the web the benefit they've gained from having done both.

If I were 22 and considering English language teaching as a longterm career, then I'd do the full ten steps:

(1) Do the CELTA (4 weeks) and CELTYL (2 weeks) a.s.a.p.

(2) Then I'd work for 2 years with a single employer in a workplace where I'd get a lot of adult and children classes, about 50/50 split, and a good letter of recommendation and references.

(3) Then do the DELTA. Get another good reference.

(4a) Then work another 2-4 years in a few different countries. Get at least two more good references.

(4b) Learn at least one foreign language and save money.

(5) Do a practical-focussed Master's in TESOL or TEFL or ELT, on site, with a reputable university which doesn't offer a distance version of the program. Do the thesis option.

(6) Publish something in the field, needn't be much.

(7) Work for 5 more years as both a teacher and in positions of more responsibility (assistant director, etc). See the world and learn at least a third language. Attend the occasional regional or global conference, making a few presentations.

(8 ) Now, at age 31 or 33, apply to the best doctorate program on what will be a full scholarship to work with whichever leading professor one's own ideas most resembles or is relevant to.

(9) Publish a book in the field.

(10) Get tenure at a college or university which will offer a good location to raise a family and also enough sabatticals to travel, write and what have you.

[sheba]

Well, Im not as thorough as VanIslander but...

Im not sure if its the same for you, but in NZ if you have a degree, you can spend one extra year becoming a qualified teacher. This will help in finding jobs overseas, and it will also give you the option of teaching outside of ESL.

From what Ive heard, universities are the way to go for long-term teaching, and a Masters in TESOL is what you'll probably need.

[VanIslander]

[Homer]

Re-taking Van's great list:

If I were 22 and considering English language teaching as a longterm career, then I'd do the full ten steps:

(1) Do the CELTA (4 weeks) and CELTYL (2 weeks) a.s.a.p.

I would do one or the other.

(2) Then I'd work for 2 years with a single employer in a workplace where I'd get a lot of adult and children classes, about 50/50 split, and a good letter of recommendation and references.

I would say 3 years might become more significant.

(3) Then do the DELTA. Get another good reference.

I would skip this and go for some sort of teaching liscence (i.e. teachers college).

(4a) Then work another 2-4 years in a few different countries. Get at least two more good references.

I would say 3 years would be enough.

(4b) Learn at least one foreign language and save money. (Very important)

(5) Do a practical-focussed Master's in TESOL or TEFL or ELT, on site, with a reputable university which doesn't offer a distance version of the program. Do the thesis option.

Fully agree!

(6) Publish something in the field, needn't be much.

Good idea.

(7) Work for 5 more years as both a teacher and in positions of more responsibility (assistant director, etc). See the world and learn at least a third language. Attend the occasional regional or global conference, making a few presentations.

The third language is optional. Also you could do this 5 year stint in the same country if you wish. Preferably the country whose language you learned before. This would allow you to specialize and would open the door to university positions there.

(8 ) Now, at age 31 or 33, apply to the best doctorate program on what will be a full scholarship to work with whichever leading professor one's own ideas most resembles or is relevant to.

A PHD is a good idea. You should, if you want to enhance your placement prospects do that PHD in partnership with a good N.A. or Euro. University and a university in the country you wish to relocate to long term. This will give you contacts and local experience and expertise.

(9) Publish a book in the field.

Or a series of articles.

(10) Get tenure at a college or university which will offer a good location to raise a family and also enough sabatticals to travel, write and what have you.

Bingo, you are there.


Alternatively, work like a dog for 5-8 years as an ESL teacher right out of college. Save like a madman. Open your own ESL school in the country of your choice.

[Paji eh Wong]

I would suggest taking a cert course and working for a year before you make any five year plans.

[bosintang]

I can't imagine why anyone who's serious about teaching as a career would want to remain in TESOL. It's a great way to travel, earn a few bucks and get some overseas experience, but as a career, there's a whole other world of subjects that are a lot more stimulating.

But to each their own I suppose...

[blunder1983]

Thanks for all your responses.

I'm very new to this game, but I have just come out of office work and I know for a fact its something I could never return to.

As for teaching in more interesting areas, I like english, and compared to my major (economics) it is FAR superior. In time mebbe I'll become a primary school teacher in England but I dunno.

I think, realistically, if I continue to enjoy this ESL lifestyle I'll either save save save and live comfortably in my elder years or (more likely) save for 5-10 years and then start my own business (I currently have two ideas in the pipeline). Failing that I could always open a hagwon, tho I'd probably pay for it in the afterlife........

Thanks again, you've given me much to ponder on. Also I find it interesting no one voted for PGCE. You live and learn huh!

Chris

[ilovebdt]

Hiya

I am a TESOL Cert holder and although I enjoy travelling and teaching abroad I can't see me doing it forever and I have also found that office work is so not for me.
So, I have decided once my most recent stint of teaching abroad comes to end, that I am going to do a Middle Years (7-14) PGCE specialising in Modern Languages at the University of Sussex.
On this course you learn how to teach Science, Math and English and can specialise in Modern Languages,(or I think English, Maths or Science). Also, should I want to travel again, I can get a job in one of the many international schools around the world!

[hari seldon]

What's the point in getting a CELTA when you've already done the Trinity? What a waste of money! The next step is to start a distance Masters through Univ. of Birmingham or comparable (so you can put MS in process on your resume) and get a University job.