Careers in Education After JET Conference André Swartley, Presenter

Transcription

1 Careers in Education 2015 After JET Conference André Swartley, Presenter

2 Karatsu (Saga) ALT,

3 Current position Hesston College (Hesston, KS, USA) ESL Program Director ESL & Creative Writing Instructor

4 Writing

5 Workplay Publishing

6 Today s purpose Briefly explore paths to teaching in various settings after JET Provide pragmatic, multi-national tools and resources for finding teaching opportunities Less How to and more Might work for you Outline possible steps to take between now and the August This presentation will also be available by to anyone who would like a copy.

7 What JET has given you A decent notion of whether you re cut out for teaching This is a real gift! Real world experience ALT: Classroom teaching and lesson planning CIR: Multilingual proficiency, varied administrative and organizational ability Adaptability and flexibility necessary for working with students/people with multiple cultural backgrounds and languages Practical EFL experience A leg up in your candidacy for degree programs and teaching jobs

8 What JET has not given you ESL/EFL teaching experience anywhere besides your region(s) of Japan Long-term formal training or expertise in ESL/EFL Having taught doesn t necessarily make you a great teacher. There is always more to learn.

9 Paths to teaching certification You all have a university degree already. What s next? In the UK PGCE (England) / PGDE (Scotland, Wales) Each university will have its own path and requirements In the US Each state has different requirements Some states have reciprocal standards agreements; most do not ETS is now your unholy master In Australia Once again, each state has its own requirements In New Zealand One-year Post Graduate Degree (PGD) in Teaching Nationally recognized qualifications for different levels

10 MA TESOL The Golden Ticket to teach ESL Best when combined with real world experience Which you all have! Essential if you ever want to teach at the university level TESOL Programs in the UK TESOL Programs in the US Tips for choosing an MA TESOL Program (PDF) TESOL Certification or Endorsement Often paired with an MA in English or Education Whatever they call it, make sure it comes printed on a diploma

11 Every job I have gotten has required the PhD, but the reason I got the job was that I had an MA TESL so I could be flexible and teach a variety of different things. Dr. Sheri Wells-Jensen ESOL Program Director, Associate Professor, Coordinator of the TESOL Certificate Bowling Green State University

12 Selecting a school Find a quality program near where you want to work. Wherever you live, teaching requirements likely change from region to region Universities and schools often hire from nearby institutions with which they have long history and trust Apply for teaching/research assistantships. Ask former teachers for help and advice.

13 Teaching Fellowships Teach for America (US) Alternatives to Teach for America Teach First (UK) How to find a teaching fellowship right for you Does your alma mater have a program?

14 Intensive English Programs (IEP) Typically year-round Terms last only one month Determined students can finish all ten levels in one calendar year Mostly pre-university or adult learners Huge variety of courses to teach Chances to plan curriculum Example programs Bright School of English (UK / International) The Language Company (USA) Many kinds of jobs and services! IEPs around the world Be sure to search for accredited IEPs

15 Other Private Institutions Private elementary, junior, and senior high schools Religious institutions Charter schools Private colleges / universities Possible advantages More freedom to set curriculum Chance to teach a variety of courses or specialized classes including pet projects Smaller classes, more chances to interact with students 1 on 1 More likely to offer full-time positions Less competition during the application process Possible disadvantages Lower pay for the same job Less prestige Can end up in classes you aren t trained to teach

16 Freelance Work Larger companies Global LT, Inc Private tutoring (not with an organization or school) College campuses Advertise on bulletin boards, in local restaurants, churches, in English/ESL Departments Always get permission! International companies with overseas locations Honda employs many language tutors for their employees Sample jobs requiring Japanese language in Ohio, USA Writing / Editing Translation Once again, seek out old contacts. Connections matter!

17 Non-teaching Ed. Jobs Admissions / Recruiting BA Required Building contacts Multi-cultures International Student Advisor BA Required General assistance to international students Counseling MSW in counseling Administrative Roles Advanced Degree in Int l Education or Cross Cultural Communication Diversity issues (on-campus diversity promotion) Bigger school = more specific job Most people in these jobs come out of TESOL background

18 What to do with the time left? Research and apply for programs and/or jobs Write down application deadlines for schools or programs you re interested in If you missed a deadline already but you know what you want to do, find another program to teach in for a year. Many private ALT companies exist in Japan Start requesting recommendation letters Pay to get them professionally translated if you can t do it yourself Make plans to take the GRE Internationally recognized test

19 What to do with the time left? Continue (or start) learning Japanese Shows curiosity and initiative Grows your brain (seriously; there are studies) Puts you in the same shoes as your students Take the JLPT at the highest level you think you can pass, and add it to your CV.

20 Questions?

21 Thank you!

22 Bibliography [See various linked sources] Brady, Seamus. Personal Interview. 3 February King, Marissa. Personal Interview. 21 January McAlpine, Ross. Personal Interview. 24 January Spallinger, Kimberly. Personal Interview. 18 January Wells-Jensen, Sheri. Personal Interview. 15 January Contact me at andreswartley@gmail.com