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Focus on Teaching ESL

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JobMonkey.com
Volume VIII, Issue #24
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Did you know that teaching is one of the most recession-proof careers in the United States? While teacher layoffs are not completely unheard of, tenured educators typically enjoy high job security and attractive benefit packages. If you have the spirit of a teacher in your heart, a little security in your pocketbook can go a long way these days! Some of the highest in-demand positions currently are teachers of English as a Second Language, or ESL. This week's Job Monkey Newsletter is dedicated to exploring this growing profession, from tips on education and training to a list of current job opportunities.

IN THIS NEWSLETTER:

1) Career Advisor: Job Fair Tips
2) Spotlight: Teaching English as a Second Language
3) Around the Monkey: All About ESL
4) JobMonkey Job Center: International English Teaching Jobs

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CAREER ADVISOR: Job Fair Tips
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by Amy Lindgren

Spring is job fair season. Forget the tulips and daffodils - it's recruiters and interviewers that will soon be popping up after a long winter. Or so we all hope. When the market is tight, as it is now, job fairs tend to get a little skewed in their attendance. Fewer companies participate, while tons more job seekers come flooding through the doors. With such an imbalance, it can be challenging to make these events work for you.

Here are a few tips to consider for your next job fair.

1. Review the list of companies in advance and choose a few that really matter to you.

2. Dress conservatively. It's better not to be remembered than to be remembered for the wrong thing. Perhaps the most important wardrobe tip? Wear comfortable but dressy shoes. You want to be polished but you don't want to wear a look that says "My feet hurt."

3. Don't make resume delivery the goal of the event. Hand them out if asked, but focus instead on having a few good conversations with representatives from the companies you've selected.

4. If things are too busy or loud for a conversation, ask the booth representative for a card and permission to call or email later. Then drop off a resume with a handwritten note in the corner saying that you'll look forward to talking in a day or two.

5. When you do speak with a representative, don't just ask which jobs are open right now. Ask about the company as a whole and where the growth areas are. Remember that some of the best opportunities may take a while to blossom.

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SPOTLIGHT: Teaching English as a Second Language
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Did you know that English is the third-most spoken language in the world? It is the native tongue of roughly five percent of the world's 6.6 billion inhabitants, and the second language for millions (and millions) more. Thanks to the rapidly emerging global market place, coupled with the burgeoning Internet, knowing English has become an indispensable asset.

Nowhere is this truer than for America's immigrant population. Since 2000, over 10 million immigrants have arrived in the United States -- most of whom require special ESL or English as a Second Language instruction.

Where are the ESL Jobs?

Local departments of education can scarcely keep up with the demand for ESL teachers. Beyond school-age children, however, adult immigrants are also in desperate need of ESL instructors. English competency is required to pass immigration exams and to qualify for legal employment.

A number of private English schools have therefore emerged in the last decade, particularly in areas with high concentrations of immigrant groups. In California, for example, one in four people (children and adults) are currently learning English - the highest percentage in the country. Colleges and universities also employ ESL instructors to teach and conduct research about the growing field of bilingual education.

What education and training is required for an ESL job?

Although requirements vary by school district, most public school ESL teachers hold their Masters degrees in ESL Teaching. Degree programs are available through online schools, as well as the multitude of brick and mortar universities with education departments. University professors typically hold a PhD, while researchers may be working toward their doctorate degree in TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language).

ESL teachers employed by private and charter schools are not necessarily required to hold a Masters degree. At a minimum, however, they must have a Bachelors degree in Education, English or other related field plus specialized coursework in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) and a teaching credential.

How much do ESL teachers earn?

According to salary.com, the mean 10-month salary in 2005 for a graduate of a Masters program in ESL Teaching was $38,829 to $56,222. The Bureau or Labor Statistics reports that the top 10 percent of ESL teachers earned $67,490 to $76,100 in 2006.

Keep in mind that many teachers augment their salary by teaching summer school or working at other summer jobs. Employment with a private ESL summer school for adults, for example, would be a great way to boost your annual income as a public school ESL teacher.

Private and charter school ESL teachers typically earn 10-15 percent less than their public school colleagues, although their compensation packages may include substantial benefits such as housing and meal plans.

College professors and researchers earn upwards of $60,000-$75,000 per year. Tenured professors with prolific research careers can earn six figures. To find out more about university-level ESL jobs, check out the Chronicle of Higher Education's Career Page.

Can I teach English abroad?

Absolutely! While teaching English abroad (typically referred to as TEFL or Teaching English as a Foreign Language) is not as well-paid nor as secure as teaching in the United States, there are innumerable other benefits.

The average TEFL teacher is in his or her twenties and chooses to spend a year - or more - seeing the world while earning a living wage. You may not be able to fund your 401K from your TEFL paycheck, but you will earn memories to last you well into retirement! To learn more about TEFL, check out JobMonkey's article on Teaching Abroad.

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AROUND THE MONKEY: All About Teaching ESL
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Check out this October '08 post from the JobMonkey blog about teaching ESL. It has tons of information on TESL and TEFL, plus a handy list of online resources.

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JOB CENTER REPORT: Teaching English Abroad Jobs
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Do you have the heart of a teacher, but the spirit of an adventurer? Why not combine the two by teaching English abroad? Whether you want to teach internationally for six months or for six years, the JobMonkey Job Center is the best place to start your job search. The Job Center has many job listings, including dozens of opportunities to teach English abroad.

Find current jobs in the Job Center.

 

 

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