Careers in Education

2015 After JET Conference

André Swartley, Presenter

Karatsu (Saga) ALT, 2012-2014

Current position • Hesston College (Hesston, KS, USA)

• ESL Program Director

• ESL & Creative Writing Instructor

Writing

Workplay Publishing

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 email to anyone who would like a copy.

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

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.

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

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

• “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

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.

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?

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

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

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!

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

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

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.

Questions?

Thank you!

Bibliography

• [See various linked sources]

• Brady, Seamus. Personal Interview. 3 February 2015.

• King, Marissa. Personal Interview. 21 January 2015.

• McAlpine, Ross. Personal Interview. 24 January 2015.

• Spallinger, Kimberly. Personal Interview. 18 January 2015.

• Wells-Jensen, Sheri. Personal Interview. 15 January 2015.

Contact me at

andreswartley@gmail.com