Hindrances to Getting Hired as a Teacher Overseas

The economy has a lot to do with things. If there are no jobs at home, more people will be looking at going overseas. Don't think there's going to be a huge flood of teachers though. While numbers do increase when the economy goes belly-up, many people don't want to deal with moving and uprooting their families. You can read more at Laid-Off Public School Teachers May Flood the Fairs.

Keep in mind that some schools, such as international schools prefer single teachers or teaching couples with few or no dependents. If you are married to a non-teacher it may be harder to find a job. If you are married to a non-teacher and have dependent children it will be harder. There's a list of the best international school job fairs for people with kids and bringing dependents with you.

Age can be an issue as well. The cut off age seems to range between 55-65 depending on the school and the country that it's in. You might be too young as well. Malaysia, for example, won't issue teaching visas to those under the age of 26.

Not enough experience. Some schools prefer you to have at least 2 years teaching experience. Others may be willing to waive this requirement. 

Nationality can be a problem too. While many teachers want to teach in Europe, some schools don't want to jump through the hoops of getting work visas for those without EU passports or those who can already teach there (for example, spouses of EU citizens). Read Europe for non-EU passport holders for more info.

If you want to teach at an international school check out what esl4everever says on this post, "From what I understand American schools do not require you to have any type of dual or EU citizenship. American schools are backed by the United States Department of State. The schools are supposed to be ran by US standards to a point although they are located in another country." Whether this is true or not I'm not sure. It's best to check with each individual school. I know that DODEA schools only hire Americans or those with permission to work in the US, so that might be an option.

Not being certified may be an issue, though there are ways around it. Here's some info on how working as a PNET (Primary Native English Teacher) in Hong Kong could help land you an international school job.

Not being a native speaker. Some schools are very strict on this policy and will only hire native English speakers.

More information. There are also a number of good books that will tell you how to get an international school job.

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Do You Need a License to Teach at an International School?

No Teaching License?

You can still get hired at an international school. Different schools have different rules. Your background will also come into play. Find out more by reading teaching at an international school. There are also a number of good books with information on how to get an international school job.

• The type of school. Some schools, such as Christian schools may will accept teachers with no license.
• Where the school is located. Those in less popular countries (such as Myanmar, China, Indonesia, Middle Eastern countries, Bangladesh, Azerbaijan) may accept teachers with no license.
• Even if you want to work in a popular country you could get a job, depending on your background and experience. Schools need people with real life experience and know-how.
• If you are already in country as a resident you might also be able to work full or part-time. The best thing to do is apply to schools and see what they say. 

What Do People At International Schools Think?
ISR wrote a post about in November 2009 called, International Teaching Without Credentials. They also have info about having a Master of Education, but no teaching cert. People are very opinionated about this topic, but many teachers as well as principals believe that non-certified teachers can be good teachers. Read their opinions below.
Against Teachers Without Formal Qualifications

• syed hammeed says that teaching without credentials doesn't fit the profession.
• Louis says quality of teaching doesn't matter; only licenses do.
• Pete Janda hires teachers and says it's better to hire teachers with licenses because they know how to teach various levels, write a lesson plan, and know the current education trends.
• Idaflorence says she can tell an unqualified teacher from far away.
• Nicola Scales says that she wouldn't go to a dentist, doctor, or lawyer without certifications so why should teachers be different?
• gaia says that they have had nothing but trouble with uncertified teachers. Schools can help people become certified as well.

Those On The Fence

• Mercury started as a non-certified teacher, but decided to go back and get his license.
• Amy says that good schools will not hire uncertified teachers but that there are also certified teachers who can't teach.

In Favour Of Teachers Without Formal Qualifications

• cbp disagrees with Louis and said quality of teaching doesn't matter; only licenses do.
• Chris Davis says that although he has an MEd and has homeschooled his three kids, been the principal of a school, and lecturer, he doesn't have a teaching license.
• teach 2010 says that there are many credentialed teachers who can't actually teach.
• Hellei has been teaching in international schools since 2000 and doesn't have a license. While it's hard to get a job, she shows that it's not impossible.
• DB says that a piece of paper doesn't mean you can teach. There are many licensed teachers who are unqualified.
• Between cultures says that she was raised abroad, but is a non-Japanese speaking Japanese citizen and because of that can't get a Japanese teaching license and can't get a US one because she's not American.
• Agunshka says that some teachers can be good without a cert and that it's hard for overseas teachers to keep their qualifications current. In addition, some certified teachers get to the top not because they're good teachers but because they're good at politics.
• Jill has over 25 years experience and has successfully taught at international schools without being a licensed teacher.
• lostone says you shouldn't just be judged on a piece of paper.
• D says that licensed proved nothing other than the fact that you can jump through the necessary hoops to get one.
• grm says that you have to promote quality education, not bits of paper.
• Soumaya is a school principal and has hired certified and non-certified teachers.
• Indigo Blue says that having real life experience has helped her teach and her students are happy to learn useful info.
• Chris states that although he isn't certified, there's a ton of useless info that students are learning in school and that is being taught by certified teachers.&
• molson says that 90% of the things being taught are a waste of time.
• Duras says that he say people switch their majors to teaching because it was the easier thing to do. He also saw qualified teachers stop teaching because it was too hard, they had too little vacation, were bored, etc. He also says there are too many programmes out there trying to get teachers.
• anonymous says being a good teacher is innate.
• Anonymous makes a good point by saying he would hire a person who has 10 years teaching experience with no certificate before a first year certified teacher. If a non certified teacher has managed to work hard for ten years, get hired by schools, make a difference in the classroom, and build a portfolio then why not? There are many exceptions to the rule, life is not one way.

Getting a Teaching License

• Some schools may help you get certified. Many Christian schools accept certification through ACSI and certification is relatively quick and easy if you have a degree. Salaries at NICS may not be as high as secular international schools. 20% get a full salary and benefits. 30% are offered a partial salary and the other 50% have to raise their own support.
• You can get your license online.
• Some international school recruiters may help you as well. Search Associates used to do this and others may as well. Find a list of recruiters here.
  

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The Best TEFL Jobs in the UK

Here's the information for the UK for The Best TEFL Jobs in the World. You might also want to look at Europe for non-EU passport holders and The Best TEFL Jobs With Worldwide Employers. 

I only have one, so if you know of any other good ones, please let me know by emailing me at naturegirl321@yahoo.com

• Edwards Language School

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Poll Results July 2014: How long have you been at your current job?

July's poll was "how long have you been at your current job?" Here are the results.

From rmsbunderblog.wordpress.com

• less than 1 year: 10.53% with 2 votes
• 1-3 years: 59.89% with 11 votes
• 4-6 years: 21.05% with 4 votes
• 7-9 years: 10.53% with 2 votes
• 10-15 years: 0% with 0 votes
• 16+ years: 0% with 0 votes

It seems that most people are relatively new to their job. If you're going to try to move up, check out making a career out of TEFLing.

Be sure to vote in this month's poll: Do you let your students use their cell phones in class?

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6 Tips for Teaching Intermediate Students

There seem to be a lot of tips out there for beginners and advanced students, but few for intermediate students. It's a shame, because intermediate students hit a plateau and can get easily discouraged. Below you will find some tips for helping your intermediate students and keeping them motivated.

1. Teach your students how they can improve their English. Students tend to get stuck in a rut and not try new ideas. Show them what else they can do. 
2. Have students keep track of their goals. They should look at them regularly and cross of the goals they've achieved and think about what they can do to reach the other goals. 
3. Try recording students regularly. A simple tape recorder will do, though videos are better. Students can watch  themselves and see how much progress they've made.
4. Portfolios are great as well. Students should save their work and look back to see what they've achieved.
5. Try new activities. ESL About has tips for teachers and students. You can also find a lot of links in the lesson planning article.
6. Have more advanced students come in and talk about their language learning experience. They can give tips on overcoming the intermediate plateau as well.

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