TEFL Del Muerto Arizona

After acquiring a tesol (or similar) certificate, the newly certified teachers usually will want to get some teaching experience. After all, the certificate is only the initial step in a process of self- and career-development that involves constant learning and reflection, and which is virtually endless, if the teacher desires it to be. First employment opportunities for new teachers often involve teaching overseas (sometimes also in country) where they can apply for jobs in language institutes or schools. Depending on the position this may mean teaching adults, or pre-kindergarten kids, or anything in between. Volunteer teaching opportunities are also available which often involve teaching children of various ages from underprivileged backgrounds. Whichever option the teachers choose it will give them a specific experience which they can later specialize around or add to a broader spectrum of experiences that can be gained from different positions. Every teaching experience can help the teacher improve his techniques, help him reflect and question his own performance, preferences and wishes. Developing as a teacher means learning from the experiences in the class room, finding out which methods work better than others and/or improving skills concerning assessment of needs and problems of students. Especially when dealing with different cultures a certain sensitivity for cultural differences that may affect learning ability of certain concepts is also an important aspect that teachers should develop. Furthermore exchange between other teachers especially those with more experience is invaluable for improving and developing teaching skills. Communication and camaraderie between teachers can facilitate self-assessment/reflection and offer new perspectives, advice and support. After gaining some experience in teaching other options for jobs become available, for example freelance teachers for private students or groups or in companies that want to offer english courses to their employees – these positions are usually very well paid but often require professional qualifications beyond the simple tesol certificate. Certifications, such as teaching business english or teaching to young learners can be obtained, though it depends on the type of employment and often on the employer himself whether these are strictly necessary for the job. However they offer a good addition to the teachers CV and can show the teachers desire for continuous self development. It is often desirable for teachers to become more professional and enter further training after their first few experiences and jobs. Programs like the diploma or the MA are available and aside from giving a more in-depth perspective of teaching english, enable teachers to apply for higher ranking positions, such as senior teacher or director of studies. They offer the teachers a more professional framework under which to conduct their teaching and through which to assess their own performance. A MA or diploma is also necessary for teachers that wish to work in community colleges or places of higher education in the U.S. for example. There are even PhD studies available for those that which to pursue a more academic path within the teaching profession. Other options for further development include teacher training – to instruct others to become esl teachers - or publishing and marketing of esl materials to be used in class, joining esl/tefl/tesol institutes for various jobs and projects. Job options as teachers can range from in class and in company courses to online courses with individuals or groups. References http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2002/feb/21/tefl3 http://www.prospects.ac.uk/english_as_a_foreign_language_teacher_career_development.htm http://www.tesolcourse.com/tesol-course-articles/career-development/article-01-mk.php