ESL Jobs Forum

[bisayako]

What are my chances of getting a job in teaching ESL?

Here is my profile: I completed my M. A. in elem. Educ. at Hofstra University, I also have a certification in TESOL and in addition, I am an experienced teacher. I love to travel and love to know other cultures. I want to live in a community where the population is diverse. I've been looking on line but, I am discouraged because I do not meet the requirements being a non-native English speaker!. I've resided in New York (USA) for more that 25 years, raised my family here and obviously have assimilated into the American culture. I speak with a slight accent but my grammar is perfect. I have very good relationship with my students and staff. Teaching is not about having an American accent but to be a good role model to the children and a broad knowledge on academics as well.

Obviously, there is discrimination when only native speakers of English can only apply.

Please give me the light at the end of the tunnel.

Sincerely,
Bis

[petalinc]

Hi

I think perhaps you are taking the wording in the ads too literally. Asking for a native speaker is the easiest, but not necessarily the most effective, way of sifting out the applicants with a poor grasp of the language. If they didn't ask for a native speaker, they would have to devise some sort of test to be able to insure that the level of speaker they were acquiring was adequate. You can imagine the difficulty there. Of course, that doesn't even begin to speak to the cultural literacy they might prefer/require. While English may not be your mother tongue, I would consider you a native speaker. Native does not only mean where you were born, but also where 'you came into being'. You could easily be born in the US, speak English from the get go and yet have an accent. The school wants a high degree of excellence. Demonstrate your excellence and your native proficiency of the tongue, and ignore the semantical difficulties use of this word brings up. We all know you speak better English than most, just look at the up and coming prevalence of double negatives. In this situation I would encourage you, in light of the narrow restrictions this word imposes, to demonstrate your ability, speak your English, and with confidence claim your place among native speakers whose mother tongue isn't necessarily English (millions of Americans).

In other words, put native speaker on your resume and, when you get there, show them what a great job they did in hiring you by being a fabulous teacher.

[alimar]

Hi, I´m Alimar, I live in Venezuela and I studied in the USA, as you, I want to apply for a job abroad, but feel the same way as you do, I consider my English great, both spoken and written, therefore I will not frustrate myself with this "native English" only, just post your resume and see what comes along. Good luck.

[slangwini]

Hello,

I taught business English in Germany and Spain. The reason why companies look for, "native speaker" is because that is what most of their clients and students want. You'd be amazed. Personally I don't think the companies that are hiring teachers are discriminating against you or anyone else that feels that way. But trust me companies, schools and student ASK for native speakers and the companies that have them, get more of their business. Clients spend a lot of money to learn the language so THEY want native speakers. Students also feel more comfortable with native speakers. But here is what works in your favor.....There are not enough native speakers teaching overseas so they have to hire you. Sooner or later you will be hired. Here is what you have to do. It's best to actually go to the country that you want to teach in and get a interview once you're there. You're more then likely to get hired if you're already there than sending a resume halfway across the world. Being a native speaker myself and working for a couple of language schools, I seen first hand how companies and students want native speakers. You have to look at it this way, if you was spending a lot of money to learn a language, which would you rather want? Don't get discouraged. Just understand at the end of the day it's all about what's in demand. I hope this helps.

Kirk

[alimar]

Thanks for the reply. I agree with you, I won´t let it get to me and I will not be discouraged. Alimar.

[sliao23]

Hi there,

Speaking of job discrimination and teaching English as a non-native speaker is quite prevalent around the globe right now. Depending on where you want to teach and how desperate the schools are, those will determine your chances of getting a teaching position as a non-native foreign language teacher. If you plan on teaching in a place like China where "White Fever" is burning ever so feverishly, your chances are close to zero.

Good luck,

[bisayako]

Hi! Guys,

It was wonderful reading all your encouraging responses! I posted that note because I could not continue my application online when I said "no" to the question, "Are you a native speaker". Then I went back to that question and answered "yes" to see what happens. That's when it allowed me to continue my application. At the end of the applicaiton, you will have to confirm that the information you provided is true and correct. I did not have the conscience to answer "yes" because I knew in my heart that I am not a native speaker. I did not have the conscience/guts to tell a fib.

By saying "yes" (that I am a native speaker), what would that speak of me? The interviewer would believe that this person is dishonest. They should be clear in what they are really looking for.

But I'll be considering your suggestions.

I guess one has to find some loopholes.

Thank you very much!!!!

Bis

[alimar]

i´m happy for you, keep trying, your dream job is waiting for you. And your opportunity is just around the corner, good luck, do let me know when it happens. Bye. Alimar

[bisayako]

I highly appreciate your encouragement...Bis

[esigus]

In my experience, age & gender are looked at more than whether or not a person is a native speaker.

I live & work in Berlin, Germany & have a contract with a language training company. The owner, also American, hires LOADS of non-natives.
In truth, the non-natives are best at teaching lower levels because they also had to learn the grammar & are usually much better at teaching it than native speakers. They understand the difficulties & can relate better usually.

I would suggest that it depends where you're interested in living/working. If you want to globe-trot, then you might just show up & see what you find in the area you are most interested in being. Your qualifications are excellent & you shouldn't have a lot of trouble finding work in the right place. There are also loads of freelance teachers who are not native speakers & they are able to make a good living... at least I know quite a few in various European countries.

Of course, unfortunately, it depends on your accent... how heavy it is, your diction & pronunciation.

I wish you the best of luck.
Don't hesitate to telephone people too, after they've received your cv, so that they can hear that you speak well.
Best wishes & happy new year!
~esigus~

[bisayako]

Esigus'

Looks like you've been traveling quite a lot. So far is there a place that you consider the best to work in?

[esigus]

Well, I'd have to ask the question, "what do you think is better?" I can't answer that for you.

Teaching English, I've only lived in Japan & Germany. They're both groovy, but in different ways. The food is better (in my opinion) in Japan, but Germany definitely has the best bread in the world.
Look, if what you're looking for is, good, straight, honest, work, you'll find it in either extreme, but your native culture might fit in better one place over the other. It depends where you're from & where you are considering going. I haven't been to a lot of places & I can't speak for any place I haven't been. This (& other) forum(s) is full of people who have taught all over the world & can answer questions based on their specific experience. I can only say that, in my experience, if you want to go someplace completely different from where you're from, go. Then, when you're there, take a bit of time & figure out whether or not it's someplace you can deal with for the long term. If it isn't, then pick someplace you think is better suited to your cultural preferences.

For instance, some people have to look at availability of medical facilities. Some have to look at availability of transportation or immediate evacuation. Look at what YOU need, whether your priorities are availability of transportation or excellent food, make your decision on what is important to you. Are you taking a family with you? Are you traveling on your own? Do a bit of research or, if you're on your own & willing to take some risks, just go where the wind blows & find out about the climate when you get there.

It isn't difficult.
If it's what you want to do, just do it. You know instinctively what's best.
Just do that.
It'll all work out in the end.

...& if it doesn't, just make a left... it's got to be better around the corner, right?
~Esigus~

[bisayako]

Esigus,

I highly appreciate your sensible response. Thanks!!!