Ten Tips For Getting a Job Teaching ESL
Apply during busy season: Most schools have a busy season. For example, in Vancouver, summer is considerably busier than winter or fall. Just before peak enrollment hits, many schools are desperately scrambling to find teachers and will often hire new and inexperienced teachers. If they like you, they may keep you on even once enrollment drops. Some schools have different busy seasons depending on what they offer. For instance, some schools offer winter snowboarding camps or similar winter packages. Applying at the start of a school’s busy season is probably the single best thing you can do to get an interview.
Start as a sub: Even if a school is not actively seeking new teachers, most schools are constantly looking to add teachers to their substitute list. Starting as a sub not only gets your foot in the door, it builds your résumé and your confidence. It gives you a chance to familiarize yourself with a variety of lesson plans, resources and class types. Furthermore, you can sub at a number of schools, which gives you a chance to learn about the schools before you apply for jobs. You can gain insider information on pay, class sizes, work conditions, colleagues and so forth. It also gives you an opportunity to learn more about your strengths and weaknesses, your likes and dislikes. For instance, you may have thought you’d want to work for whichever school pays the most but you may find you prefer a smaller school that has a tight-knit staff.
Tutor: If you’re looking for work during the slow season, it can be difficult but there are many tutoring opportunities available. You can post flyers at local colleges and universities or even at coffee shops and restaurants near language schools. There are also many agencies that hire tutors for ESL positions, though it pays to do your research first. Just like being a sub, this can be a good way to build your skills, confidence and résumé, as well as a way to make ends meet.
Work your connections: Just like almost any industry, it’s as much about who you know as what you know. Did anyone in your TESOL class land a job? Could they put in a good word for you? Did you chat to a few teachers in the lunchroom during your practicum? Can you ask them to keep you in the loop if job opens up?
Gain a speciality: Having an area of expertise increases your odds of landing a job. For example, there are many opportunities for IELTS instructors. Often these require previous experience teaching IELTS but if you highlight your skills correctly, tutoring might be enough. Why not take a workshop on IELTS and/or get some resources from the library and learn as much as you can? Offer to tutor some students at a reduced rate in return for their suggestions on how to help them best prepare. Ask them if you can interview them about their experience taking the test (if they have already taken it). Once you’ve tutored a few students, the skills are transferable and you may even be able to put a measurable success on your résumé (e.g. helped a student move from an IELTS band six to an IELTS band seven).
Keep learning: Look for workshops and conferences in your area. Not only will you gain more knowledge, these look great on a résumé. Furthermore, it’s a good opportunity to make connections. A friendly chat with your seatmate may end with a job lead.
Volunteer: There are many volunteer opportunities for language teachers. Many local libraries and community centres offer ESL tutoring. This is a great way to build skills and connections and experience. Local teaching organizations such as BC TEAL also offer a variety of volunteer opportunities. For example, there are often calls for volunteer coordinators to publicize upcoming workshops and fairs. This can be an excellent way to show off your existing skills if you’re transitioning from one field to another.
Know your passions and don’t be afraid to share them: Schools get numerous résumés. It can be hard to make yours stand out. Highlighting your interests can help set you apart. It can also help you find a school that is a good match. For example, maybe you were the star of the drama club in high school. Maybe the head of the school is a Thespian too or maybe the school offers English through performing arts. A shared interest can also warm up an interviewer. Of course, your passions may not be everyone’s cup of tea so be careful you don’t yammer on about the time you were an understudy.
Learn about the school before the interview: Knowing what to expect and what this school is looking for will give you a real advantage. Look at the website. What type of classes does the school offer? Is the focus on academics or general communication, business or the arts? Are there pictures of staff and students? Photos can give you a real sense of the school’s atmosphere. For example, some schools have a dress code. In those schools, you’ll want to wear business wear to the interview. However, for other prospective employers, overly formally attire can be a no-no. They prefer casually-dressed employees who seem more approachable.
Prepare for interview questions and keep a portfolio: As well as the standard set of questions one usually gets asked in an interview, you’re likely to be asked about things like your teaching philosophy or the methodology you use. You might be asked to pinpoint particular successes or failures in previous lessons. For instance, common questions include: how have you dealt with classroom management issues? How would you teach a particular grammar point? You can’t anticipate every question but thinking of stories that highlight your strengths and/or of key words you want to make sure to say, can give you an edge. If you don’t have a lot of classroom experience, refer to your practicum. You’ll also likely be asked to provide a lesson plan and/or materials at an interview. Bring a few polished and carefully proofread examples that reflect your strengths and philosophy.