r/ESL_Teachers

[removed]

People in Western countries, particularly English-speaking but also in countries where other languages are spoken are told huge lies about how by spending a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, they can attend classes and get a diploma that will let them travel the world and experience life in a new country, learn a language while making a salary comparable to the folks back in your country. The first promise is absolutely true, the second is partially true (your colleagues will be mainly other expats or locals that studied English at university level so you have to actively seek opportunities to learn the language in your free time) and the last is simply not true at all. ESL teachers either go back when they've had enough of living in a crappy flatshare or end up having lived abroad for many years without any savings.

It needs to be made clear to young adults that TESOL is not a long-term career unless they get qualifications which can be used to get a job in a public school (which can be very hard to do once you leave your own country) or have the funds and skills to start a private business and have people teach for you while you take a share of the profits. I personally live well but I am not and will never be the main breadwinner in my family. Meanwhile many are living in poverty abroad with no clear route to improving their own circumstances.

I feel like I've been messing up since the school year started. I feel disorganized and am trying to take it day by day. Its hard working with other teachers who are so different. I am in my 5th year and am used to adapting but lately I just feel like I can do it anymore. I have nothing to fall back on and am thinking of going back to school for something else. I work with 2 teachers (different grade levels) who are both very type A and always organized with everything - small groups and planned to a T. And then the other 3 who are type B - i feel ok when i make mistakes but the other two terrify me.

I tested 3 kids because they are native Spanish speakers and now i am getting emailed about the tests and now i am wondering if I did it wrong. I read it and followed what was asked but didn't write in subbed answers which is probably what the teacher wanted but there was no mention of that so now I am in my head about it.

I hate testing students with Gen ed testing materials. Makes me so nervous if I mess up..

I already feel like teachers dont think i am fit for the job

Hi all

Does anyone know of any agencies in china that specifically place ESL teachers in secondary schools?

Thx!