Using Current Skills to Teach English
Find your Special TEFL Skills
Most people just grab the first TEFL job that comes their way – I certainly did. No big deal.
But, the really smart people (I said I didn’t do it, remember?) analyze their previous job experience and try to find a TEFL job related to that.
This is assuming, of course, that you enjoyed something you did in the past.
What you Already Know is Powerful Stuff
Believe it or not, I have taught with, and taught (as a teacher-trainer) petroleum engineers, accountants, lawyers, nurses, ship’s pilots, factory managers, artists, designers, social workers, journalists, travel agents, and many other people from very diverse backgrounds.
All these people had very specialized skills that are needed in the TEFL world. They had in-depth knowledge of specialized vocabulary, processes and procedures that schools and businesses value. You too, probably have such skills.
The Best Way to Market Yourself in TEFL
One very nice way to upgrade where you might teach, is to go and find a college, technical school or university that teaches that special skill your work history has given you.
Wouldn’t an engineering school or tech company prefer an engineer to someone with no knowledge of their field? I know nothing of design and mathematics!
Wouldn’t a nursing school or international hospital prefer a nurse or medical assistant who knows the specialized vocabulary of the field?
Wouldn’t a large international accounting firm prefer an experienced accountant?
Wouldn’t a college or university prefer someone who knows exactly the stresses and challenges their students are facing? Of course they would.
Other Benefits of this Job Search Method
Other than the fact that teaching ESP (English for Special Purposes) almost always pays better than teaching General English, you will also find people with whom you share similar interests and knowledge.
And where better to find friends in your new country?
If you can’t find such a job at first, don’t forget to keep looking. They are out there, usually pay better – and you will enjoy yourself more.
My Good Luck
I’ve had the good fortune to teach ESP classes in every country in which I have worked. They always paid more and they were always more interesting.
Ted’s Tips™ #1: Search the Internet for colleges and universities and large corporations in your target country that specialize in what you already know. Approach them first and be sure you have highlighted your related skill in your resume/CV.
Their students are always more motivated because you are literally there to help them do a better job with their English speaking customers and sometimes even their English speaking boss(es).
Ted’s Tips™ #2: Just because a school isn’t advertising doesn’t mean they aren’t looking for a teacher and/or don’t need you.
Smart people approach schools when they aren’t advertising – and avoid the flood of applicants. It is a way to lessen the competition for that ESP job you want.
Tags: Job Search Teaching English, jobs teaching English, TEFL Job Search
Uncategorized | Ted | 
September 6, 2009 9:11 AM
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