What's the job market like for part time ESOL teachers?

[Anonymous]

I am a former classroom teacher and I just can't go back. When my kids are in school I plan on part time employment, so I have thought of becoming ESL praxis and looking for a part time position. I'm in MD. Are these positions hard to come by?

[Anonymous]

sorry, "...thought of becoming ESL certified by taking the praxis..."

[Anonymous]

Please apply to local universities and colleges -- some need ESL instructors and others need ESL educators who can (if you hold the master's or higher) teach "teaching" TESOL. The market should be reasonably strong. If you don't have a master's yet but are interested, several institutions offer this. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I have a master's but it is in Early Childhood (as is my undergraduate degree). I'm not sure even if I became ESL certified I'd be considered qualified to teach adults.

[Anonymous]

I'm sorry, OP, but the PP suggesting you would be qualified to teach the teaching of ESOL at a college is wrong, especially if your only qualification to teach ESOL at all were through taking Praxis.

However, you could be an ESOL/ ELL teacher or tutor for international students in special programs at local colleges. Very flexible schedules and easy to do part time.

[Anonymous]

OP, Prince George's Count public schools is still looking for part time ESOL teachers right now as far as I know. I don't know about MCPS.

It is hard to figure out what positions are available in PGCPS because their website doesn't list them. But you could call the ESOL office and ask about next year's possibilities.

The county is moving to a new type of teacher allocatin system so frankly no one will know until early next school year how many ESOL positions there will be. But if you are willing to take itinterant part time positions, I bet there will be some openings.

[Anonymous]

Question for the PP. If you are hired as an itinerant ESOL teacher, do you receive the same salary benefits as other ESOL teachers? Just curious since I will be job searching for next year and I'd be interested in this type of position as long as the salary and other benefits were the same as a "regular" teacher. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

As a teacher, I can't stand that route - taking the Praxis toward certification in an area in which you have no experience.

with one exception - I have a colleague who's an excellent SPEDucator. She is always paired with an English teacher for grade 9 inclusion. Because she's spent YEARS co-teaching in English, she took her Praxis in English and aced it. If I were a parent, I'd have complete faith in her ability to teach.

However, in your case I'd have my doubts. Don't help dumb down the profession. Get a degree in English as a second language.