Thread: Credentials

The wife (Thai) and I will be moving to Thailand much sooner than expected. She has a M.Ed from a US university and I have a BA and MS in the social sciences. I would like to change careers and jump into the world of education. My options seem limited due to not having any teaching credentials. I did have a short stint teaching English in SEA during grad school. I would prefer to teach social studies but have no objection to teaching English. I would hope to get a job in at least a decent EP or mid tier international school upon completion of some sort of formal teaching program.

Accordingly, which option would the house experts advise to a newbie:

a) Online M.Ed in TESOL from Northcentral University in the US. The program is about 2 years, but doesn't offer teacher certification. The only credential that is given is the M.Ed.

b) M.Ed from an international program at a Thai university.

c) Post Grad diploma in education from a Thai university.

I would hope that any of the options would allow me to obtain a Thai teaching license. Also, for flexibility, would all of the above be accepted throughout SEA or would option (b) or (c) limit me exclusively to Thailand?

Thanks for any help.

Originally Posted by been there done that

with your current education , how quickly could you get teaching credentialed in whatever state u live ?

that's the real meal ticket here (more than another masters ) .

Unfortunately, the programs that I checked out take approximately 2 years to gain a state teaching license. If I had the time I would do it, but due to various factors this avenue is not possible. Would the M.Ed be a waste of time and money? The online version also takes 2 years but can be done from anywhere and the price is right. Are you telling me that the Thai education diploma or M.Ed wouldn't be of any benefit in terms of gaining a better (pay and environment) position?

Alternatively, can a US citizen enroll in one of the distance PGCE programs that are being talked about on this forum or is that only for people that were educated in the British system?

I don't think you need to do any of those things to get a job in one of the types of schools you listed.

Originally Posted by Edsman

a) Online M.Ed in TESOL from Northcentral University in the US. The program is about 2 years, but doesn't offer teacher certification. The only credential that is given is the M.Ed.

First course is extremely writing intensive. But your background indicates you're comfortable with research and the APA writing style.

Originally Posted by TerryLH

I don't think you need to do any of those things to get a job in one of the types of schools you listed.

I indicated at least a decent EP or mid tier international school. I was hedging my bet when I said that but hopefully something better might be within reach. I was under the impression that unless one has a teacher certification from their home country it would be highly unlikely that they would break into a top tier school. My circumstances prevent me from getting certified in my home country.

With that said, what specifically are the better schools looking for, a M.Ed or home country certification? Does anyone know of schools that will hire based upon the M.Ed without the certification? Is experience in Thailand valued or even considered when applying or do they want specifically someone with experience in the West?

I would really hate to spend thousands of dollars on something that doesn't give a return on investment. Thanks for your feedback.

Lots of jobs in the ME for an uncertified M.Ed. in ESOL/ESL. Real international schools anywhere that hire Americans want a state certified teacher. And those who hire Brits probably want that PGCE thing which is nothing more than a Graduate Diploma.

ME = Mini English

More than just English is taught in English, but not all subjects.

Originally Posted by TerryLH

ME = Mini English

More than just English is taught in English, but not all subjects.

Thanks for clarifying that for me. How do the ME programs pay compared to the others? Pay isn't everything but it will sure help in letting me know what I can realistically make. This is especially important since I'm considering investing more money into my education.

Originally Posted by Edsman

Have any Americans tried getting a distance PGCE or is it something exclusive to the Brits? From what I can find on this forum, some are having success with the distance PGCE but it seems as if they are all British.

I'm sure Sunderland University would accept non-British applicants on its distance learning PGCE programme if you can stump up the tuition fee. However the question would be whether they would try to class you as an overseas student and so charge twice as much.

Originally Posted by paully

I'm sure Sunderland University would accept non-British applicants on its distance learning PGCE programme if you can stump up the tuition fee. However the question would be whether they would try to class you as an overseas student and so charge twice as much.

I thought all overseas residents had to pay the overseas student rates, even if you're a UK national ?? Could be wrong tho......

^ It's the distance learning aspect. If you're not physically in the UK, do they still charge you double for tuition? Probably...

Originally Posted by aging one

MEP = less than 18h hours per week of English. EP 18 or more.

Is that true ? less than 18 hours a week of English makets a school MEP vice EP ?