I graduated with an MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages so that I could teach ESL. The most successful graduates of my program are academic coordinators at private schools, college preparation instructors at UC extension programs, university lecturers, or usually find themselves employed with a salary. I had no experience in my field coming in to the program and I spent most of my time feeling isolated from the successful cliques of students during my time in grad school (maybe going to school straight back from Iraq was a bad idea, huh?). I've only had part-time positions at a few schools and one full time position at a program attached to a community college, but I'm always the least experienced teacher that gets cut when student enrollment gets low. I now have 2 years of cumulative experience in my field, but most of that was a year and months at my first job with some extra time at two other schools. I just feel at a loss as to what I should do now.
Answers
As an educator, you are in the right field and right content area. Teaching ESL, whether it be at an elementary school or at the college level, is in great need of excellent teachers. Kudos to you for choosing this path. Everywhere I go for conferences and training teachers, I hear of the need for resources and teaching staff for the ESL population. However, colleges and universities are looking for staff that has experience teaching, as well as a master's degree (Which I think you have?). It may take a few years to reach this goal but you're on the right track.
It has been suggested for you to volunteer with this population, which is a great idea. This can be done at any school (with a background check) or even at a center that helps individuals to become future citizens. (I did this for a few years and it was incredibly gratifying!!) Once you update your resume, highlight this aspect and lead with that at interviews.
You can't measure your self against anyone. Listen to all the responses. You are needed, but maybe not where you think. English as a second language is needed in areas of SAT prep, school support for all subjects, difficulties in applying for college. Check the junior colleges for ESL support. Create your own syllabus for a community college course for ESL. Your skill is needed everywhere. Take the lead and become a resource. Contact me and we can discuss.
Brian,
What David and Jerry say is the truth; you cannot compare yourself to others because their experience does not match yours. What are your overall goals? Are you looking to stay within a community college setting or are you looking to work in a foreign city teaching English? Or do you want to get into a High School setting? There are many options, but it's not clear as to which avenue you wish to pursue.
This is where networking and and building your network comes into play. As Jerry points out, find others on LinkedIn who are doing what you want to do and ask for an informational interview. Tell them what you want to accomplish and ask if they'll share with you the path they took and determine what part of it resonates with you and your experience to see how you can get there.
Curt brings up a good suggestion to volunteer with organizations who look for those who can teach ESL. Those organizations can also provide valuable information regarding what the needs are for someone with your skill set and how it can best, most effectively be leveraged.
Consider your ENTIRE breadth of experience both within the military and beyond as THAT is what you bring to the table, not "just" your graduate program training. You are the sum of your parts, not the other way around, so don't sell yourself short, in any area of your background.
Lastly, I would suggest you look for live job postings to see what the requirements vs preferred qualifications are and do a gap-analysis to see what qualifications you meet and where you still need some additional skills (if any). This will also help you to determine what type(s) of jobs that are of interest, where your qualifications reside and what, if anything additional you need to do to get there.
Brian,
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What are you using to measure your success? I feel that you're not looking at the big picture. You need to look at all your military experience and measure that against any of the others in your grad class. Highlight all of your military experience. Also if you can get some letters of recommendation from past schools and any of your commanding officers. Highlight things like any security clearances that you might have been given, any Good Conducts, and any extra courses that you might have taken while in the military. If I can be of any more help just let me know. (prior service, Army in Personnel, taught TAP, and worked in Veteran's Services for the gov.)
I would look for a place in your area and do some related volunteer work and also continue to network with other organizations and people. Everyplav you go ask them for additional referrals and potential resources where you can applu your skils. I would also develop a job seeking card...that would be lke a business card as you network. Ihope this gets you started!
Brian first you cannot measure your life to the success of others, it is apple and oranges. First delve into this new career, find out as much as you can about the English professor/training process. Start networking online with people in the same group on LinkedIn, make sure you join groups that are active and you grow your network. CA has a lot of highly educated people and not so many jobs, many other parts of the country are not the same i.e. Nebraska just moved to #1 in lowest unemployment. I know two adult children of ours went to Cincinnati for a very deep 3 week course on Spanish and living in Spain, bill was paid for by John Deere. There maybe Japenese schools other places, as CA is very expensive? Just an example of types of companies out there and no rhythm there are in Cincinnati. Maybe an assignment back overseas with a government contractor would add to your resume.
After a quick review of your LinkedIn profile I would interject some quantifiable accomplishments that have to do with people, even if it was Army. People want to know you get things done, they can bring you in, and you solve your bosses problems. What Is In It For Me is how you need to look at your profile, if you were hiring does your profile and resume answer that question. Thanks for your service and hope some of this helps. God Bless.
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