TEFL in Israel
TEFL Teaching in Israel
In Israel, the need for English speaking citizens has risen hugely in recent years. With this increase in demand, finding a job teaching English in Israel is easier than ever for those who wish to go there.
Do you fancy teaching English in Israel? Teaching English in Israel is an adventure... make sure it's not too stressful a one by following these simple tips!
Getting certified
It can be of huge benefit in many countries to have got certified in a native English speaking country before travelling abroad to teach English as a Foreign Language. While this isn't a requirement in Israel, it will certainly help you when it comes time to finding a job.
Another requirement for teaching English in Israel is to have a University degree. The subject is really unimportant; what matters is the fact that you have graduated from a University (or if a North American, from college).
The TESOL organisation in Tel Aviv is one of the most highly regarded English-teaching organisations in Israel. The English Teacher Network in Israel (www.etni.org.il) can also give more very useful advice on TEFL in Israel. This is a vibrant site with lots of job ads on their forums, well worth a look.
Finding a position
There is a great need for English Language teachers in Israel as evidenced by the above mentioned site. Most positions will be within more well-off areas, predominantly middle class to upper class neighbourhoods. English is hugely popular as a subject, being taught at all levels and to all ages. You could end up teaching everything from General English to Conversational English to Financial and Business English.
In the same middle class areas, you’lll find that a large percentage of children have private English lessons frequently on a one to one basis. Teaching privately can allow for more flexible working and it can give you more control over what you teach and how you teach. However, within the school systems there are benefits too. Pay is generally higher and you have more job security in general.
Business English teaching is another possibility within Israel. Speaking English is highly important in many areas of business and industry in Israel. Many businesses and corporations in Israel deal with the Western world on a frequent basis, and employees who speak English are an absolute necessity. A corporation may hire you on a job-by-job basis, or even take you on as an in-house trainer, where you'll be expected to teach English to employees one-on-one or in a group setting.
What to expect
The pay in Israel can be rather low compared to other Middle Eastern countries. Nonetheless there are opportunities to increase your worth by going on further training courses, attending conferences or going to workshops. This can greatly increase your value as a teacher and result in pay raises down the road. A resourceful teacher will take any such opportunities that come along and will learn quickly how to increase his or her worth on the job.
The majority of schools who take on TEFL teachers in Israel will offer teacher's housing, and you should take advantage of this situation particularly if you are located in a large city, as housing may be expensive and difficult to find.
You’ll get paid holidays in Israel as part of your contract and this offers a great opportunity to explore a very interesting and conflicting country. Israel is a beautiful place steeped in history, and teaching English to Israeli natives is a unique experience that should not be passed by
