TEFL in the UK
Originally from www.TEFLscotland.com
Working in the UK
I frequently get asked about working in the UK. It's a tough one. There is work out there but it's almost in two different spheres.
There is the traditional route of private language schools or the alternative, that is frequently in people's minds when they ask the question, teaching to the newly arrived immigrant populations. Both are possible though I would have to be honest and say (regardless of what I have read on one TEFL training website) that it is nigh impossible for first time teachers to get permanent work in the UK private sector. You are up against highly experienced teachers returning from teaching abroad and you rarely stand a chance.
The ESOL/TESOL sector is different again. There are opportunities out there if you put yourself forward and think creatively. We've heard of people setting up their own classes in conjunction with local hotels where they've been given a room to hold lessons, or people arranging free lessons in church halls; one lady on a recent course contacted all the fish farms in Fort William, jumped on a course down in Ayr ( I know, I know a bit far!)and was off teaching her new found students a few weeks later back up in Lochaber! We've even had a recent student who has gone all proper on us and got a job with Moray Council!
Another major area at this time of year is the Summer School or camp. We've had loads of students interested in the jobs in Spain in Summer Camps but to be honest the experience can be just as good (or bad) here in Scotland and the rest of the UK. We currently have 2 jobs advertised for Centre Manager/Director of Studies positions in Scotland on www.TEFLscotland.com and there are loads of other jobs out there for both the experienced or inexperienced teacher. Take a look at the main job listings page for Summer school work.
There is also another track which might be of interest to some of you. Teaching from home. No, not online (though obviously that is another option but we’ll look at that another day!) but having the student come to stay at your house. This has, in the past, been more of an option in the Southern half of England but is being picked up on more and more further North. I’ve included an ad below to give a little bit more information about the work and what the companies are looking for.
Homestay English Teachers
Living Learning English Location UK, United Kingdom
Experience Entry level
Positions 20
Details
We are looking for experienced and entry level native-speaker EFL teachers with comfortable homes who can offer 1:1 tuition and accommodation to students wishing to learn English intensively in their home.
Living Learning English is a established English Language Homestay organisation. Our students, mainly from France, Germany, Switzerland, Taiwan and Russia come to England to live and study in the home of their teacher. Living as part of a family means they are able to experience British culture at first-hand, as well as being totally immersed in the English language. We have students of all ages from teenagers to business clients.
As a homestay teacher you will be able to enjoy the benefits of working from home and organising your own working day. This is also a very rewarding way of teaching; students are usually very self-motivated, hard-working and make good progress.
Living Learning English supplies all your course materials, but you are free to use any of your own ideas and materials. We are a small, friendly and supportive organisation and offer very competitive rates.
WE ARE PARTICULARLY INTERESTED TO HEAR FROM TEACHERS ABLE TO HOST AND TEACH YOUNG LEARNERS (11-17)
For further information please contact on or email:
Qualifications
First Degree
TEFL Qualification
EU national preferred
