Teacher Expectations, Student Performance, and Personal Satisfaction
It has often been demonstrated that that high teacher expectations lead to higher levels of student performance. This is also true in terms of what the teacher expects not only out of their students, but in terms of their level of job success and satisfaction in the teaching profession as a whole.
Perhaps one needs to begin by asking themselves why they would like to be a teacher in the first place. Is it to travel abroad, settle down, or perhaps work toward a comfortable retirement?
Coming from a Western Background it can be mind boggling the changes in student attitudes and expectations when one ventures abroad to teach not only from country to country and region to region, but from town to town and city to city. The levels of professionalism and working conditions vary a great deal along the lines of cultural norms and demographics of wealth and poverty as well as lifestyles of both urban and rural settings.
Similarly student behavior can follow along these same lines. The ebb and flow of life is very different in the urban and rural parts of the Middle East and "developed Asia" compared to urban or rural regions in Southern and Southeast Asia, Central and Northern Africa, Eastern Europe, or Central America and Interior South America, to say the least. It is a good idea to know what to expect before you commit your life's purpose to a place that cannot ultimately fill the demands of what it is you personally need to have a good quality of life.
Before packing up all your worldly possessions into a matchbox and buying a one way ticket to a far off land, it is a good idea to learn about the cultural expectations and financial opportunities available really are, before attempting to navigate the endless list of jobs, nations and potentially life fulfilling experiences. For some a professional working environment with all the latest technology is a top priority, while others are happy in with "little grass shack" and only a few basic necessities. Everyone has a different definition of what a "dream job" looks like for them, although there are some basic common attributes which usually tend to emerge, such as professional treatment/working conditions, competitive pay, professional growth opportunities, collaboration planning and healthy supervisory and subordinate relations, just to name a few.
We at Paradise TEFL we have placed teachers in countries literally the world over depending on your individual background experience and needs. We recommend doing some research to determine which regions will work best for you and beyond that making sure that you have an experienced pool of instructors who have taught in diverse locations, environments and conditions in order to obtain expert advice on where you will find the "best fit" for your individual and family requirements. When in doubt, ask us, we are happy to assist and make practical suggestions to help you find a practical solution to your needs.
If on line or virtual coursework is indeed the most efficient method of choice for you in studying TEFL/TESOL, make sure you seek out a qualified program and that you are getting good feed back on where you should apply after you get certified. Our virtual class offers you hands on experience from the comfort of your own home. Many employers want to know and see evidence of the extent of your hands on and cultural experience as a prerequisite not only in terms of hiring, but in terms of income, benefits, and other perks like housing before they hire and place you, as well as the age and ability of the students they will allow you to teach. These factors also vary and may affect your decisions of where you want to end up when you begin your search for jobs.
A few things to consider are as follows:
If English is not my first or "Native" language does proclude you from becoming a TEFL instructor and where can you go to teach? There may or may not be a set concrete answer, but most likely there will be factors and trends for the kind of teachers they like to hire and with our guidance we can help you to narrow the focus of where you can reasonably expect to find decent work.
Ask yourself some important values questions first. For example, "What kind of economic opportunity do I want and need?" Are you will to give up a life of modern amenities for a job opportunity that provides a rich cultural experience? Or is income more important to you at this point in your career. Is a "laid back lifestyle" more important to you, or are access to consumer goods and western style services paramount to your health and happiness?
Is your goal to travel or to save? To get your feet wet or build a long term career? What kind of lifestyle do you like to afford? Are you comfortable on a shoestring or do you need more creature comforts to create a sustainable life for yourself and others who you care about or share your life with?
Basic considerations like these can help you to adequately prepare and narrow you focus so that you don't arrive with unrealistic expectations or basic necessity complications.
At Paradise TEFL we provide the kind of personal approach to your situation throughout the breadth of our program. From the schedule we set to the places you will conduct your observed teaching. We strive to meet the individual needs of our participants.
Whatever plan of action an unemployed educator decides to take, in general, the more advanced certifications a TEFL or TESOL Teacher holds, the more opportunity they possess in terms of their marketability and increased number of employment options.
For a limited time, Paradise TEFL Certification Program offers these advanced certifications such as TOFEL, IELTS, and TEYL at the SAME PRICE as the basic TEFL/TESOL certification!
The advanced course provides additional English Language teaching certifications and is offered in tandem with our site course in Chiang Mai Thailand, or as a complete series of online modules. You should have already completed a TEFL, TESOL or CELTA course first in order to be eligible and teaching experience is necessary. (Our on-site program provides 2 to 3 weeks of hands on observed teaching practice to help our teachers to effectively develop their skills).
All courses are certified and you will receive a certificate of completion, which is internationally recognized and accepted when you graduate from the course. Many of those who already have experience as TEFL instructors are finding that becoming a certified TEFL trainer is another opportunity and feather in their cap in terms of meeting the demand of TEFL instructors (who are leaving their home countries and working abroad) by teaching others how to teach TEFL effectively.
Graduates with these additional certifications have the advantage of substantially increasing their marketability and employment status. Improve your chances of getting a good job with a higher level of pay by enrolling today!
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