Teaching Academic English
Kirstie, a graduate of the spring 2011 session of the ESL TCP, shares some of her experiences in finding work in the field of EAL below:
What were you doing before TCP, and what led you to decide to enroll?
Before I enrolled in the ESL TCP, I was alternating between substituting and teaching terms in Manitoba public schools (K-12) up north and here in Winnipeg. In between those assignments, I took a year off to teach English in Bangkok, Thailand at one of the Manitoba Affiliated Schools Overseas. My experience in Thailand ignited a love for teaching EAL and a desire for a career change. When I came back to Winnipeg, I went back to substituting and terms, and decided to start taking the necessary steps toward obtaining an EAL teaching position. I started volunteering and substituting for EAL programs to gain more experience, and when I had enough time and money to take the ESL TCP, I enrolled.
What is your current teaching position?
English for Academic Purposes Instructor at the University of Manitoba.
How did the ESL TCP help you in securing this job, or in completing the responsibilities associated with this job? (Were any contacts that you made during the ESL TCP helpful in securing this position? )
The ESL TCP sends out job postings through email almost on a daily basis, so when I saw a posting for my current position, I promptly applied. Another great thing that they do is send out opportunities for professional development, which are also wonderful for networking.
Based on your experiences since graduation, what advice would you give to an ESL TCP graduate looking for employment in this field?
Be diligent about applying to jobs and gain volunteer experience while you're waiting. Experience goes a long way, and many EAL schools welcome and appreciate volunteers .If you have a university degree and are willing to travel abroad, consider applying for one of the Manitoba Affiliated Schools Overseas. You won’t regret it and in my experience, employers appreciate candidates who have lived and taught in another culture. Finally, know your teaching methodologies and be ready to discuss them in detail and show examples of your lesson plans during interviews. Good luck!
What were you doing before TCP, and what led you to decide to enroll?
Before I enrolled in the ESL TCP, I was alternating between substituting and teaching terms in Manitoba public schools (K-12) up north and here in Winnipeg. In between those assignments, I took a year off to teach English in Bangkok, Thailand at one of the Manitoba Affiliated Schools Overseas. My experience in Thailand ignited a love for teaching EAL and a desire for a career change. When I came back to Winnipeg, I went back to substituting and terms, and decided to start taking the necessary steps toward obtaining an EAL teaching position. I started volunteering and substituting for EAL programs to gain more experience, and when I had enough time and money to take the ESL TCP, I enrolled.
What is your current teaching position?
English for Academic Purposes Instructor at the University of Manitoba.
How did the ESL TCP help you in securing this job, or in completing the responsibilities associated with this job? (Were any contacts that you made during the ESL TCP helpful in securing this position? )
The ESL TCP sends out job postings through email almost on a daily basis, so when I saw a posting for my current position, I promptly applied. Another great thing that they do is send out opportunities for professional development, which are also wonderful for networking.
Based on your experiences since graduation, what advice would you give to an ESL TCP graduate looking for employment in this field?
Be diligent about applying to jobs and gain volunteer experience while you're waiting. Experience goes a long way, and many EAL schools welcome and appreciate volunteers .If you have a university degree and are willing to travel abroad, consider applying for one of the Manitoba Affiliated Schools Overseas. You won’t regret it and in my experience, employers appreciate candidates who have lived and taught in another culture. Finally, know your teaching methodologies and be ready to discuss them in detail and show examples of your lesson plans during interviews. Good luck!
Intensive English Program
Before enrolling into the summer 2012 session of the ESL Teacher Certificate Program, Navnish was working as a substitute teacher in the Winnipeg School Division. She shared that she “had been substituting for about a year, and decided that I needed that something "extra" to give me an edge over others in the job market. This is when I enrolled in this program.” Less than one week after completing her studies and practicum in this program, Navnish was offered her current position at the University of Manitoba as an ESL instructor. Clearly, in addition to her valuable skills and experience, the ESL TCP offered Navnish that something “extra” she was looking for.
As Navnish describes, the “ESL TCP was the reason I got this job. While I was taking this course, I applied to a number of places - University of Manitoba was one of them. I got called for the interview two days after completing the course and was able to secure the position.” Her position involves working in the intensive English Language Program with international students from across the world, preparing them for the language and cultural demands of postsecondary studies.
In terms of advice she has for new graduates? “Apply to as many places as you can and make your network bigger. Opportunity is just around the corner - don't give up!”
As Navnish describes, the “ESL TCP was the reason I got this job. While I was taking this course, I applied to a number of places - University of Manitoba was one of them. I got called for the interview two days after completing the course and was able to secure the position.” Her position involves working in the intensive English Language Program with international students from across the world, preparing them for the language and cultural demands of postsecondary studies.
In terms of advice she has for new graduates? “Apply to as many places as you can and make your network bigger. Opportunity is just around the corner - don't give up!”
The University of Manitoba English Language Centre
Danielle completed the ESL TCP in the summer of 2011, and she had secured a full-time teaching position at The University of Manitoba less that a month later.
What is your current teaching position?
I am currently employed as an instructor in the English Language Centre at the University of Manitoba. I teach Level 5 (pre-university) speaking and writing.
I have just finished teaching my first term at the University of Manitoba. I had 49 students divided into groups of 12, who were predominantly Chinese. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have met and taught so many wonderful young people committed to improving their English. As well, the other instructors in the department were also extremely helpful and welcoming. Even though there were days when I was overwhelmed by preparation and marking, as soon as I was in the classroom, my decision to return to teaching was once again validated.
How did the ESL TCP help you in securing this job, or in completing the responsibilities associated with this job?
When I made my decision to return to teaching after a 20-year career in marketing and communications, there would have been very little chance of obtaining employment without the ESL TCP Certificate Program.
Were any contacts that you made during the ESL TCP helpful in securing this position?
All of my course instructors, practicum and observation instructors were extremely helpful as I searched for employment. They provided wonderful references and opened a few doors for me that otherwise might have been closed.
Based on your experiences since graduation, what advice would you give to an ESL TCP graduate looking for employment in this field?
Network as much as you can and keep the faith! This is a growing field and an extremely rewarding one.
For more information on the University of Manitoba's English Language Studies, please select the button below.
What is your current teaching position?
I am currently employed as an instructor in the English Language Centre at the University of Manitoba. I teach Level 5 (pre-university) speaking and writing.
I have just finished teaching my first term at the University of Manitoba. I had 49 students divided into groups of 12, who were predominantly Chinese. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have met and taught so many wonderful young people committed to improving their English. As well, the other instructors in the department were also extremely helpful and welcoming. Even though there were days when I was overwhelmed by preparation and marking, as soon as I was in the classroom, my decision to return to teaching was once again validated.
How did the ESL TCP help you in securing this job, or in completing the responsibilities associated with this job?
When I made my decision to return to teaching after a 20-year career in marketing and communications, there would have been very little chance of obtaining employment without the ESL TCP Certificate Program.
Were any contacts that you made during the ESL TCP helpful in securing this position?
All of my course instructors, practicum and observation instructors were extremely helpful as I searched for employment. They provided wonderful references and opened a few doors for me that otherwise might have been closed.
Based on your experiences since graduation, what advice would you give to an ESL TCP graduate looking for employment in this field?
Network as much as you can and keep the faith! This is a growing field and an extremely rewarding one.
For more information on the University of Manitoba's English Language Studies, please select the button below.