Shenandoah University ESL

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by jw72, Jan 26, 2003.

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  1. jw72

    jw72 New Member

    Is an M.S. in ESL from S.U. widely accepted in the ESL field? Would Middle East employers take me seriously with this degree?

    Thanks,
    jw
    [email protected]
     
  2. Christopher Green

    Christopher Green New Member

    Hello there~~

    I can't say much for the efficacy of the Shenandoah degree, but I was actually enrolled in this program at one time. They were very professional. I just decided it wasn't what I wanted.

    Because of the current attitude toward Americans in the Middle east, especially because of future developments, I might suggest you find another route to learn ESL through. But, then again, it may not matter. There are tons of ESL programs. Oxford Brookes, Leicester, USQ (I think), and others. Just do a search on gradschools.com.

    Chris
     
  3. tcnixon

    tcnixon Active Member


    I rather like the Shenandoah program. In comparing it with other such programs, it seems to be better than most. Yes, a Middle East employer would certainly see it as valid.

    Could it get you a job in the U.S.? Probably not, but it is almost impossible to get decent full-time positions in ESL. They are usually won after long years of adjuncting.

    I'm probably the only person that you will ever "meet" who actually gave one up.

    I should mention that I used to write a column for ESL Magazine. Apparently I wrote something sufficiently nice about the Shenandoah program that they use a quote from me in their advertising, both in print and on-line. Probably my one claim to fame.


    Tom Nixon
     
  4. KKA

    KKA Member

    What is the current attitude towards Americans in the Middle East? What is one thing to do with another?

    KKA
     
  5. mr.nye

    mr.nye New Member

    Shenandoah U. & getting a job in the US

    ... would like to keep this thread going..

    It was mentioned that the MS in ED TESOL degree probably wouldn't get you a job in the US.. I'm just wondering if that is still true today. and, is that because it is a smaller, lesser known school ( as opposed to not having RA, which it appears to have)?

    also, when you say "job," are you just talking about higher ed. postions, which are almost always more dificult to land from the start..?

    from what i have read, there seems to be substantial increases in LEP (limited english proficiency) students all over the US, not just in the more well known immigrant populated areas(California, New York, etc..)

    there have also been reports of teacher shortages in the ESL field.

    if one were to have a degree like that offered by Shenandoah, would one be able to find full time teaching positions? primary, secondary, higher ed?

    Thanks!
     
  6. adireynolds

    adireynolds New Member

    The Shenandoah degree would be seen as valid by some employers in the ME, some not. For example, the national universities in the UAE would accept it, but secondary schools and the Military Language School (which fall under a different ministry) wouldn't. I don't think any distance degrees are accepted to teach in Saudi, but I might be wrong about that -- haven't lived there for a few years! I can't speak for the other ME countries, though -- I'd recommend posting that question to the discussion forums at Dave's ESL Cafe (www.eslcafe.com) to find out about Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, etc.

    As for attitudes toward Americans in the ME, I've not had any problems. Most folks can differentiate between people and gov'ts -- in other words, they are angry at the U.S. gov't foreign policy stands on the Palestinian situation, but in terms of individual Americans working and living (at least in the UAE), there's no conflict, and the nationals are very warm and congenial. This is my experience, at least, of 5+ years over here.

    Tom, maybe I'm the second to give up a full-time tertiary ESL job in the U.S.! :D There are ESL shortages in different states in the secondary schools, but if you want to teach at uni level, as Tom says, it's almost impossible to find a full-time w/benefits position out there. The competition is cutthroat, and adjuncting for several schools for several years before landing one is the definite norm.
     
  7. HJLogan

    HJLogan New Member

    It would seem to be accepted in Canada. I know of at least one person who is teaching at the University of Calgary with a MED TESOL from this school.

    Migwec
    Jeff
     
  8. mr.nye

    mr.nye New Member

    regarding Shenandoah & teaching ESL in the US

    thanks for the replies.

    It sounds like the issues with the Middle East & whether or not they accept distance agrees & whether they treat Americans differently are more complicated....

    I would also recommend either a seperate thread and/or consulting those with experience in the ME. the TESL-L (JB-L) Listserve may also be a good place to put this question out. I'd like to, instead, stick to the relevance of the Shenandoah MS Ed TESOL degree as it relates to job hunting specifically in the US, and not necessarily at the Uni level, as it has often been mentioned that Uni level ESL jobs, Full Time w/ all the extras, are hard to come by. The situation is the same here in Japan.

    What I am really curious about is, with all of these supposed LEPs that the Dept of Education reports are popping up all over the US(state by state analysis ), are there many Full Time positions at the Secondary level (or even Primary) that one could make a career out of?

    :confused:
    ..Would really enjoy any responses...
     
  9. tcnixon

    tcnixon Active Member

    Re: Shenandoah U. & getting a job in the US


    Yes, there is a need for teachers with training in teaching language minority children. However, this need varies widely from state to state.

    There is no need at all for anyone who would like to teach at a community college or university. Quite the opposite is true. Each advertised position will often receive a couple hundred applications.


    Tom Nixon
     
  10. tcnixon

    tcnixon Active Member

    Re: regarding Shenandoah & teaching ESL in the US


    I don't know, but I can tell you that the trend is to provide classroom teachers with additional training instead of hiring ESL teachers. This is true in many states.

    Actually, I don't thinking looking at the statistics will help you much, because the numbers are too spread out. I would decide where you are willing to teach and talk to those school districts. As a general rule, hiring is done at the district level and varies widely from state to state.


    Tom Nixon
     
  11. mr.nye

    mr.nye New Member

    :D

    thanks!
    Im really stressing over this, so all of your input is greatly appreciated...

    i decided to start up a new thread that focuses a bit more on my own personal concerns, but i suspect that there are others out there...

    with all of the Aussies, Yanks, Brits, Canucks, & Kiwis running around in E. Asia alone, most of them eventually going home, i would imagine that some of them pick up a degree and continue teaching English back in their home countries...

    if i had my way, i'd buy you all a beer and find out how YOU're doin' it..

    cheers,
    Nye
     
  12. tcnixon

    tcnixon Active Member

    Happened to come across this link while doing research. In Florida ESL teachers-to-be are considered part of their critical teacher shortage and are eligible for tuition reimbursement.

    Florida Department of Education




    Tom Nixon
     

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