Bilingual Education

Discussion in 'Education, Teaching and related degrees' started by UAtraveler, Oct 10, 2012.

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  1. UAtraveler

    UAtraveler New Member

    Hi, Everyone.

    I know there are a lot of jobs available for people with TESOL credentials, but I'm wondering if most hiring committees would consider a degree in Bilingual Education (18 credit hours) combined with 18 credit hours in Reading to be as valuable as a degree in TESOL? The reason I ask is because Western New Mexico University offers degrees in this realm for about $6,000 through their interdisciplinary studies program. I'm concerned though that a focus in bilingual education will block me out of a number of ESL related jobs.

    Just by way of my background, I hold an MA in Professional Writing, 18 graduate hours in English, and a TEFL certificate. I've also taught ESL in Korea, China, and Qatar. So I think I definitely have the experience that TESOL programs want, but will earning these graduate hours in Bilingual Education and Reading increase my marketability? Or is it better to go with a more expensive program focused solely on TESOL?

    Any comments or advice would be greatly appreciated.

    Kindest regards,

    Bryan

    P.S. All of the classes in the program I am considering are comparable with courses in traditional TESOL programs, so the information I would be learning is nearly identical.
     
  2. ariannehowell

    ariannehowell member

    I admire you for learning these languages since it is an advantage for you that you atleast two language,also with an experienced for teaching 3 countries are your edge over the others. When it comes to rate, It really depends on you and the performance you can give to your clients.
     
  3. mamamichele2girls

    mamamichele2girls New Member

    Seems to me that your degrees, coupled with your experience teaching ESL in both Asia and the Mid-East would make you a very good candidate for employment. You forgot to mention what languages you are fluent in, though. It seems you already possess the proper degrees. Have you gotten any feedback from prospective employers? I would put myself out there first and see what shakes before committing to an additional 32 units of school (+ the $6k cost).
     
  4. mamamichele2girls

    mamamichele2girls New Member

    It really sounds to me like the degree in bilingual education + your experience in the field in both Asia and the Mid-East are very valuable. You fail to mention in your post what your 2nd language is (or do you have more?), but you sound very marketable. Consider what feedback you have gotten from hiring committees, and maybe include the similarities with a traditional TESOL program on your cover letter to keep yourself competitive. But maybe there is someone else out there more qualified to answer this. Good Luck.
     
  5. Koolcypher

    Koolcypher Member

    Bumpity....
     
  6. pumpkin_pie

    pumpkin_pie New Member

    Are you looking for more advice, Koolcypher?

    I teach ESL in Asia and I decided against the WNMU program. The reason why is it's a degree in "interdisciplinary studies." Since most of employers over here don't ask to look at foreign transcripts, they often take the degree at face value. Therefore, a degree in education or TESOL would be much better. It's unfortunate but true.

    Of course experience is very important, but often you need the right degree subject to get you in the door. Let me know if you have any more questions.
     
  7. mazasin

    mazasin member

    Interesting post thanks for this share.
     
  8. ruthevans41

    ruthevans41 New Member

    I think the more languages you know more the marketability you get.
     
  9. heartgann

    heartgann member

    You have an edge over others and that is already shown based on your credentials. Well, admit it if you know more than 1 languages you can compete with so many people for certain jobs available. I also love to learn not only 2 but 4 languages. :)
     
  10. raeofsunshine

    raeofsunshine New Member

    NAU has a Master of Education in Multicultural Education that allows you to concentration on bilingual ed or TESOL. I think it is worth looking into.
     
  11. priyanka741

    priyanka741 member

    yes you are right many jobs available in language field we can taking jobs in traveling field
     

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