Teaching English in Spain

[Pesky Wesky]

Originally Posted by Caz.I

I have heard that some of the CELTA courses vary in standards too. Most people, I think, do the 4 or 6 week intensive course I did the CELTA at my local further education college over 6 months, and it involved a lot of coursework, classroom observations, teaching practice and had rigorous standards (so much so that at the teaching feedback sessions every week someone usually burst into tears!).


TEACHING IN LANGUAGE SCHOOLS
If you teach in language schools or academies, you will probably have to teach between 4pm – 9 or 10pm, IMO, adults are less reliable because they have other commitments, and children are more reliable, because they have no choice in going! Outside of big cities, it is essential to also have a car if you are teaching in-company classes and you can earn more money teaching Business English as far as I know.

In the 6 years I have been here, I have found work through looking on the internet, some through English language newspapers, and some offers just by visiting language schools on spec, although private classes have mostly come through word of mouth. But I have to say, stable, well-paid, secure full-time jobs are rare. If you find any, let me know!

Generally, I think the more qualifications and experience you have (and Spanish language skills), the better.

So much info, I hope it's appreciated when the time comes round. Give the woman some points please. (I tried, but can't work out the system!)

[Pesky Wesky]

Originally Posted by Caz.I View Post

I have heard that some of the CELTA courses vary in standards too. Most people, I think, do the 4 or 6 week intensive course I did the CELTA at my local further education college over 6 months, and it involved a lot of coursework, classroom observations, teaching practice and had rigorous standards (so much so that at the teaching feedback sessions every week someone usually burst into tears!).


Yes, the course is short and intensive. Some people only do this, but many people have come to this in a round about way (like myself!) and have a BEd, or PGCE or something, and many people have business experience which is hugely useful if wanting to teach in companies

TEACHING IN LANGUAGE SCHOOLS
If you teach in language schools or academies, you will probably have to teach between 4pm – 9 or 10pm, IMO, adults are less reliable because they have other commitments, and children are more reliable, because they have no choice in going! Outside of big cities, it is essential to also have a car if you are teaching in-company classes and you can earn more money teaching Business English as far as I know.

Yes, timetables are a problem. I teach in companies and typically teach 8:00 - 9:30 13:30 - 16:30 and after 18:00. In the gaps I may be able to have a phone class or do a translation. Sometimes there are all day intensives or all afternoon or something. But it is better paid - 25 - 35 euros the hour (self employed). However, I would say as well that it's normally the more experienced teachers who are employed in this kind of work. I have to use the car because there is not public transport to any of the office blocks that I work in, but I don't live in the city.

In the 6 years I have been here, I have found work through looking on the internet, some through English language newspapers, and some offers just by visiting language schools on spec, although private classes have mostly come through word of mouth. But I have to say, stable, well-paid, secure full-time jobs are rare. If you find any, let me know!

I have been in the same companies 5 yrs, 4 years and 1 yr. With phone classes I've had the same people 3yrs, 2yrs and 1 yr

Generally, I think the more qualifications and experience you have (and Spanish language skills), the better.

Yes, especially for company classes especially if you're self employed you have to talk directly to people in HR who may or may not speak English

[SteveHall]

Much great information - thanks to all who have added these factual posts. I have taught and it is absolutely my least favourite occupation but fortunately for us all there are those who love what they do and are good at it. I take my hat off to you all.

[sharont000]

I would to thank all for info provided too. I am very interested in moving to Spain in couple of years time. I am currently qualifying to be a primary school teacher and also have hons degree in Business management. I am a single mother of 3 children however so there are many concerns regarding a move. My parents will however be moving before me so it will help if they move somewhere close to good working areas for me! Bit selfish perhaps for me but they will enjoy the children lol.

I will continue to read your posts for info and accept any advice you are willing to give me.

Many thanks

Sharon

[Pesky Wesky]

Originally Posted by sharont000

I would to thank all for info provided too. I am very interested in moving to Spain in couple of years time. I am currently qualifying to be a primary school teacher and also have hons degree in Business management. I am a single mother of 3 children however so there are many concerns regarding a move. My parents will however be moving before me so it will help if they move somewhere close to good working areas for me! Bit selfish perhaps for me but they will enjoy the children lol.

I will continue to read your posts for info and accept any advice you are willing to give me.

Many thanks

Sharon

WOW!
You've got a lot on your plate. Single mum, 3 kids and studying!!
At least you're not afraid of hard work!
Before your move, as you say it'll be in a coulpe of years, try to get some Spanish under your belt. The kids, depending on their ages will probably adapt to the language far easier than you

[grahunt]

The best jobs in the international schools are in Primary as the staff turnover is a lot less and you can make very good friendships. Also the children being young will settle down better probably.
However remember that wages in most areas are around 1500-1700 Euros pcm for primary so make sure that your rental, purchase of property doesn't cost more than 500 pcm because if it does you would struggle to get to the end of the month unless you are seriously good at economising.
Spanish is not too important at primary level in the international schools because the teaching is all in English. However having Spanish can be an obvious advantage in so many other ways

[jojo]

Originally Posted by grahunt

The best jobs in the international schools are in Primary as the staff turnover is a lot less and you can make very good friendships. Also the children being young will settle down better probably.
However remember that wages in most areas are around 1500-1700 Euros pcm for primary so make sure that your rental, purchase of property doesn't cost more than 500 pcm because if it does you would struggle to get to the end of the month unless you are seriously good at economising.
Spanish is not too important at primary level in the international schools because the teaching is all in English. However having Spanish can be an obvious advantage in so many other ways

It seems around our way the international schools are all three in one. Nursery, Primary and secondary. In fact my kids school also has a "6th form".

Jo xxx

[sharont000]

Originally Posted by Pesky Wesky

WOW!
You've got a lot on your plate. Single mum, 3 kids and studying!!
At least you're not afraid of hard work!
Before your move, as you say it'll be in a coulpe of years, try to get some Spanish under your belt. The kids, depending on their ages will probably adapt to the language far easier than you

Cheers for that! yeah doing spanish too at night class but it will take a while lol

Sharon x

[grahunt]

Originally Posted by jojo

It seems around our way the international schools are all three in one. Nursery, Primary and secondary. In fact my kids school also has a "6th form".

Jo xxx

But the turnover of staff is in secondary more than anywhere else.

[Pesky Wesky]

Originally Posted by grahunt

But the turnover of staff is in secondary more than anywhere else.

I wonder why?????!!!!!