Hi! My name is Cami and I am a certified ESL teacher from Colorado, USA. A few years ago, I had the fantastic opportunity to teach ESL abroad in China but now I am interested in teaching ESL in The United States. Currently, I am wrapping up my bachelor's degree but I am looking to jump into the field as soon as I finish my classes. I have a few questions to ask before I start my job hunt... What are some of the biggest differences between teaching ESL abroad vs. in the USA? What are some of the similarities? How can someone find a reliable ESL job within the USA? What teaching advice would you give a new ESL teacher in the USA? Do you have any recommendations for ESL teaching strategies or resources? If you teach ESL in the USA, how did you find your employer? I look forward to hearing from you and hearing your suggestions, stories, and pieces of advice. Thanks and take care!
I haven’t taught abroad but I can tell you my experience from working in Canada (alongside American teachers). For one thing, if you work with a non-Chinese company, things will be a bit less strict and more open; meaning you will be able to teach more progressive content and perhaps curate it on your own. I have some fantastic resources that I use as an Off2Class teacher, they are often used in the American K-12 system so that’s been helpful. You can just search “off2class free downloads” and they will come up.. I cant post the link here? Also try to work with companies that protect teachers- see what other employees have to say. You can even work for a few at a time and then choose one you like. It sounds like you would have a lot of luck with VIPKID because it’s a Chinese company that would value your experience and degree. Yet you will lack freedom to curate content with a company like this. Feel free to ask me more questions. Hope this helped!
