Employment in U.S. without a degree?

[tommyd53]

Hello Everyone,

I am wondering what the chances are of finding gainful employment in the U.S. if I were to become certified in TESL, even though I do not have a degree in any discipline. I would be willing to volunteer before, during, or after certification, however, I would need to receive compensation 6-12 months after being certified. I am 60 years young and would like to find meaningful, fulfilling work. I would greatly appreciate any thoughts and advice. Thank you.

Tom D.

[BBrian]

Oh, you have three things going against you in your job search:

1. Age
2. No teaching experience
3. No university degree

There's a healthy supply of English teachers with better qualifications I'm sorry to say. This is the reality. Unless you head out to a rural school or college where fewer teachers are willing to go.

TESL really doesn't hold that much weighting either. Better to do a Cambridge course which I think is 8 weeks intensive.

Volunteering is also a difficult thing. Schools have budgets to afford teachers. The better quality teacher's a school uses, the better a reputation they get. So even offering to be a volunteer teacher would be difficult to get.

Sorry for the grim news.