What about Older Teachers? Is Ageism a Problem?
Another reader wrote: 
I am 59 years of age with a university degree in Communications and a TESOL certification. I have applied to numerous ads in various countries seeking ESL teaching employment.
I am a healthy, single person with no children or encumbrances; therefore, I can offer flexibility to meet an employer’s requirements.
I’ve had zero interest from these employers!
The only conclusion I can draw is my lack of ESL teaching experience (although I have had plenty of adult teaching experience), coupled with my age, is preventing me from securing a position.
I have lived abroad previously, but that seems to be of no interest to these prospective employers. What am I to do?
I have no doubt that the root of the issue is your age.
You are about my age and I too, if I was out looking for a job right now, would have some difficulty.
Ageism, Racism and just about every other kind of “-ism” exists in TEFL abroad and to a large degree such things are legal in those countries where you might hope to find work.
What to do about it
But – your most important question – What to do about it?
#1 – Go where you want to teach and apply IN PERSON. Schools don’t know that you are vital and full of energy and positive (all those things that us stereotyped older folks are believed to not be . . .). And especially for us older men – schools assume we are cranky (and frankly, a lot of older guys ARE cranky!).
#2 – Market yourself addressing your previous skills. See: http://www.teflnewbie.com/using-current-skills-to-teach-english/ at our sister publication http://www.TEFLnewbie.com I wrote that and it should help a lot and give you some great ideas on how to change your current job search strategy.
Your lack of experience is not really an issue. People with no experience are hired every day. Even people with no experience and no training get hired.
TED’s Tips™ #1: Passive job searches often don’t work well if you are not young and ”white”. Get out there and get what you want. It just takes a more active approach. For people who don’t have any training at all, get yourself trained to help separate yourself from the crowd.
- English Teaching Internships in China
SHARE With TEFL Teacher Training: If you are an experienced teacher – or even a newbie – that has some positive teaching advice to tell TEFL Teacher Training readers, CLICK HERE.
Tags: ageism TEFL, older teacher, teach english older teacher, TEFL ageism, TESL ageism, TESOL ageism
Uncategorized | Ted | 
February 7, 2012 1:15 am
RSS Subscribe
