AboutDebba Robinson Expertise I can answer questions about reading at all levels, English as a Second Language, elementary math, science and social studies as well as general education matters. Individuals interested in teaching in international schools can contact me for information on how to begin the process of looking for jobs overseas.
Experience I have been teaching for 30 years with a MEd in Reading and Language Arts, a BA in Elementary Education. For 6 years I taught computer to grades K-8. I have taught in combined grades (K-2 and 2-3 splits)in the US and overseas. The bulk of my elementary experience is in second and third grades, although I've taught K, 1, 2, 3 and 5 as a self-contained experience. Twenty-two years of my experience teaching has been in international schools in Africa and Asia.
Education/Credentials MEd. in Reading and Language Arts
BA in Elementary Education Certified principal K-12. Currently the director of the American International School of Niamey, Niger.
Question hello, my name is Lizbeth I want to become an elementary teacher so i can teach kindergarten or second grade. Do I have to major in Elementary teaching and have a minor in a specific subject or can i just mayor in Elementary teaching? Also in the future i plan to teach over seas at an international school, do i have to do more courses on certain subjects? what would be the requirements? how would i find a job over seas?
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME
Answer Hi, Lizbeth - your major depends on where you choose to go to school. I went to a Liberal Arts College and Elementary Education was not possible as a major. I took Speech as my major (since I figured it would help me as a teacher) and minored in Elementary Education. At other schools, Plymouth State University in Plymouth, NH (for example), permits education majors. So .... you need to determine what school you wish to attend and then ask them what they require.
To teach overseas you simply have to have a teaching certificate or the equivalent (if you don't have the certificate but have completed the courses that would mean you could become certified, some schools are permitted to hire). It's also good to get at least 2 years of experience under your belt as it's hard enough to be a first year teacher, but having to adjust to life in another culture can make it even more difficult. If you have lived overseas (parents missionaries, military, etc.) you might find getting a job right out of school easier.
Overseas schools have a number of requirements - but each school is independent so there's no pat answer here. Some schools require a Master's Degree. Visit the school's website as they will often state requirements for employment. Individual subjects are seldom required (unlike states like California that require their state history --- not usually an issue that I know over, overseas).
Does it help to speak the language? Yes, but not required. French, Spanish, German, Chinese, Japanese, etc --- a specific language is OK but you might not find a job in one of those countries. You might choose a school where the host country's language is obscure. It doesn't matter. If you HAVE to know the language, they will help you with lessons. I've been doing this close to 30 years and not been put in that position. But, it DOES help that I speak French now (learned when I lived in Morocco). I lived in Indonesia for 12 years and, sadly, never learned enough to have a conversation - knew just enough to ask for help, get from point A to point B, ...
