What to Expect After Your TEFL Course - Hours and Pay

When I signed up for my TEFL course, I was reallystudents, your schedule will begin to get better and
unsure what to expect. The course was a surprise inbetter until you have your golden schedule (working
terms of how intensive it was and I was shocked (andthe least amount of time for the most amount of pay
very embarrassed) by how little I knew about my ownwith as many block hours as possible).
language. The biggest surprise however, was whatPay:
happened once I finished my TEFL course in Madrid - itWhatever profession, this is always a sticky subject to
was a roller coaster of good jobs, bad jobs andtalk about. Teaching rates are often quoted in hourly
meeting some amazing people.rates and new graduates can get very fixated with
For many people who take a TEFL course they alsothe hourly rate but there are many more things to
have very little idea about what to expect when theyconsider than just this. This is an example:
graduate. My main experience is in Spain but from myYou have been offered two jobs:
discussions with my graduates who are now aroundFor job A you have been offered the following hours
the world, the market in rest of Europe is very similaron Monday/Wednesday: 08.00-09.00,13.30-15.00 and
to that in Spain.18.30 - 20.00. On Tuesday/Thursday you have been
Working hours:offered 07.00 - 08.30, 13.00 - 14.00 and 19.00 - 20.30.
When I tell potential trainees that the normal workingThe rate is 18 euros net an hour, which would give you
week is between 20 and 25 hours and often a foura weekly salary 288 Euros.
day week, they think - that sounds easy, sign me up!!For job B you have been offered the following hours
What's important to remember is that as well ason Monday/Wednesday: 08.00-09.00, 13.00-16.00 and
teaching the hours, you have to add on travel time and18.30 - 20.00. On Tuesday/Thursday you have been
lesson planning. This will certainly make it into a full timeoffered: 07.00 - 08.30, 13.00-16.00 and19.00-20.30. This
job. Even if you only work 4 days a week, you arejob offers a rate of only 15 Euros net an hour. But
likely to leave the house at around 7 in the morningbecause of the block hours you take home 345 Euros
and get home after 10 pm which is by no means aa week. Over 4 weeks this adds up to a huge amount
part time job.of money and you get home the same time each
The typical schedules vary depending on whether younight for both jobs.
are teaching in company, in academy or private work.Make sure you look at the whole picture as some will
Later articles will discuss the pros and cons of theoffer higher hourly rates, other lower rates but more
type of classes available.block hours; others will pay holiday and sick pay -
It is also important to remember that when you are aconsider all that is being offered before making a
newbie teacher, you can't be as picky as thedecision.
seasoned teacher. I always advise my graduates toFinally, remember whether you are new to teaching or
be selective but to remember that you need to provehave been doing it for a long time, job satisfaction is
you are a good teacher by being organized,the key to being a happy teacher. The TEFL industry
responsible and on time. Once the agency or schoolcan often be seen as a way to earn money until you
begin to see that you are someone they can rely onfind a 'real' job but for many of us who take it seriously
and you start to receive positive reports from yourand do well; it can mean a whole new career.
Natasha Mason Kennedy is an experienced TEFL trainer and owner Teacher Training Madrid in Spain - www.ttmadrid.com