Non-native English teacher???

Question

I am an EFL teacher with a degree and celta recognition, but in London they refuse to offer me a job since I am not a native speaker, I do not have a British accent, I admit, it's quite American, but do you think it is fair to turn qualified people down just because they are non-natives? What do you think???

I have a valid work permit, nothing illegal:)))

Answer 1

No it certainly is NOT fair. (I don't know how you can put it so mildly...)

Anyone with a talent to share and a dedication to help others, should be encourage to do so, with open arms, regardless of their nationality or skin colour or beliefs.

Governing bodies, polictics, are not my forte but there are bound to be others in a similar situation as yourself. I hope you get some positive feedback on this that will steer you in the right direction.

Good luck.

Answer 2

No, I don't think it's fair.

I did EFL back in the day for a couple of years and worked with non-native speakers - Portuguese and Polish - who were both good enough to teach CPE level.

If you have the qualification, you are good enough -don't let anyone tell you otherwise - and remember London is a vast city with literally hundreds of English Language schools. Just keep looking - I'm sure you'll be employed sooner rather than later.

Answer 3

I think it depends on where you want to work. If you want to work for a private English school in your home country, I don't think you need a degree nor a certificate. As long as you speak English and know its grammar, I'm pretty sure that they'll hire you. I don't know what kind of certificate you have now, but if you want to work in the US, you need to have a TEFL (?) or TESOL certificate, I believe. Good luck! ;) ******************************* Are you from Japan? Well, it also depends on your personality; however, I know there are a lot of openings in Japan. Gambatte! ;)

Answer 4

You are in a competitive situation where supply (of teachers) outstrips demand.

Try another country.
Or try another career.
Or keep trying in London.

You are a native speaker of English (if, as you say, you are American)
Apparently students who come to the UK to learn English prefer to have Teachers who speak (and teach) British English.

Is that surprising?

Answer 5

It may have more to do with your qualifications. I used to work for a General Teaching Council and sometimes people were refused registration because their qualifications did not meet the required criteria.

I would contact the British Council www.britishcouncil.org and see if they can point you in the right direction for getting employment. They may also be able to advise you with regard to whether your qualifications meet the required criteria.

Good luck!

Answer 6

It depends how well you know the nuances of the language which come "natural" to native speakers of a language. My experiences have been that non-native speakers of a language ... no matter how well they speak and write it get lost when it comes to the "patois" of a particular language.

I doubt if the prohibition has anything to do with your accent.

Answer 7

My English teacher was Irish.. we all thought it was wrong and couldn't understand her sometimes but it just made most of us listen more carefully.

Answer 8

No, that's not fair.

But is it because of your accent or because of EU rules?