Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) in Finland

[shrecher]

Yes, they respond after several months and 200 euros, and depending on the profession, but for teaching in a school, they usually want you to attend some supplementary courses about the National Finnish Education system.

Not necessary to pay for asking. Next, 200 euros is not a huge value for evaluation. Finally, you could deduct it from tax.
"supplementary courses" could be organized via Töovinatoinisto, you can even get a student allowance (230 E) while you attend this training.

You must know Finnish to go to a teacher training school in Helsinki.

It depends on specialty and school. If you are gonna to teach English the Finnish is optional

There is an English Master's program in Oulu to become qualified to Finnish standards after two years. Yes, you can still be a teacher, but under the poverty level salary, i.e., half of what your "certified" Finnish colleagues have. Believe it, Schrecher, this is the problem with retaining foreign teachers at foreign language schools is having their degrees (even within the EU) recognized in Finland. I wouldn't post something about this that isn't true, believe me, it is a serious problem for teachers with foreign degrees.

Well, if you are not motivated you can find 10001 reasons why not.

[Rosamunda]

I wouldn't post something about this that isn't true, believe me, it is a serious problem for teachers with foreign degrees.

Yes, it is true and rather stupid considering so few jobs are open to foreigners anyway (due to the language barrier).

But, if I remember correctly (am not too sure about this) any foreigner who has been teaching continuously for x number of years in the same post gets tenure + salary on a par with the locals, automatically. So if you are teaching 5th graders in an ala-aste and you have been there doing that job for 5 years (?????) you gain full recognition and status....

Am I making that up or is it true? I think some teachers in Komeetta explained that rule to me a few years ago. Most of the English teachers there have been in their jobs for many years. I believe they do have tenure (and the equivalent salaries) by now.

BTW the English language schools do not get any "extra" money for offering a bilingual programme. So all their extra teaching materials (books, etc) have to come of the usual budgets. That has nothing to do with teaching salaries (teachers are paid directly by the local authorities, not out of the schools operating expenses) but it shows how tight the local authorities are when it comes to education. And because the Finnish system is so highly rated, there is little reason for anyone to make any changes!

Although a masters in primary school teaching (eg from Helsinki Uni) is beyond the reach of all but fluent foreigners (it is NOT possible to take this qualification in English), I believe it is possible to gain an M.Ed. leading to secondary school teaching (yla-aste) as Helsinki Uni faculty of education does offer places to foreigners on this programme and there are courses run in English.

[boyani]

i am a lady 21years of age.
african by origin live in helsinki.
seeking to work as babysetter, cleaner,shopkeeper, restrant worker,housekeeper, sells person, ticketseller
and any other related post available
am a university student was taking business administration befor i moved to finland eary this year.
i speek good english.
any oppotunities contacts will be my gratitude.