There are literally hundreds of native English speakers teaching English in Madrid. From gap year students who are looking to make some quick cash while travelling throughout Europe and beyond to full time professionals who have set-up their lives, professions and businesses here. It also seems for every type of teacher there is a blog which argues the virtues of a particular type of teacher, training course, teaching certificate or method of teaching.
One thing they all seem to share however is that no matter how someone finds themselves in Madrid and considering a teaching job they tend to face similar questions:
How do I get a teaching job in Madrid?
Should I work for an academy or teach privately?
What is the best academy to work for?
How much will I get paid?
Can I get a contract or do I need to be Autonomo?
What is Autonomo?
Who will I be teaching?
Where do I find ESL resources for my classes?
These are only a few of the questions I had when considering settling and working in Madrid and quite frankly, given the number of decisions a new teacher has to make before even entering the country it's a miracle there are so many of us here! But, here we are and all finding a way to make a living in this crazy, busy, beautiful, historic, incredible city.
Hopefully, if you are sitting at home considering taking the leap into teaching, Spain or just a new life my experiences may be able to help. Perhaps you are an English teacher in Madrid or elsewhere in the world and can use this site as a place to share ideas and suggestions because I know I certainly don't have all the answers. Maybe as an English student this will help you improve your English as I post some of my observations from living and working here. Or maybe I'll just be writing for my own amusement.
Regardless, I'll update this site regularly, try to keep things interesting and see where it takes us.
Happy reading!
Had you been a student of the Spanish language yourself? Were you fluent before you got into this career? It sounds wonderful to me.
ReplyDeleteMary Ellen
Hi Mary Ellen. Thanks for the comments.
ReplyDeleteBefore arriving in Spain I spoke NO Spanish at all. I will be giving updates of my progress learning the language on here. Thankfully my English students are more receptive in class than I am as a Spanish student!
Hey mate, sure your new blog will be a hit and very useful for people thinking about teaching here and those that already do!!! Un abrazo. Pete.
ReplyDeleteHi - like yourself, both myself and partner have just enrolled in a tefl course with a view to moving to Spain - will keep up to date with your adventures and use as a goal.
ReplyDeletethanks
Babs