For many ELT teachers, summer means the hunt for work to keep you going, as many schools will offer term-time contracts only. For teachers in Spain, that can mean up to three months unpaid, as many schools close around the end of June and reopen mid-September or even October.
If you’re looking for work in the summer, one of the best places to start your search is at tefl.com, with many UK summer schools already starting the application process. Many UK summer schools are residential, though can vary in what’s expected of a teacher – in some, you’ll also be involved in day trips, afternoon and evening activities and possibly even some pastoral care. It’s worth asking lots of questions during your interview and finding out what your duties and responsibilities will be before you sign a contract. Schools in the UK are often regulated by the British Council, meaning that the school must provide ongoing professional development for its teachers in the summer, as well as meeting a number of other agreed standards in terms of quality and professionalism.
If week-long courses with teems from around the world aren’t really your cup of tea, you may be able to find work on a pre-sessional English course at a university. These positions often require higher qualifications, such as a Diploma in TESOL or equivalent. As academic study courses, there are no extra duties, aside from marking assignments and lesson preparation. You can sometimes find cheaper accommodation through the university you apply to, but it’s worth factoring that in when you think about where you’d like to spend the summer. For this type of position, it’s best to go directly to the university’s website to see what courses they offer and if they have any openings.
What ELT work do you take on in the summer? Share in the comments below to help other teachers find the right summer job to suit their needs.
