Finding Employment in U.S.
Question from Candidate:
I have a question. I am a PhD in Indo-English Poetryfrom an internationally reputed Indian university. I have also got aPost Graduate Diploma in English Language Teaching with 2.9 GPA on afive point scale. I have published 15 post-doctorate research papers onAmericakn literature of Asian Diaspora in the USA. Before legallyemigrating from India to the USA, I taught English as distinguishedCollege Lecturer in University Professor\'s Grade for more than 35years. But I have not been able to find any teaching job in the USA eventhough I can teach English language and literature from School touniversity level. I can teach all other subjects at the initial level. Ican do meaningful research work in comparative literature and culturefields.Having been the Chief Editor of my college magazine for twentyyears, I happen to have both the verstle ability and experience of writing English precisely and prolifically. But I had to run abroad toteach English in China just because there was no break for me in theUSA. What should I do to find employment in the USA? I am already 62 andunemployed in the USA for the last two years.
You have a very distinguished background in teaching. No doubt you've enjoyed a very meritorious career in India (you've said as much) and now in China.
I have some bad news for you if Southern California is the barometer for the rest of the United States. Education industry dollars are very sparse. Departments are cutting expenses and watching costs to the extreme. There is very little hiring.
There are two suggestions I will make, especially if you are set on the idea of teaching in the United States. Find a section of the country where you specifically want to teach and some universities you would choose -- of different levels on the status spectrum. Check their websites to see whether they have open positions.
The things you want to emphasize are that you can attract students to your class. That you can provide a meaningful learning experience. That your students will gain knowledge that can be applied in many settings and situations as the years pass.
The other thing I would strongly suggest is that you proofread your materials very carefully and have someone who is a native speaker and writer of English proofread your materials for you. A blog or email is written very quickly; errors and typos occur. But the grammatical errors in your post belie the strengths you speak of. If these types of errors are in your resume and cover letter, your evaluators will not believe the high accomplishments you note.
May all your Entrances be through the doors of success!
Have you tried researching the industry and employers through our education career channel at http://jobs.CollegeRecruiter.com/MKT/Content/JS/Channels/EducationTrainingLibrary.asp ? From there, you'll be able to learn much more about the job market for educators in the U.S. and see postings from many of the organizations which are hiring. Apply to those which are of interest to you and for which you are qualified. Then follow-up four to five days later with the employer and keep following up.
Steven Rothberg, President and Founder
CollegeRecruiter.com