Monday Misconceptions: Week 1

This post is the first in a series focused on misconceptions about TeachBeyond.  Are you wondering what TeachBeyond is all about?  Check back for new posts on Mondays - or if you can't wait, check out teachbeyond.org!

Misconception #1:  TeachBeyond is only for certified teachers.

TeachBeyond.  Since 2009, this name has helped to accurately portray our focus on educational ministry around the world.  However, contrary to this misconception, TeachBeyond is not just for teachers.

1.  Many positions do not require teacher certification.  From school nurse to IT, dorm parent to business manager, there are many roles that don't involve teaching.  Each of these is key to the process of transformational education!  Simply put: Without them, schools couldn't run.

2.  We provide TESOL training.  We have a number of opportunities for teaching English Language Learners (ELL), both in national and international school settings.  Most of these don't require a four-year degree in TESOL, but we don't want to send untrained ELL teachers without equipping them.  Every June, there are three weeks of TESOL training through the Institute of Cross-Cultural Training and Wheaton College's TESOL Department.  In addition, members who are interested in further study may pursue an M.A. in TESOL and Intercultural Studies through an affiliation with Wheaton College.

3.  A subject-area bachelor's degree may be sufficient.  Depending on the position and school, there may be opportunities to teach a subject that you have studied, such as a foreign language or art. Many of our schools will also consider applicants who have degrees in core subject areas, such as science and math, that are difficult at times to fill with certified teachers.  In many of those scenarios, we can help these new teachers gain temporary certification through ACSI.  We also provide an intensive one-day tutorial geared to those lacking formal education training, as well as the option of ongoing mentorship by an experienced teacher.

We do love inquiries from certified teachers!  If you've been through an education program, you know how beneficial it is to know about and have experience with classroom management, evaluation, and differentiation.  However, we don't want our non-educator friends to think that TeachBeyond is out of the question!

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.  If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.  If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.  To Him be the glory!"  1 Peter 4:10-11