Hello everyone.
I've been browsing this board and am very thankful to have this great site as a resource. I'm looking for advice/suggestions to help clarify some things for me. Here's a quick bio...I'm ethnically Chinese, born in Hong Kong and raised in America. My Cantonese if fluent, and I'm semi-fluent in Mandarin. I graduated from a university in San Diego, CA with a degree in business--emphasis in finance. I've been working in investment research as an equity analyst for a number of years (I even have my CFA certification), but am now looking for a career switch into education to become a teacher--most likely a kindergarten teacher, as I adore the little ones. I don't "hate" my current job; I just want a career that's more fulfilling, meaningful, and one I can excel in. Some additional details are that I'm an American citizen, and have a permanent HK ID card in addition to a Chinese ID card.
I do have experience "teaching" through training others at my current and previous jobs, in addition to small-group teaching/tutoring in writing and math for high school and college students. Furthermore, I'm currently enrolled in 2 childhood development classes (for ages 0-9) in curriculum planning for language arts/science and music/movement.
My ideal plan is to teach English in HK for 2 years starting in August 2012, then going to China for another 1-2 years teaching English, and, finally, returning to San Diego for a kindergarten teaching position at a public school. However, if I enjoy my experience in HK/China, I wouldn't mind a longer stay. Why HK and China? I enjoy learning about Chinese culture and feel a need to explore my roots. To summarize, I am looking for that next chapter in my life, and by teaching English in HK and China I'll have the opportunity to explore my roots AND get experience teaching to see if a career in education is a viable long-term option for me.
I'm figuring out the next steps to take and have some questions, so please feel free to chime in.
1. My main goal is to secure a NET position in HK from the education bureau. What
can I do to increase the odds of getting hired?
2. Regarding teaching English certificates, I know that CELTA and Trinity
TESOL are the two brand names, but they're also relatively expensive compared
to others. Would the CELTA or Trinity really give me that much of a leg-up?
Similarly, these two qualifications are big in Europe, but how are they looked upon
in America?
3. In CA you need a teaching credential to become a public school teacher. Do you
think I should get my teaching credential (one year of education-related coursework) here in CA while I have the time and resources OR should I for a PGDE in HK? I assume having a teaching credential in California would also qualify me to teach in primary school in Hong Kong, but does anyone know if a PGDE in HK would allow me to teach in CA if I returned here?
Anyhow, I'm looking for some guidance and clarification so if you have any comments or suggestions on anything I've said, please respond. Thank you in advance.