HOW IS THE ECONOMIC RECESSION AFFECTING THE EFL SECTOR AND TEACHERS IN MADRID?

HOW IS THE ECONOMIC RECESSION AFFECTING THE EFL SECTOR IN MADRID?
22-02-2009

HOW IS THE ECONOMIC RECESSION AFFECTING THE EFL SECTOR IN MADRID?

22-02-2009

There’s no doubt that the recession the world is currently experiencing is the most severe in many years.

What effects are we seeing here in Madrid? How will you as a teacher be affected personally?

Generally speaking, EFL teaching can be divided into three categories: Academy groups (the majority Young Learners).private classes and company classes. Let’s first look at how each of these categories is being affected:

Most academies are holding up, and demand for Young Learner classes is proving to be stable. Spanish parents know that English is an essential for their children if those children are going to compete effectively in the future labour market.

In an economic crisis, everyone is competing for fewer jobs. This means that those competing have to be better qualified and possess more appropriate experience. As a result we have seen the demand for private classes of English increase over the last few months as people become aware of how much good qualifications now matter.

Where we are really seeing the pinch is with company classes and this is where the majority of teachers have been affected. Many companies have had their training budgets reduced or even cut completely in an attempt to reduce costs overall. Several large accounts have been lost by large agencies in Madrid producing a surplus of teachers in the market. This is quite the reverse of the situation experienced in the last few years when schools were crying out for teachers.

So where does this leave teachers currently searching for work?

The point made previously about increased competition amongst those seeking work applies to teachers. Only those who are properly qualified (meaning a full 4 week TEFL course rather than the week end variety) will be successful. Schools can finally raise their standards and demand proper qualifications, a serious and professional attitude, commitment and appropriate dress code and presence. All these factors DO matter and are essential to giving our clients the service they deserve.

When it comes to sending an application to a school it’s now more important than ever to be pro active and make your application stand out from the crowd. Always write a succinct covering letter emphasising your suitability for classes and follow up with a phone call. Just because an agency doesn’t reply to your CV sent by email doesn’t mean they’re not interested in you when the do have classes to give out.

Despite the recession, there is still a big demand for English language training in Madrid, there always will be. What is important right now is to be persistent in looking for the classes that are available, and to create a completely professional image to the school when you apply.

Periods of economic downturn lead to shake ups in sectors as all players adjust to the situation and to the inherent opportunities. Our sector in Madrid is no exception. Here, our shake up consists of teaching standards improving as only the best teachers get the work.

So… just make sure you’re one of the best teachers!

Janice Haywood
Director Windsor Idiomas