Finding a Job in Taiwan
I have written about this before, but recently, I had a series of exchanges on tealit.com
http://www.tealit.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=22164
http://www.tealit.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=22019
that reminded me of some exchanges I had on Dave's ESL Cafe Job Discussion Board
http://www.eslcafe.com/discussion/dz1/index.cgi?read=1408925480
The issue being addressed in these threads is the qualifications necessary to get a top teaching position at a Taiwan university. An opinion I have heard many times is that the way the MOE determines qualifications for foreign teachers is unreasonable. I agree, it is not reasonable to disqualify candidates with degrees earned at distance from quality universities. I also agree that the emphasise placed on hiring Ph.D.s is sometimes ridiculous. Nevertheless, this is the situation. Access to these jobs is controlled and moderated by forces that believe education in Taiwan is best protected by such policies.
I continue to stress that the best way to get a top position at a Taiwan university is to approach it roughly the same way you would to get a position at an American or Canadian university.
1. Get a Ph.D. I know this is not realistic for many people, but think of it as the goal you are working toward. Getting advanced academic certification is a must. Certificates and licenses, CELTAs, DELTAs, or public school teacher's licenses may be useful, but they are not what will qualify you for the position. You will need at least a masters-level degree from an accredited university. This degree must be completed in residence.
2. Begin a research program. Become an authority on a certain area of scholarship related to TESOL or some related field. Speak at conferences and send manuscripts to journals and other publications. It doesn't have to be the top international forum in your field. There are many regional conferences and journals that are great places to start. JALT for example
www.jalt.org
is a really good starting place. Their journals are well-read, but not that competitive. There are many local forums, such as the English Teachers Association of the ROC that offer interesting opportunities to present your research publically.
http://www.eta.org.tw/eng_news/eta_welcome/index.html
3. Build a repertoire of basic courses that you can teach. For example, everyone needs writing teachers. Specialize in teaching these kinds of classes. While teaching may not appear to be the emphasise of many programs, if you can't do it, they won't hire you. Develop a program for courses that you like to teach. Build a portfolio of materials that you can use for this. Be able to explain your program and why you do what you do.
The market in Taiwan is increasingly competitive, but the ability to compete in it is still built on the mastery of basic academic skills.
10:55:51 AM 
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