Most countries need you to have a BA to do TESL because their work visas require it 'skilled' workers. Not so much because the schools themselves necessarily think its *so* important. There are places in the world where its not as necessary - I think China is one. Otherwise you'll have to try tutoring under the table or something.

This is a very interesting thread, and I would add that it is a "shame" when someone with the desire, drive, motivation and ability to teach is deprived of the opportunity UNLESS they honestly do not have the "life experience" to pull it off. By that I might mean someone fresh out of college who is still finding their place in the world, because as an "experienced professional" I always see people that can benefit from my life experience.

I do not have a BA. I do not have technical certifications from the "commercial sector"; just a few from the U.S. military. Anyway I would love to have the opportunity to take what I know and pass it on to teens or young adults in a [still] developing country such as China! Just the other day I was listening to an old friend's Podcast on WelchWrite.com and he encourages people to 'write about what they know' and further remarks it is not necessary to be a expert in whatever subject. Doug says, 'You only need to know this much more (holding up two fingers slightly separated) than the next guy and have a willingness to share your knowledge' in order to write a Blog (or create a Podcast) someone will find interesting or informative. So although it is true I may not be able to teach mathematics or advanced computer science to the rising generation of students in China, I could nevertheless inspire them to "invest in themselves" and be great at whatever they love!

Lately I am on a bit of a "kick" regarding the idea of promoting life-long education or awareness that learning new material is always rewarding, and the audience I hope to reach is ANYONE that happens to read this intentionally or accidentally (ooops, there you go reading about my hopes for others); by way of a deliberate search or casual browsing.

Those with the desire to teach should have "alternative paths of entry" into what I'm sure must be a rewarding career. Look at the number of people turning up in the news as socially deviant or criminal who ARE AMONG OUR CHILDREN'S TEACHERS. No offense intended, but that says to me there are gaps in the present system for producing and evaluating teachers. An alternative path would be to allow "Apprentice Teachers" with probationary and evaluation periods (or cycles) where they can perform in the field of instruction and advance to fully qualified status. It seems that would be a thoughtful way to capitalize upon someones inherent desire to teach and ALSO produce the best future teachers based upon today's best-in-class examples.

If there is anyone out there with connections in technical circles in need of a traveling instructor, I may be available.

Related articles:
See the USTREAM.tv video below the November 3rd, 2007 entry titled, "LIVE from PodCamp AZ" at "Careers in Podcasting and New Media..." here on welchwrite.com/cip/