How a U.S. Teaching License Expands Your Career Options in China
Published: | by Hannah Sparling
Chad Stephens had a goal: He wanted to work at an international school in China. He had a job at a private school, but he was a new dad, and he knew he could find better work/life balance at an international school.
The catch? He would need to earn his U.S. teaching license.
Hamed Ghaheri also had a teaching job in China. When Ghaheri talked with his colleagues about how he might advance his career, they gave him some advice: Earn your U.S. teaching license.
For international educators in China, a U.S. license can open new doors — more job opportunities, higher paying roles, a more competitive resume, and more.
5 Benefits of a U.S. Teaching License in China
1. Expanded Job Opportunities
China has public schools, training centers, universities, bilingual schools, and international schools. For international educators, the upshot is plenty of options and job opportunities. For some of those jobs, a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate is enough. But for others, namely jobs at international schools, a teaching license is required.
Moreland alum Gia Reed was in the middle of her licensure program when she saw an opening for her dream job in Hong Kong. Reed earned her U.S. license through Moreland University and went on to earn her M.Ed. as well. She landed the job.
“It was my one and only interview, and I will tell you, Moreland really prepared me,” she said. “I had the answers, I felt so confident, [and] I knew what I was talking about.”
2. Increased Salary
Your teaching salary in China can vary greatly based on location and type of school. Generally, you’ll find the highest salaries in bigger cities and at international schools (where, again, a teaching license is often a requirement).
At a public school in China, you could expect to earn anywhere between $900 USD and $2,200 USD per month, according to Go Overseas. At an international school, you could earn anywhere from $1,700 USD to $4,300 USD per month.
When you combine a higher international school salary with China’s relatively low cost of living, you gain the flexibility to pay off student loans faster, build your savings, or spend more money on travel and exploration.
3. Advanced Teaching Skills
One of the largest benefits of earning your U.S. license is it will make you a better teacher. You’ll learn new skills, strategies, and methods for connecting with and supporting your students.
Moreland University’s online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program has a strong emphasis on classroom management, lesson planning, student assessment, and differentiated instruction for diverse learners, to name just a few core topics. You’ll also complete a student-teaching component, where you’ll get feedback from instructors and peers to help you refine your skills even further.
These advanced skills are a win for everyone:
- You’ll be a more confident, effective teacher.
- Your students will benefit from your increased capabilities, leading to better results for you and them.
- Your resume — when the hiring manager sees your qualifications — will shoot to the top of the pile.
4. More Leadership Opportunities
Advanced credentials are a huge benefit if you’re looking to move up the career ladder. You could become a department head, a curriculum director, a grade-level lead, or even a school principal.
A U.S. license is a great foundation and starting point. From there, you could go on to earn your master’s degree as well.
Moreland University graduate Kaouthar Marouani Flanagan experienced this firsthand. Despite years as a library assistant, Flanagan wasn’t considered for a promotion until she earned her master’s.
“Once I started, things shifted in my career,” she said. “I’m now the librarian. Because I had that experience in the library before, plus my master’s degree in educational technology, they hired me officially. So, I’m doing my dream job.”
5. Globally Respected Credential
While your immediate goal might be teaching in China, a U.S. license is a globally respected credential that gives you long-term career flexibility. If you ever decide to leave China for a new adventure in another country (including the United States), your license will go with you.
That was a big factor in China teacher Chad Stephens’ decision to earn his license through the U.S. instead of the U.K.
“Doing the license through Moreland and getting it through Washington, D.C., gives me that additional opportunity,” Stephens said. “If I want to go back and teach in Michigan, I could look at the reciprocity process — all I’d have to do is take the Michigan state tests when I get back. … It’s kind of killing two birds with one stone, you know? I could use the license when I go back to the states, and I can also use it here internationally, and that’s kind of what I wanted to do.”
Next Steps: Earning Your U.S. Teaching License from China
You could earn your U.S. teaching license in just 9 months with Moreland University. Our programs are accredited and 100% online, with rolling admissions and monthly start dates.
If you’re ready, you can apply for free here, and you’ll hear back within 2 business days.
If you have questions, here are a few options:
- Join an upcoming info session. These are small-group sessions where you’ll learn about Moreland’s online programs and ask questions during a Q/A. If you’re interested in earning your U.S. license, look for a “Teacher Certification Info Session.” If you’re already licensed and are interested in a master’s degree, look for a “Master’s Info Session.”
- Chat 1:1 with someone from Moreland. You can book a meeting at a time that’s convenient for you. We’d be happy to talk about your specific situation and walk you through your options.
- Download our Guide to U.S. Certification in China. It will walk you through the steps and benefits of earning your U.S. license as an international educator in the Middle Kingdom.
