Having taught ESL for 3 years in two foreign countries, I have learned one very valuable lesson; just how important a set curriculum is. Although there are pros and cons to everything, in this case, the pros by far outweigh the cons. There is really only one disadvantage to having a set curriculum, and that is, you might not like it. But if that concerns you, have no fear, as a set curriculum can be easily adapted to meet everyone’s needs - yours, your students’, the schools’ and sometimes, the paying parents’.

 
The single most important advantage of a set curriculum is that it helps to make you a more effective teacher. Time management is a key issue when it comes to the benefits of having a curriculum. As a teacher, it is crucial to remember there is only so much time in a day. It’s easy to forget that when trying to meet all the demands of teaching. Outside of class time you will have lesson plans to write, papers to correct, and any other extracurricular activities you want to throw into your classes.
 
You do not want to have to spend precious time searching through the few resources the school has, the few that you may have brought with you from home, and the internet every night just to create the daily curriculum for your class. I can guarantee you will become very burned out with your job if you have to do this every day on top of your classroom teaching. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to have prescribed learning objectives, goals and tasks, and the teaching materials and resources to go with it.

Another bonus is that the book is always there waiting for you to pick back up where you left off. Both you and your students will also have a better idea of what direction the class is going if they have books to reference instead of new copies or handouts to lose every day. A good foundation or base is important as from there you will be able to build on it or reference back to it during the course of the program. Having a set syllabus with the appropriate textbook provides a logical and cohesive framework.

If the assigned texts seem to be missing some important information or there are some gaps in the information, this isn’t a big deal. This allows for you to add some of your own personal touches into what you teach. Instead of reinventing the wheel, it is easier and a much better use of time to fill gaps in books that have already been published. Keep in mind that most books are published through reputable publishing houses and are written by experienced authors. If you feel that you can add something to the existing material or deviate away from the book a bit, this is generally something that employers will agree to. In fact, some schools will encourage it as you are often better able to cater more specifically to your group of students and their needs.

Keep in mind that if you are working in a foreign country there will be times when miscommunication arises between you and your employer due to the language barrier. If the school already has a curriculum in place, it will help you to identify and clarify what their expectations for the teaching job are. As a teacher you will find teaching support and allotted time for preparation essential, and a school with a set curriculum will begin to allow for both of those needs to be met.

It is impossible to expect a carpenter to build something without the right tools, and it’s just as difficult to teach without the proper resources to get the job done. Trust me, not having a curriculum does not give you more freedom in what or how you teach. It actually takes time away from planning because you are too busy compiling a book by yourself. Leaving yourself short of time to create the fun and engaging part of your lesson plans is no way to become a better teacher. Look for a job that supplies the books and curriculum. It is your navigation tool inside the classroom and your protection from misunderstandings with parents and your employer.