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anonymous
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Q: Teaching in China - Thoughts/Opinions on Various Placements

Greetings,

I will be leaving in late August to teach in China and have just now received the possible list of placement opportunities. I've whittled the extensive list down to 3. Would anyone have any insight/thoughts/opinions on any of these 3?

1. Shanghai High School International Division
2. Sinopec Management Institute in Beijing
3. Shanghai Jin Cai High School International Division

I know that for the high schools, kids will be kids in terms of behavior and that is just to be expected. However, I am well aware that Sinopec, being the large company that it is, deals with the training of management trainees in its training institute. Thus, I'd be dealing exclusively with adults.

I do have prior experience in high school teaching; albeit only 2 years. I've taught some "on the side" at the adult level too, so either level (teen or adult) wouldn't be an issue with me. I have a bachelor's and master's degree in physics and teaching certifications in math and physics, but no experience in TESOL/TEFL.

So I guess in a nutshell, each placement has its own pros and cons in terms of compensation (housing, meals, etc.) and population (adolescent vs adult).

The other concern I had to was getting an adequate pay. Apparently the university that I am going through contacts the various schools and "recommends" people. Everything I've seen has been around the 10-14K RMB range. For someone with a master's in physics and about 4 years total teaching experience (total with college and high school levels) is this par? If and when I receive a contract, is it acceptable to negotiate for more money. If so, how much more would it take to be considered an "acceptable" salary given my academic credentials and total teaching experience?

Your thoughts please!

Many thanks,
David

10 years 48 weeks ago in  Teaching & Learning - China

 
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Posts: 2381

Emperor

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In the high schools, would you be a subject teacher (maths and science ) or an 'Oral' English teacher? The difference there is huge - being a subject teacher at an international school is likely to be more rewarding professionally and is more likely to keep you employable in your home country.

dpudder69:

I'm really not sure. I wasn't told yet. I know that the program I'm coming over with primarily deals with teaching english, but I am certified to teach physics and math.

Same thing with Sinopec. I have my bachelor's and master's degrees in Physics so I could do the science-related trainings, but I have a strong feeling that would just primarily deal wtih english language training for business. But I could be wrong.

10 years 48 weeks ago
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MissA:

Hmmm, my advice then, for what it's worth, is that the adults job sounds better IF you're teaching Oral English in a high school.

 

If you're going to be a subject teacher (unlikely from what you wrote) then that would probably be better.

10 years 48 weeks ago
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10 years 48 weeks ago
 
Posts: 7732

Emperor

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Don't do it!

 

Run!

Fast!!!

 

The very fact that you don't know what you'll be teaching says this agent can't be trusted! They are going to take more than half of your pay! The agent gets a nice deal from those companies/schools and then signs a contract with you - and the price difference is amazing! (I heard one where the teacher was offered about 200-250, when the principal was paying the agent about 800... that's per hour, of course). And they're going to screw you around for as long as you'll take it!!!! If they give you accommodation, it will be crap! (but you won't know any better).

 

With your credentials, you should be in an international school (or high end university) teaching your subjects (maths. physics, etc) for a minimum of 25,000... and in some schools, over 30,000 (plus accommodation).

 

Just do a quick search for such jobs, and you'll find quite a lot better! (add 'international school' into the search parameters)

bill8899:

This. This x 1,000,000. Please don't trade math/physics teaching for English. The reasons are legion, not the least of which is remuneration.

10 years 48 weeks ago
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10 years 48 weeks ago
 
Posts: 3292

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Sinopec sounds the best of them. I did a stint with PetroChina for a while, and they were OK.

 

Make sure you have them specified in the contract, and that your Z visa is for them, before you leave for China. Do not come to China without a Z visa and a contract. Deal directly with the school, never through an agent.

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10 years 48 weeks ago
 
Posts: 915

Shifu

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Agree with Shining_brow. Stay away from agents & recruiters. Go straight to the bona fide international schools. With your degrees & quals, you should be a subject teacher at an int'l school, NOT an int'l dept of a Chinese school or a "language training center". There is great demand for educators with your background. Don't sell yourself short.

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10 years 47 weeks ago
 
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A: In my personal experience, teaching certificates have varied in releva
A:In my personal experience, teaching certificates have varied in relevance depending on the context and location. Here's a breakdown of each aspect:a) Getting the teaching job: Teaching certificates can certainly enhance your chances of securing a teaching position, especially in formal educational settings such as schools and language institutions. Many employers prefer candidates who have undergone specific training in pedagogy and instructional techniques, which these certificates often provide. However, other factors such as experience, references, and the demand for teachers in a particular area also play significant roles in the hiring process.b) Getting a higher salary than your uncertified competitors: In some cases, holding a teaching certificate can indeed lead to a higher salary compared to uncertified competitors. Many educational institutions have structured salary scales that take into account factors such as level of education, years of experience, and additional certifications. Holding a teaching certificate may place you in a higher salary bracket or make you eligible for certain salary incentives or bonuses. However, this can vary widely depending on the specific policies of the institution or organization.c) Getting promotions: Teaching certificates can be beneficial for career advancement and securing promotions within the field of education. They demonstrate a commitment to professional development and mastery of teaching skills, which are qualities that many employers value when considering candidates for leadership positions or administrative roles. Additionally, some promotions may require specific certifications or qualifications, making holding a teaching certificate essential for advancement in certain cases.Regarding which certificate yields better results, it largely depends on the specific requirements of the job market and the educational context in which you intend to work. For example:A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is often highly regarded in formal school settings and can be advantageous for those seeking positions in primary or secondary education.Montessori certification is valuable for individuals interested in working in Montessori schools or implementing Montessori principles in their teaching approach.A Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate is particularly relevant for those seeking to teach English to non-native speakers in international contexts or language schools.Ultimately, the best certificate for you will depend on your career goals, the specific requirements of the positions you're interested in, and the preferences of potential employers in your target job market. It's essential to research the requirements and preferences of employers in your desired field and tailor your qualifications accordingly. -- ruqaiya761