Job Discussion Forums

Honky Nick · Joined: 20 Sep 2006 Posts: 113 Location: Hong Kong

I'm not sure how often it happens but it's something that I did and I believe others have done the same. Back when I got my first job on the scheme (2006) it was a bit easier to get the job with just an undergraduate degree and a Cert TEFL. Nowadays, I know they are trying to recruit qualified teachers (with a PGDE/PGCE); however, I don't know if this is a blanket rule or not.

It's worth applying and if you do get a job and you want to continue to work as a teacher, I would also recommend completing a PGDE or PGCE while here (either by distance in your home country or locally at HKU).

Another thing I would say is to go to www.hkpnets.org and search through the information there. When a school vacancy list becomes available, they will post it on the 'Resources' page and you can contact schools directly.

Good luck.

ozman · Joined: 12 Jun 2004 Posts: 133 Location: HONG KONG

A number of non QTS NETS here complete a PGCE in HK. Bear in mind, this is unlikely to be recognized back in your home country. Given the choice, do the PGCE in your home country.

You really do need a TESL certificate for primary teaching.

At top of secondary range with QTS at around $80,000 per month, plus housing $17,000 plus 15% gratuity, plus 10% retention incentive, airfares etc. I am certainly getting a lot more here than back in UK and more than I earned in the Middle East, even though I'm paying 15% tax.

Gonsdad - you can't "fool' the HKers about qualifications. They will be scrutinized (not by the EDB nor the people who interview you) and your salary will be adjusted accordingly. They are also very particular about verifiable work experience which puts you up the salary scale. If you do get a NET job, you should also apply to become a HK registered teacher. This is in your own interest and makes applying for future jobs far easier. This is done through the Qualifications and Assessment Bureau now called HK Council of Accreditation.
http://www.hkcaavq.edu.hk/en/services/assesment

Perilla · Joined: 09 Jul 2010 Posts: 792 Location: Hong Kong

Joshua2006 · Joined: 04 Jan 2010 Posts: 342

Perilla · Joined: 09 Jul 2010 Posts: 792 Location: Hong Kong

Veek · Joined: 15 Feb 2011 Posts: 20

Correct me if I'm wrong, but for a SNET top of the scale should be Pt 33 (currently $54665)

Special allowance at the moment = $16895

So without retention incentive it shoould be $54665 + $16985 = $71560

Retention included (5%) = $74293 or (10%) = $77026

Of course, MPF ($1250) would be deducted if you're enrolled. Then there's the 15% gratuity to go with it also (around $166K after 2 years at the top of the scale).

Not bad I'd say.

Perilla · Joined: 09 Jul 2010 Posts: 792 Location: Hong Kong

Old Surrender · Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2013 5:15 pm Post subject:

I'm looking into being a PNET when I am done with my masters. Tell me were I stand based on the requirements from http://www.edb.gov.hk/en/sch-admin/admin/about-sch-staff/net-scheme/recruitment-secondary-net.html

(i) a bachelor�s degree in English Language or English Literature or English Studies or Linguistics# or a Modern Language# OR a Bachelor in Education degree (major in English or a Modern Language#, but not primary education specialist) obtained after 3 years� full-time study from a Hong Kong university or equivalent;

I have a B.S. in journalism... does that count?

(ii) a Post-graduate Diploma in Education majoring in English or equivalent

I am finishing my Masters in TESOL, which includes student teaching in order to get my teaching certification. (American from the state of Kansas)

(iii) a Teaching of English as a Foreign Language or a Second Language (TEFL/TESL) qualification at least at the diploma level, or equivalent; and

Masters in TESOL?

(iv) at least 1 year�s post-graduate experience of teaching English (preferably as a second or foreign language) at secondary level or above.

I am currently in my third year teaching Comp I and Comp II to Chinese students at an American university.

Cliche question: Where do I stand?[/b]

ozman · Joined: 12 Jun 2004 Posts: 133 Location: HONG KONG

Thank you Perilla. Yes i meant around $80,000 all up.

Old Surrender: looks like you might fit Category 2 according to EDB requirements. Check out the criteria in the recruitment section. All the information is there.

http://www.edb.gov.hk/en/sch-admin/admin/about-sch-staff/net-scheme/recruitment-primary-net.html

hanlier · Joined: 10 Mar 2013 Posts: 13

I just want to add that they are very strict. I took the dive and applied this year. I am a qualified high school teacher, with qts in my home country. Then all the requests started - they wanted proof of my teaching experience , teaching secondary students. I could not provide it as I only got qts in 2012, and have not been able to find a job teaching high school. They want at least one year teaching experience for secondary school, and get this : a TEFL for over 250 hours. Don't know where one gets that! The short and long is- I am now on the primary section. Got an interview. Really hope I will be successful, as I a, putting a lot of things on hold for it, at the moment.

ozman · Joined: 12 Jun 2004 Posts: 133 Location: HONG KONG

As with any job, you have to show proof of previous experience. You cannot progress up the salary range without this. The EDB are sticklers for paperwork. You can't put anything over them. They will go through everything with a fine tooth comb, then recheck it all again once you get here.

kraggy · Joined: 04 Oct 2011 Posts: 11

Hi folks,

I asked this in another thread before I saw this thread but thought this would be a better place.

Basically, I have a B.Ed in Primary/Elementary school teaching and 2 years ESL experience in Korea.

However, I don't have a TESL qualification. Could I get in without it? Are they absolutely strict about it?

Thanks.

K.

Perilla · Joined: 09 Jul 2010 Posts: 792 Location: Hong Kong

Honky Nick · Joined: 20 Sep 2006 Posts: 113 Location: Hong Kong

Yes, I'm pretty sure it is a requirement, but they may allow you the first year of your employment to complete it. Not quite sure, though. Anyone else know?

hanlier · Joined: 10 Mar 2013 Posts: 13

It's a requirement. As stated in a previous post, I am qualified to teach at secondary school level. But BECAUSE my TEFL isn't 250 hours long(it's in the requirements as posted on the website), and because I don't have 2 years teaching experience at secondary level, I didn't qualify for a SNET position. I however in the end qualified for a PNET position. I will state this - the HKEDB is a place on their own, and will scrutinize every document with a magnifying glass. That is not to say that you shouldn't apply. But, be prepared with ALL documents and proof. They may let you in on the promise that you will complete a TEFL. I know that all the candidates that were placed into the pool from my side, had to have TEFL.