Job Discussion Forums

theoriginalprankster · Joined: 19 Mar 2012 Posts: 895

I recently signed up with an "international school" down in Guangdong (fall semester start), and was immediately aware that this school was really just a warehouse for rich, spoilt, drop out kiddies with nowhere else to go. Last stop for the rubbish.

I was assigned to teach Reading - a new course at the school. I'd made them aware during the skype interview that I had minimal experience in this department.

So, they had two major complaints:
1. I was not preparing properly for the classes. I will reply with the fact that they changed the course material/syllabus THREE times in the last three months. It's not easy to build continuity, and get comfortable with the material, when the carpet is being pulled out from underneath you, and the school takes no blame.

2. The students (surprise surprise) were not happy with my teaching. Might it be that I tried to instill some discipline in them, and they weren't happy they were getting a free ride? I was even called out for breaking the Chinese Education "law", because I kicked out two kids who hadn't brought their homework to class for the third of fourth time.

Oh, they also mentioned days that I was absent (December 30th and 31st) - I wasn't even working at the school at that time.

So, basically they're lumping ALL the blame on me. I'm not at all sad to leave this good-for-nothing school, but want to make sure it's done lawfully and I get all money owed to me. If they give me notice today (Nov 20th) surely I need a month's full notice, not 10 days (and the equivalent salary).

I'm more than happy to leave, I won't have to look at those sullen good-for-nothings anymore.

Now it's about getting a new job ASAP, packing and leaving this stinking pile of oxygen thieves for good.

Your thoughts?

PS. If you have any good job offers PM me!

Hermosillo · Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2017 10:39 pm Post subject:

Hermosillo · Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2017 10:39 pm Post subject:

Might be that you were on probation and notice rules are a lot different. Generally, they should be more concerned about the most popular teachers with the students...because so rarely is it based on amount learned. You had a pulse, they hired you, probably avoided paperwork by firing you, lather, rinse, repeat....

The bear · Joined: 16 Aug 2015 Posts: 483

Sorry to hear about this, you're definitely taking the fall for their incompetence by the sound of it.

I remember your posts about finding this school, your thoughts about it, etc. Not a nice way for it to end.

Though to get back to the point, check your contract. As Hermosillo said 'probationary periods' are a common 'clause' in a contract, often set by law depending on the length of your contract. I think a one year contract is 1 month, 3 years 6 months. If you had a 2 year contract...well, could be that it's nearly 3 months which sounds about the right time for a probationary period. Again, check your contract.

If you have a trusted Chinese friend, ask them to check the Chinese side of the contract. For all it's worth, contact your local SAFEA. I've never done this, never known anyone personally who has done this BUT I've heard two posters on this board who it has worked for. If you have time, that is.

Best of luck.

Relevant · Joined: 16 Apr 2017 Posts: 39 Location: In the wind....

jimpellow · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 913

I think the first point as mentioned by others is if you are still on probation or not. I am really quite positive (unless they have changed it) that they can only keep you on probation for one month per year of the initial contract. This is what it is for Chinese employees, and teachers legally working in China are afforded the exact same protections and perks now.

Of course, most schools are still completely unaware of this despite the fact that it has been in force for 4 years now. Then again, the fact that they are pointing to issues like you having "broken" Chinese law may indicate that this school is aware (likely as they have canned other teachers for the same BS and got their pi gu's burned by a teacher that went to the authorities)).

Posts like these may help you....

https://www.chinalawblog.com/2015/04/terminating-china-employees-the-basics.html

You gave a very frank accounting of what occurred, but as the specifics of where you are in your contract are unknown, and one still doesn't know yet the terms of the separation, I think it is difficult to offer concrete advice.

The bear · Joined: 16 Aug 2015 Posts: 483

getbehindthemule · Joined: 15 Oct 2015 Posts: 712 Location: Shanghai

Sorry to hear that it didn't work out TOP. I guess that you won't be coming back to SH anyway? Are you done with China now (ready for the Nam perhaps) or will you give it another bash?

rioux · Joined: 26 Apr 2012 Posts: 880

Foo_Fighters_Dave · Joined: 09 Dec 2016 Posts: 162

I remember you bragging about how great this job was and how nice the city would be for your health. It sounded like you found a good job in a previous post of yours in the summer. Sorry to hear that you got let go. It sounds like it was probation. I was under the impression that probation lasts for up to 90 days for jobs.

How are your colleagues? Are they unhappy there as well?

I also remember you being unhappy at your last job in Shanghai. Do you think it is time to try a different place?

jimpellow · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 913

Yes bear, you are right. A contract from three to five years in duration is indeed up to six months. Ouch!

https://www.chinalawblog.com/2014/09/china-employee-probation-dont-let-it-slip-away.html

https://www.chinalawblog.com/2016/06/china-employee-probation-periods-set-it-right.html

Still good reading for those in China as it shows that in a lot of circumstances the schools are breaking the law by doing the kinds of things that Chinese schools are so infamously fond of doing.

theoriginalprankster · Joined: 19 Mar 2012 Posts: 895

rioux · Joined: 26 Apr 2012 Posts: 880

I hope all the best for you in whatever you deciede to do.

rioux · Joined: 26 Apr 2012 Posts: 880

I hope all the best for you in whatever you decide to do.

jimpellow · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 913

"Us, a foreigners, are expendable. They know it and abuse it."

The current supply and demand reality dictates that ESL teachers are not in fact expendable, especially those of who are qualified and able to obtain papers.

Most Mainland Chinese schools just continue to act as if we were, which is one major reason why fewer and fewer teachers are coming, and more and more are leaving. I honestly don't think that they will ever get it.

Shame you took this job in the first place. You could have been in greener pastures by now, like you had planned after the last school blow-up. Never too late to make a fresh start...