Job Discussion Forums

[Sgt Bilko]

When you're 18, you have two choices. Get a job and have money in your pocket or become a student and get massively into debt. Why do people choose the latter? Because, in the long run, it should be financially worthwhile.

Similarly, if you are a new CELTA trainee coming to Poland, you have the choice of an IH school on 1875zl a month or a school where you are pretty much left alone to get on with things and earn 4000zl a month. So why choose IH?

Because, after a year, the IH teacher (if they have a good DoS/Senior staff) would know far more about grammar and methodology. They would have been observed and been given professional development and they would have a more impressive looking CV and better future opportunities. Am I right?

[greggie]

But Bilko the 1875zl is for a qualified experienced teacher, not a newbie! as for retaining teachers how many DOS's have been there in the last 5 years?whatever happened to IH Koszalin that were part of the same network?How many teachers were retained there?Did their teachers get treated the same?I personally find it quite hypocritical to say that all problems were started or caused by the teachers!and at the end of the day, is the DOS supposed to support their teachers or continue brown-nosing the Directors?

[Sgt Bilko]

OK Sorry about the mix up with wages but the principle is still the same with 1500zl or whatever.

As for the DoS, if the teachers are doing their best (planning, being prepared, on time etc) then the DoS should defend them to the heavens against student complaints or Director complaints and give them whatever help is needed (if there are student complaints). If they are winging it, then the DoS should give them the metaphorical kick up the a*se that they need. The DoS should also inspire by their enthusiasm, dedication etc. You can't expect the teachers to care if the DoS doesn't. I don't think anyone expects the director to care too much except about money.

Do they have a teachers' representative there? A sort of unofficial union rep? In my experience, someone with a forceful, but polite, personality can really unnerve a director who is used to blind obedience from 'underlings'.

[dynow]

jackwalker wrote:

[sharter]

The only people who rate IH are people at IH...they bought the 'you need a CELTA grade B' bs. IH are notoriously bad payers as anyone with an ounce of experience knows. The IH in question lost 26 out of its 28 teachers when I was there. The 2 who remained did so because of a girl....turned out to be the same one . IH doesn't look good on a CV as no-one cares about some raggedy-ass franchise which, quite frankly, is very good at blowing smoke up its own cornhole. IH Bydgoszcz is exploitation full stop.

[maniak]

[greggie]

I think maniak has really hit the nail on the head! how long can someone survive on notsoyumyum noodles? Or going dutch on a date?Polish girls dont generally accept it. Sports?i goto a gym and that takes up 150zl, insurance for the car another 150zl, diesel 200zl, But what iknowwhatiamtalkingabout forgot to say is that IH DO NOT PAY the bills!so how about water,CO2,administration,electricity,cable or satellite tv(cant live on Polsat), if your downloading films lets add another 100zl for the net. So looks like some teachers are living on fresh air. As for Beef Minot can i have some please?

[iknowwhatiamtalkingabout]

[iknowwhatiamtalkingabout]

[simon_porter00]

I make 1875zł in less than a week.

I'd expect an absolute noob to be earning just less than that a week in Warsaw, at a school, in the current climate with no problems whatsoever.

[iknowwhatiamtalkingabout]

[simon_porter00]

I think you might be missing the point a little bit.

I'm trying to see this form the point of view of an average noob with a celta fresh in his/her hand.

You're qualified, have no connection to Poland (or some long distance relative), want to have fun and "experience" Poland (i.e. shag birds and drink beer if you're a male if we follow the "team B" point of view).

You have a few decisions to make:
Money - in Warsaw you'd clear 5k without blinking. Everywhere else lower or dramatically lower.
Life - you might fancy being close to the mountains and culture - Krakow.
Business and birds - Warsaw
the sea - tri-city
other areas of interest - Wrocław etc
I don't mean to be cruel, but Bydgoszcz doesn't make that list.

The main aim of these posts are not just a general "IH pays rubbish" idea (although they do pay absolute peanuts) but its more along the idea of "why would you earn peanuts in a place like Byd. where you can earn a whole lot more in better places and have the same development, friendships etc etc".

I applaud your tenacity however.
If you're thinking of a change of scenery i.e. Warsaw, I've got plenty going for sb like you.

[Jack Walker]

[greggie]

Actually let me answer your point about being turned down by IH, i can categorically deny ever working or applying to work for them! I have my own successful school in Pila. I just know a lot of teachers that have and do now work for IH North or whatever they are called. As you are aware if you read what is written about them, let me quote another poster"nothing more than human-traffickers"not my words but someone elses. But have sidetracked what this forum was about, its about paying a newbie less than 1875zl, in Pila i clear 10,000zl, but i work 6 days a week and own my school. I met a few teachers last year and the year before from IH Koszalin and am still in contact with them, but they seem to have been treated in a total different manner. Dynow i want some of that too!

[Master Shake]