Job Discussion Forums

julia222 · Joined: 18 Apr 2011 Posts: 3 Location: NYC

Hi everyone,

I've been offered a job in the high school at the Terakki Foundation Schools and was wondering if anyone could share some insight or advice. I read the post from two years ago in which a former teacher outlined her very negative experience with the school, and since then I am feeling a bit conflicted. I have been studying Turkish for more than five years and preparing for an overseas teaching career even longer (finishing an MA in TESOL and foreign language education next month), so I desperately want to get to Istanbul in order to improve my Turkish and get to know the culture more deeply in addition to teaching Turkish kids. Grad school also came at a very hefty price, so the salary at Terakki is especially attractive. However, I am very concerned about the lack of administrative support and the difficulties this previous teacher described having with the foreign language director. Unfortunately I don't have any other offers right now.

I was wondering if anyone has any more recent experience with the school that they would share with me, and/or initial thoughts on whether Terakki would still be an okay place to at least get established in Istanbul and gain teaching experience despite the potential challenges.

Thanks!

2318 · Joined: 13 Feb 2011 Posts: 8

Be very VERY careful about this is all I can say. I have spoken with many current teachers and all of them are unhappy, overstressed and overworked. They only stay because of the money. Most of this is because of one man who will be at the school for a long time. This man has a way of making his employees feel bad and guilty and insufficient no matter who you are. Few would say this to his face but everyone feels the same. I am imagine it being like when a line manager at a factory walks past his line and inspects the products only to find something to call his workers out on. You, your education and your experience mean very little. Instead you are a puppet to a man who thinks he knows it better than you. I know this sounds like sour grapes but personally I was not wronged by Terakki, I am just trying to save someone a difficult year. You would be more productive and much happier somewhere (or most anywhere) else; I know I am.

2318 · Joined: 13 Feb 2011 Posts: 8

PM me for more details if you want more.

julia222 · Joined: 18 Apr 2011 Posts: 3 Location: NYC

I am new to ESL Cafe and haven't written enough posts yet to send personal messages. Can you PM me? Thanks!

festivemanb · Joined: 09 May 2011 Posts: 2

I completely second julia222. Would you mind PMing me about information about Terakki? I'm new and don't have enough posts to PM someone. I'm curious to hear about working conditions at Terakki.

ayka · Joined: 06 Feb 2012 Posts: 3

hello, I just posted about the school and here is the link:
http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=94077&highlight=terakki

I don't think it is that bad... I hope this also helps... best Smile

2318 · Joined: 13 Feb 2011 Posts: 8

I have heard that the man in question in many of the post is no longer there. I hope the situation gets better next year.