Job Discussion Forums

7969 · Joined: 26 Mar 2003 Posts: 5782 Location: Coastal Guangdong

The public institute I work for is considering hiring a teenager (high teens)next term as an ESL teacher. The stated reason is that they might communicate with students in the 18-24 range better than older laowai. The other teachers here are all in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, and we were all required to supply documentation stating qualifications, and show we had experience to get the job.

We haven't discussed this with the school authorities (one teacher was asked to provide assistance to this tenaged individual), but is the hiring of an inexperienced, and (most likely) unqualified teenager as an ESL teacher, common in China? Other laowai teachers at our college want to know, as if it doesn't work out, it will directly affect our schedules for the next term.

Any comments appreciated.

arioch36 · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 3589

Never heard of it. The Henan Bureau probably wouldn't vet him for a foreign expert certificate. A four year degree isn't 100% neccessary, but..

Of course, quite possibly, the teen is coming as a "volunteer" or on an exchange program, and they are paying him nothing or next to nothing. Or something even shadier is going on (does your FAO have his own car?)

nolefan · Joined: 14 Jan 2004 Posts: 1458 Location: on the run

not a surprise, really! I have met a 16 years old kid from Canada last month who was teaching at a middle school in Shijiazhuang. The school told everyone that he was 20...he looked the part so it was plausible.

they can usually get around the degree requirement by telling the authorities that those kids are volunteers so they can "work" on a visitor visa. They are not paid a salary per say but they do get a "stipend" which is more or less equivalent.

7969 · Joined: 26 Mar 2003 Posts: 5782 Location: Coastal Guangdong

for the replies. i've asked a few questions regarding this, but the school is reluctant to tell me anything. i suppose if they can get someone cheap(er), then they'll have almost anyone fill the teacher's seat at the front of the class, regardless of qualifications or experience.

arioch36 · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 3589

You want to put the fear of God into them (or the fear of the PSB). Innocently ask if the kid is coming here on a z-visa. Innocently remind them that everyone who teaches must have a z-visa, unless it is a government approved echange program.

Ask if his coming here has been approved by the provincial education bureau.

My guess, some naive do-gooder saw an add to volunteer to help poor Chinese students, and will be working basically for free.

stavrogin2001 · Joined: 06 May 2004 Posts: 92 Location: Liaoning

While in Liaoning I knew a 14 year old that was teaching at a local school. Her parents were living in China and they school really wanted a teacher. It didnt hurt that she was an attractive young girl. If I remember right the boss would try to take her drinking.

A lot of shady characters out there.

millie · Joined: 29 Oct 2003 Posts: 413 Location: HK

Ludwig · Posted: Fri May 21, 2004 3:27 am Post subject:

enigma · Joined: 22 May 2003 Posts: 68

Heh. I was only 19 when I started teaching in China (but I had been to college already).

My current school recently asked me if they could hire my 15-year-old sister to teach English, after she visited and was deemed to be just as fair-skinned and blonde as I am. Rolling Eyes

"Oral English" is such a joke in this country.

kev7161 · Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 5880 Location: Suzhou, China

I think if they brought a foreign exchange student studying at the local university to come in and "assist" an older teacher or perhaps conduct an English corner event from time to time, then I would be okay with that. Even coming in as a guest speaker would be fine - - you know, comparing cultures and stuff.

But an 18 or 19 year old (or younger?) as a full-blown ESL teacher along the lines of what I am doing? I don't see it working. But before I make a judgement, I would love to observe his/her class and see what goes on. I could very well be surprised. The age difference between students and teacher is a factor all over the world. (Most) Teens don't feel that their 40 or 50 year old teacher can possibly relate to their life and their ideologies. I remember when I was in high school, my government teacher was all of 24 or 25. He had long hair in a pony tail and he was the COOLEST teacher of all times. I loved his class. He was fun, hip, easy to talk with and I remember learning a lot in that class. I even remember his FIRST name: Dave (but, strangely, cannot remember his last name). I'm 42 now. There are not a whole lot of teachers I can readily remember from 25 years ago, so this young teacher certainly made an impact on me.

I try to be hip and keep my ear to the ground when it comes to current events and pop culture, but my strengths certainly lie in educating and not being trendy (I would rather be a good educator while hoping I leave a good impression on my Chinese students).

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

joncharles · Joined: 09 Apr 2004 Posts: 132 Location: Beijing

Hmmmmm Maybe the kid was sort of an ESL "Doogie Howzer" Cool

I wonder how many folks remember that program.

latefordinner · Joined: 19 Aug 2003 Posts: 973

I knew a teacher at my first school here who was only 19. Somehow the school lied about him and he passed for 22. No, Z visas were not involved, which is part of how they got away with it. (Good point, Arioch)He ended up doing a runner after 6 months, but there were several sides to that story. After he goes back to uni, has time to digest the experience and learn a few things about himself, no doubt he'll make a good teacher. At the time though... he wasn't.

lagerlout2006 · Joined: 17 Sep 2003 Posts: 985

A 14 year old teacher? Can anyone beat that? Any teachers under 10 out there? Did he cry when the students didn't pat attention?

Anyway a teacher here (lanza Armonia) was 17 when he got his green and red books here in Shandong so it is legal I guess. And he was no volunteer. Starting he got 500 less than the going rate but had it upped for the 2nd term. He did the elementary ages and was very popular with the kids. With kiddies he was the best here..With older kids....they liked him but didn't see him as a teacher or so a couple of them told me.

College students I know have said they prefer older teachers and some resent "kids" of even 22. Nothing scientific here just things friends have told me.

ilunga · Joined: 17 Oct 2003 Posts: 842 Location: China

To be honest I feel only a person in their teens or early twenties could put up with some of the classes I've had to teach this year.
A more experienced teacher would just walk out.
I imagine there's a lot of similar jobs in China. Students have complained they don't like the lessons of the teacher who has taken over classes I previously took because they're made to speak and write sentences. I often played word games.
As Lagerlout says the kids love a young guy who is energetic and keeps them amused.
The students pretty much run this school. I'm sure you have the same opinion of yours lagerlout.
It's all about money. Nothing else.