Job Discussion Forums

bluetortilla · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Posts: 815 Location: Henan

Not the best timing, but I got a contract at a city college from last April to March 13, the middle of the year. We're now heading towards finals, and the department isn't very happy with my work. I'm willing to work on my curriculum and methodology of course, but I don't think I can stomach teaching the text they have- if that's what they want me to do. Furthermore, all this uncertainty has put a strain on my relationship with my students, although that's entirely my fault (I'm a real nervous nelly).
Anyway, while I think it remote that I will be dismissed (according to contract we must negotiate reconciliation first and in the event that the situation is irreconcilable, despite my efforts and given that I have not violated the contract, they would owe me three months severance pay). I don't think it will come down to that, but they may give me a 'services not required' notice at renewal time.
However, I must say I really like the school and love the students, and I'm doing my best to let my bosses know that.
My question is this: is my situation pretty typical? Do a lot of instructors get declined upon renewal? What should I do to prepare for a move given that case?
I have found the supervisors in my department to be enigmatic and reluctant to give constructive feedback. They suggest drastic changes in method, but then stress it's only suggestions. One will tell me I don't need to use the textbook, another will insist I do. Furthermore, they base their suggestions on feedback they hear (from students I suppose) rather than direct observation. All of this is OK with me as long as I know where I stand next year and I'm given reasonable autonomy. I'd rather not go through all the pain of moving, etc., shoe stringing year to year. Is this all normal?

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

I'm not trying to be sarcastic, but what's to love about this place? You say they suggest DRASTIC changes in the way you teach, but they're reluctant to give constructive feedback as to what changes they are talking about; you love the students but your relationship with them is strained because of the problems with the administration. Furthermore, you state that IF they want you to teach from the text that they provide (but they won't tell you?) it wouldn't be to your liking.

Just keep doing your job the best way you see fit. Meanwhile, remember that this is China; anything can happen at anytime and worrying about it won't do anything except give you an ulcer (your comment about being able to "stomach" the situation is telling).

What should you do to be ready for a move? Have a destination in mind, be prepared for any eventuality.

TexasHighway · Joined: 03 Dec 2005 Posts: 779

If you really love the place, I would try to work things out. Whenever I do my lesson plans, I always incorporate the textbook as a reference and for some general topics. I tell my students it is for background material and to establish a basic framework for discussion. Occasionally in class I use some dialogues and exercises in class but 95% of class time is spent without the book. Nobody has ever had a problem with that. I would try to meet with students and administrators to try to get some specific feedback and suggestions on how you can teach to their satisfaction. If the job is worth salvaging, you should try to come to some compromise where you still have a reasonable degree of autonomy. I seldom see teachers whose contracts are not routinely renewed. The ones whose contracts aren't renewed are usually caught sleeping with their students or saying unkind words about the Chinese government in class. From what I have seen, teachers seem to get a lot of leeway on what and how they teach in class.

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

Not entirely clear about the chronology here.
'Last April' means April 2012 and your contract ends March 2013?
Am I right?
But whatever the scenario don't be a martyr.
Take the initiative and act as if you have been given a very good hint that you'll finish in March 2013.
Apply for jobs to start in what is in broad terms Spring Semester 2013.
Explain that your current contract has put you out of kilter with the normal hiring process.
If you are offered a rehire what would be the term of the new contract?
Can't see them paying you for the summer break and I'm picking a rehire to end June only.

Miles Smiles · Joined: 07 Jun 2010 Posts: 1294 Location: Heebee Jeebee

You're heading toward finals, and the school hasn't approached you about renewal? Renewals are usually discussed March or April.

Yes, it is common for a teacher not to be renewed, and I've seen teachers left high and dry at the end of the term because they failed to discuss renewal until the end of the term. Some Bosses have difficulty telling that you won't be renewed.

If your school isn't happy with your work, and nobody has discussed renewal, you might want to follow up on that lead from March.

roadwalker · Joined: 24 Aug 2005 Posts: 1750 Location: Ch

I'm also confused about the renewal business...are you worried about Spring Term 2013? If the school doesn't initiate any communication, you should bring it up in Nov/Dec of this year. You can sign a one-term contract at that point so that both you and the college are in a better position to find suitable alternatives, should they not want you.

As for now, if you are getting mixed signals from the administration, shouldn't that tell you that the college really doesn't know what they want? You should be very open to receiving criticism, but don't try to please everybody. The important thing is to show that you are willing to listen and consider suggestions. To be honest, I don't generally ask the Chinese teachers for teaching advice or criticism. In many cases, I think it's a mistake, although I do know some dedicated Chinese teachers of English whose teaching I respect. Also, do you know for sure that the people criticizing your methods/curriculum have any say in your future there?

I generally use the textbook, if possible, in the manner that TexasHighway described, i.e., not much. Sometimes even that is difficult if the topics are tired, or there is too much Chinglish, poor grammar, typos/spelling errors, etc. to bother with. Still, it may be possible to find a new angle on an old boring topic.

therock · Joined: 31 Jul 2005 Posts: 1266 Location: China

Play the guitar, sing some songs and you'll be the most popular teacher at the school. Wink

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

Sadly, therock is right; if you're really trying to be a teacher here you risk incurring the wrath of the masses. If, on the other hand, you're content to be a performing monkey, you won't have any problems renewal-wise.

Miles Smiles · Joined: 07 Jun 2010 Posts: 1294 Location: Heebee Jeebee

roadwalker

randyj · Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2012 12:17 pm Post subject:

A lot of things about the situation you describe are fairly typical. Yes, the administration is receiving feedback from the students. Yes, the recommendations you are getting are indirect and ambiguous. As previous posters have indicated, now is late in the game for discussing renewal (although I am a little confused about your contract timing). At the same time, a conscientious attitude such as yours is valued, or should be. Your writing gives the impression of sincerity. Communicate that attitude to the powers that be within your school. It goes a long way.

Lobster · Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2012 2:17 pm Post subject:

Hey teachers, wasn't last April was April 2011? This April was April 2012? Next April is April 2013? So you started work in April 2011 and contract expires March 2012?

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

No, last April was April 2012. He's been there two months (approximately); probably because some teacher self-destructed during the spring break. He mentioned that he was afraid they were going to cut him loose mid-contract because he feels he's not living up to their expectations.

However, Lobster does have a good point about multiple supervisors; it would probably be a good idea to identify the person who's really in charge and have a tete-a-tete. Lay it all out, see where you stand, tell him what you think, ask him what he thinks, etc.......

Lobster · Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2012 2:36 pm Post subject:

Must be a dialect thing. To me, last April means April of last year, not April of this year. Given the problems, I think you're right about 2 months. I get the impression that he is a she. I've never heard men refer to themselves as "nervous Nellies".

RED

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

Probably right about the gender thing. OP should weigh in and tell us what SHE means, but if the contract went from April 2011 until March 13, that would mean that the contract ended over two months ago and the renewal question would be moot. My keen analytical mind deduced that from the outset.

EDIT: Yes, I realize that "March 13" probably means "March (20)13". At least now I do. I originally thought it was the date, not the year. My keen analytical mind was looking for the apostrophe ('13)

Trebek · Joined: 30 Oct 2003 Posts: 401 Location: China

Bail "Nellie". Many other jobs out there that might appreciate what you have to offer. Once someone has an unfavorable view of you, for whatever reason, trying to convince that person otherwise, is like the old sport of "Windwill Tilting".; you cannot win in this situation.

Bail and find another job where you fit in better...

Best,

Trebek