Job Discussion Forums

[matador]

Looking around SCMP and jobsdb.com I often see a lot of teaching jobs advertised. Why is this? High staff turnover....is it down to the students attitude...marking....curriculum...etc?

[Joshua2006]

Pay might be a contributing factor.....and also it is usually for different departments so whilst it looks like a lot, it isn't actually that many as it is spread across all faculties.

[mnguy29]

On that topic, how do I find these University teaching jobs? Also, maybe the good high schools?

[Joshua2006]

SCMP is your friend.

[Tiger Beer]

Interesting. That's unusual for HK.

[alauw]

I might be able to help.

I taught at one of the Unis in HK between 2012 and 2013. In my experience there appears to be a move towards replacing longer serving staff with 'cheaper' labour on temporary contracts. So you might find jobs that used to be taken by people with masters or PGCEs (or equivalent) now being done by (potentially under qualified) grads.

Staff who had been there for a number of years complained about yearly reductions in salaries/benefits (living allowance etc). I didn't stay for another year but was offered another 12 month contract, with a slight pay increase (in line with inflation i believe?) but with a 25% increase in workload. So I guess in short it's about the Unis getting more bang for their buck.

Not to be critical - I had a fantastic year teaching at the University, much preferred it to teaching at a private language academy in Spain and not staying on another year was one of the hardest decisions I've had to make, if not the hardest. While it sucks for the longer term staff, it is a way in for fresh meat.


Also you should be offered a contract which includes use of the University's facilities; doctor, dentist, gym, pool etc all subsidised/free. Whilst things may not be as good as they were in the past, it's still a pretty cushty job (once you get used to the teaching style required for HK freshman students).

[nwtefl]

So universities will advertise on SCMP and jobsdb ?