Job Discussion Forums

[herbert west]

Wow! I am happy that there's a thread that I really needed to read right out of the gate, since I am seriously contemplating living and working in China. I think blacklists are important as a warning, however, the complaints need to be measured with their reason for being, and then juxtaposed with other complaints or praise. While they are not wisely seen as being a be-all-end-all, they do help.

[denver]

I am actually working in Shanghai at a FOR PROFIT school. This is a school for RICH kids who is hiring VOLUNTEERS and getting rid of QUALIFIED teachers!!!!!!!!! I still can't believe this!!!!

My attorney and personal friend suggested that if the school actually kicks me out without a severance package and a ticket back home, we would bring the school to court, I would go on a hunger strike in front of the school gates, bring the local and foreign media to the site to document it all. This is especially not a good time for the school, since they are trying to attract investors. Aside from this, he also suggested blacklisting the school everywhere on the internet and with TEFL, CELTA n TESOL. We would also contact the national teacher's association.


Any ideas? suggestions?

Thank you all!


denver

[goeastyoung(ish)man!]

Can you contact the "volunteer" organization? If it is a western ngo maybe they are truly ignorant of the situation. On the other hand, if they are really having financial difficulties, maybe it is time to look around anyway.

[denver]

My attorney thinks this is a great idea!

We are also going to contact this VOLUNTEER organization to let them know about the repercussions of their actions. Maybe then they will also blacklist this school.

Great suggestion, keep them coming guys.

If I go down I am taking the school with me.


Cheers


denver

[sojourner]

Denver,

A Shanghai-based private language school, that uses (unpaid) 'volunteers' instead of (paid) teaching professionals - absolutely disgraceful ! What is the situation regarding your fellow FTs at the school - will they also be replaced by 'volunteers' ?

Of course, there are many genuine volunteer organisations, based in Western countries, that may not always be aware of the situation 'out in the field', so to speak. So, find out the name of the organisation that is dealing with your school, do a WWW search, and if it appears to be a reputable outfit, contact them. However, if your school hears about your actions in contacting the organisation in question, you could be instantly dismissed on the grounds of 'disloyalty', or whatever. If the organisation is, indeed, a shonky one that works with affluent schools in order to provide unpaid and unqualified 'teachers', complaining to the media, warning CELTA training centres, etc, may help to alert genuine volunteers - but such an action would, undoubtedly, also result in getting you instantly sacked ! Currently, you have been promised a job until early December - hopefully, you'll be provided with a severance payment, airfare, etc. But, if you are sacked for spilling the beans - what will you get ? Do you really trust the Chinese court system ?

Yes, the situation regarding 'volunteers' is very worrying for all of us.

Peter

[denver]

They started eliminating the paid professionals about a month ago.
It all started with a highly educated chap from America. He was the highest paid to my knowledge, well... he was the first to go. They gave us a reason for his dismissal: poor teaching skills. I still cannot swallow it.
He was replaced by an 18 year old kid fresh from the prom.

So now they decide it is my head... I am also "well paid" in this school.
To add insult to injury I was introduced to my replacement. A rather outgoing and friendly lad who I do not blame at all, in fact I welcomed him and filled him in on the status quo and the level of the students. He has never taught before, but he mentioned he's a fast learner. He graduated from high school last summer.

I was asked by the school not to mention the fact that I actually get paid for teaching.


Denver

[echo2004sierra]

How do you know that volunteers have been hired in place of you?

What organization are the volunteers being filtered into Chinese schools through?

What country/countries are the volunteers from?

[sojourner]

Denver,

How would your pupils' parents react if they were to discover that they are forking out big bickies for their kids' English lessons, to a school that uses unpaid (or lowly paid) , UNQUALIFIED 'teachers' ? Do the parents really know what is actually going on ? If they knew of the situation, I'd imagine that they would either demand that tuition fees be significantly reduced, or would decide to send their kids to a school that actually provides quality teaching.

You mentioned that your new 'colleagues' appear to be 'outgoing' and 'friendly'. Have you mentioned anything about your situation to them ? Mature, genuine volunteers would, I'd imagine, be very shocked. Many such people are concerned about social justice, exploitation, etc. Maybe, your new 'colleagues' are pretty naive as to how the world operates, and may have never even thought about issues concerning exploitation, etc. It's also possible that your 'volunteers' don't really give a stuff about social justice issues, etc - being ESL 'teachers' merely being seen as providing an opportunity to have a captive audience, (hopefully) receptive to one's particular 'foreign ideology' . Should that be the case, are they aware of China's religious affairs policy ? I suppose, for many it wouldn't really matter if the authorities found out - being arrested, undergoing some heavy questioning by PSB officials, before being deported, would make many such 'volunteers' feel that they have, indeed, "suffered for the faith"; and, thus, qualify for some sort of brownie points or recognition back in their fellowship groups at home !

Just out of interest, are your new 'colleagues' being paid anything at all (a 'living allowance'), being provided with free accommodation, received airfare reimbursements, etc ? Sometimes, volunteers may just be as well off as the rest of us - they may receive a low living allowance, usually paid for by the school where they are working at; but they are also provided with training, support, etc, provided for by their organisation. Often, they may receive a generous termination payment from their organisation. However, there are some organisations that often require their 'volunteers' to fork out a large 'service fee' for the privilege of being provided with a posting !

Possibly, it may not be a good idea to ask any 'difficult' questions right now. You mentioned that the school asked you not to tell your new 'colleagues' that you are paid to teach at the school. To do so, could possibly jeopardise any final salary payout, airfare entitlement, etc. But after you have safely gone, then - - - ! But you may well be asked to sign some sort of 'confidentiality agreement' before you receive your final goodies ! I don't exactly envy you right now.

Look ahead ! Put your crap school behind you.There are good (paid !) jobs for qualified and experienced teachers ! Have you ever considered working in a college or uni ? Yes, it could well mean a lower salary than what you'd get in a language school, but there'll be less hours - thus, plenty of time for private tuition work.

Peter