Job Discussion Forums

[shelface]

Hey all,

I'm new to this forum but have participated in mild discussions regarding teaching in China/Taiwan, as I have taught in these countries for nearly 3 years now. My questions are now turned towards all you experienced teachers that are or have been teaching in Mexico. I'd like find a bit of info on the following few inquiries:

1) Average salary/teaching hours for experienced teachers that would be placed in public elementary/junior high/high schools in either Acapulco, Cancun, or Puerta Vallarta.

2) Working conditions: are there usually 'office' hours involved with most salaries?

I have a few otehr questions but I'm off to work now. I'd appreciate all the feedback and many thanks.

I realize I could find a lot of this info out on websites but I'd prefer to get 'hands on' feedback from those who have been and done.

"remember this my friend, who for you would risk his life to help as best he can when the moment comes"

From deep in China,
Shelface

[Samantha]

Did you really mean to say "public" schools? The public schools in the city where I live does not hire foreigners. It's the private schools that hire the foreigners (and the Universities). There is just little to no English (realistically) in the public schools and those classes are taught by local teachers. And FYI, the public schools here run in two shifts ......Early and Late.... The students attend one or the other. There is always a gaggle of students in the streets, either coming or going.

[ls650]

[shelface]

@Samantha

Thanks for the advice/tips. Public schools in China and Taiwan do hire foreign teachers to teach their English cirriculum which is why I had mentioned public schools in my initial thread, pressuming things were the same in Mexico but I guess they're not.

@Is650


Thanks for the feedback. 5000 to 6000 pesos? Does that get you far? Do employers provide you with accommadations?

Any "heads up" advice or any "things you should know before coming" tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thanking you in advance.

[ls650]

[Flo]

You can survive on 5000 or 6000 pesos a month, but you won�t be living well or have much left for travel. Some schools do offer housing, which will help you out a lot. However, living with other teachers, especially foreigners, leaves a lot to be desired.

The good thing is that there are usually professionals and business people looking for tutoring or private classes. If you are up for working more hours, you could contract some private students to help your income.

[moonraven]

Private schools in the north of Mexico pay better than others. You can expect a net (after taxes) salary of at least 10,000 pesos, plus either housing or a housing allotment, plus airfare (from the US, anyway--don't know if they would pay from China--although they paid 11,000 pesos for a one way fare for me 5 years ago.)

Asalary of 5000 to 6000 pesos is barely survivable with housing added. Without housing, and in a beach area, you'll be eating sand.

[shelface]

@moonraven

Would you have any contacts or any additional info on job opps in northern Mexico? 10,000+ sounds ideal plus the little perks that may come with it. After some thought/research on cost of living, etc, 5000-6000 pesos would most likely leave me panhandling or sleeping in some squalid ditch, even if Mexico is considerably cheaper than Canada or the US.

Would that sort of salary require you to work a 40 hr week (teaching hours and office hours)? I've been teaching roughly 20 hrs a week here in China without office hours which leaves me quite whiped come Friday afternoon.

Any other forums you can point me towards that discuss living/teaching/traveling thru Mexico?

Muchos gracias.

[moonraven]

The American School has schools in Saltillo and Monterrey. There is also Colegio Aleman in Torreon, and others in Monterrey whose names escape me.

The salary I mentioned is for full time teachers--7:15 to 3:00 Monday through Friday--about 28 classroom hours. If you are going to teach junior high kids, you had better have a high energy level.