Job Discussion Forums

[Eddie]

Hi all!! I�ve been approved for the Primary Net scheme, but will not find out where I�ll be working until a few days before I have to leave for HK (Aug 13th). Since that gives me little time to negotiate, I was wondering if you could help me set some general conditions for my contract. I know that working conditions vary from school to school, so if a few teachers can give me their take it would help tremendously.

What are fair working hours?
What amount of vacation time is fair?
Do you work on Saturday, if so how many times a month?

Also, how many primary schools are Bi-sessional?

Any info is much appreciated!
Eddie J

[saroq]

The guidelines on the EMB web site tell you what the working hours are. When I worked there they were 25 X 35 minute lesson (inclusive of extra curricular) per week. Doesn't sound like much but if they let you do your job properly then you'll be very busy preparing / creating resources etc. so insist they stick to them.

Saturday work is as per what the locals work. However, I would and did refuse to work Saturdays. The Principal threw a trantrum but I told him he could look for another NET if he wished and he shut up. Others I know have told their Principals they would rather go home than work Saturdays and none had to work them. If you give into them and work Saturday do not work more than 1 a month.

Hoildays are a problematic issue. Some NETs get reasonable holidays others do not. A minimum of 4 weeks at summer is the figure being talked about but I would suggest you try for 5 because you'll do nothing when they make you return 2 weeks before the kids and I'd ask for the same holidays that the students get at Christmas, Easter and Chinese New Year.

Get hold of the guidelines from the EMB and read them carefully then adjust them to what is reasonable for a foreign teacher whose home is not Hong Kong but somewhere else.