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Tumteetum · Joined: 04 Feb 2005 Posts: 144

Oxford House, Wroclaw.

I've just quit this school and this post is a precautionary tale for other teachers. This is also quite openly a 'deloading chest' rant.

Firstly, the school gave no contract despite saying one would be signed before starting work, which was subsequently moved to the end of October and then to end of November. No contract was ever signed. The owner said the delay was because she needed an English translation but then changed that reason saying the delay was because she had been half expecting my resignation (but then she also said that my resignation was a complete surprise!).

Apart from that the owner and staff are nigh impossible to work with:

I discussed a small problem regarding my teenagers' class with the owner and we agreed it was best dealt with between students and teacher. The next day my students told me that the DOS had spoken to the class saying that I was unhappy with them! It almost ruined my relationship with the class. When I asked the owner why this happened she said that its her school and her clients and she doesn't have to explain herself.

I was told by the owner that the reason the DOS never spoke to me, not even hello (or Dzien Dobry for that matter), was because I speak no Polish and if I want to get on with the DOS and other staff (non teachers - the Polish teachers were great) then I'd have to learn Polish because they were not going to speak any English: "people like you go around the world just expecting everyone to speak English".

I also had 4 observed classes in one week - I asked why so many and received the usual answer that its her school she will do what she wants. I argued that doing observed classes is fine but coming into my class unannounced for the last 30 minutes, without warning, and sitting right at the front, between me and the students, was unnecessary. Her reply was that its her school, her clients etc..

We met to try to discuss the situation last week and her attitude was 'there are no problems, I decide how the school is run and nothing needs to change'. I resigned. She was furious and I'm sure she still has no idea why I quit.

The irony isn't lost that this school, where I was insulted from day one, should conclude the matter by handing me a 'post it' note with 3 insults written on it. It was given to me by the DOS as she wagged her finger between the note and my face. It was a funny moment being insulted one last time, on a post-it note, by this elderly lady but the irony of this school's final act of indignity was no doubt lost on her.

There were lots of other little things; like being given less hours than agreed (which is a pain losing 500 zl a month especially when you've turned down other jobs and wanted those hours) and secretaries being downright rude and unhelpful.

In fairness they pay on time and my students were excellent. There are worse schools and if you don't mind an overpowering boss, being insulted daily by staff who appear to hate the English language and being treated like an alien rather than a foreigner then Oxford House is where to go.

Incidentally there was no interview for this job (in fact we met before starting only because I insisted). The lesson learned is get a proper interview and use it to judge the school as much as they use it to judge you.

Rant over.

gregoryfromcali · Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2005 12:10 pm Post subject:

EalingKev · Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Posts: 14

Sounds like the school in Turkey I worked at where the staff and owners seemed to hate foreign teachers - but tolerated them in order to make their profit.

Which oxford house was it - there are 2 in Wroclaw?

Tumteetum · Joined: 04 Feb 2005 Posts: 144

Alex Shulgin · Joined: 20 Jul 2003 Posts: 553

Tumteetum · Joined: 04 Feb 2005 Posts: 144

EalingKev · Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Posts: 14

"O.H. has four sites around the city with one/two classrooms at each. Same school and owner"

A Polish friend of my girlfriend works at an oxford house in wroclaw so I guess its the same school. And she has nothing nice to say about the boss!!!

I am currently looking for work in Wroclaw myself so if you hear of anything feel free to pm me.

EalingKev · Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Posts: 14

Sorry for the delay but I've not logged on for a while.

Thanks for that !!! I replied to your PM so hope you got it.

Khrystene · Joined: 17 Apr 2004 Posts: 271 Location: WAW, PL/SYD, AU

You know, I don't think I've met ONE single Director who even attempts to speak English in my time teaching here. It's a joke.

As for not getting paid, that's also a bloody joke. The attitude that we should just put up with it is one of the things which makes my blood boil. And I point blank refuse to put up with it. [I'm sure my current director was thinking he'd gotten himself into something when I made a fuss, in no uncertain terms, about my wages at the start.]

All in all, the only way to change this system is to make a fuss. All the better if you can speak Polish, coz then you can stick it to them.

Walking out of a crap job is the best feeling. Wink

kelvinz · Joined: 04 Nov 2004 Posts: 9 Location: Poland

Wow. I know just how you feel. This sounds a lot like my experience working at Oxford Study Centre in Radom. Don't lose hope. There are good schools in Poland.