Job Discussion Forums

[Stosskraft]

Now that I am back into the job market, I have been actively searching for a position online. Many schools seem to send a "job information sheet" or something similar when inquiring about a position. I have noticed that some of the information is very vague, concerning some of the finer details of the position. I also ask to see a copy of the contract to verify some of the information.

Example.

A school sent me a contract stating a 6-day a week working schedule. The information sheet they sent before hand stated 5 days a week work schedule. When I enquired about the discrepancy, the just said that they haven't changed the wording on the contract yet. To me, this is an immediate red flag! I am not going to sign a contract stating a 6-day workweek, when I am agreeing (verbally) to a 5-day workweek.

Also this is a way to get a "feeling" on the way a school will operate, to a small degree. For example, After sending a resume to one school, they sent me back a reply saying "they want to offer my the position" and they included a one page "job information sheet" with the email. This information was as vague as you could possibly get. Here is an example of what I mean, right from the "job information sheet".

"Daily schedule, means teaching early morning classes from around 7:30 to 9:00, another class around noon and finally an evening class. Some weekend work may also be required".

Obviously the school is trying to hide the fact the schedule includes 3 split shifts daily ! To me there is a big difference between starting at 7:30 or 9:00 am, also no mention of time to travel between classes, breaks, prep time, staff meetings or other relevant schedule information. Also "some weekend work maybe required" can be opened to a lot of interpretaion, and you can be it is not going to be in your favor !

Now I did send the question list to them, asking for clarification, and surprise no answer !

If your getting contracts and vague information like this, you have no one to blame but yourself if you find yourself at the raw end of a deal. Trust me I learned this the hard way, and I am hoping newbies can learn from my mistakes.

To help you find that near perfect job, you should ask these questions to all prospective employers:

1. Would I be contracted for 5 or 6 days a week? What days?

2. What would be my teaching schedule for the week? Start and finish times.

3. Do/Can you sponsor me for all paperwork, including teacher's license, work permit and visa extension?

4. How far do I have to travel? Can I walk to work? Are travel cost compensated?

5. Does the school designate a set curriculum/lesson plan? Am I able to modify the lesson plan?

6. About how many events a month are teachers required to attend outside of normal working hours (teachers' meetings, parents' meetings, festivals, activities, etc.) ?

7. Does the school have/provide books?

8. Do I have access to a computer, Internet and printer?

9. Does the school provide all teaching materials needed? What are the items provided?

10. Does the school require that I attend/teach a summer camp?

11. Is there a discipline policy? What is it and how is it enforced?

What are the details of contract "extras" such as:

Resigning bonuses
Biannual or annual plane tickets back home
Housing allowances (if no housing allowance, is there help finding accommodations along with cost in the school area)
Internet access both at school and outside of school
Raise schedules

Trying to find a good position is difficult. After spending many hours on a search, making a careful decision regarding a job offer is important. Getting an offer does not necessarily mean you will take the job. Most employers will not expect you to make a decision on the spot. You will probably be given a few days to a week to make up your mind. If they are unable to provide you with the proper answers to your questions, I would seriously consider skipping them. Remember, how a school will handle your inquires will say a lot about the support you will receive from them while working there. These questions are no means a full-proof way to avoid a bad school, but after reading many of the post here, many problems new teachers are experiencing could be have been avoided by getting more specific information beforehand (I wished I followed my own advice in the past).

On the other hand, if you decide to go with a school without finding out the proper information, don't blame the school when the position turns out not to be what you expected or wanted. Weighing the advantages and disadvantages of the job will help you make a more informed decision, rather than deciding on impulse.