Job Discussion Forums

Susie · Joined: 02 Jul 2003 Posts: 390 Location: PRC

Do NETs hired by DSS schools get the same "perks" as EMB nets?

once again · Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Posts: 815

A DSS school can hire teachers and move away from the EMB pay scales, so teachers can be compensated with higher packages.

So a DSS school can hire a NET, independently of the government NET scheme, and compensate them as they deem suitable.

Susie · Joined: 02 Jul 2003 Posts: 390 Location: PRC

So do DSS Native-speaking English Teachers without English degrees have to pass the LPAT in order to be allowed to work there?

once again · Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Posts: 815

In theory yes. All English teachers, other than those on the government NET scheme should now be LPAT qualified.

foster · Joined: 07 Feb 2003 Posts: 485 Location: Honkers, SARS

Most DSS school pay the same as the EMB pay scales but the packages (housing, medical, flights) is often different. I was offered a job at a DSS school last year and the over all monthly benefit package was 1/2 what the NET scheme offered. The monthly salary was the same.

Susie · Joined: 02 Jul 2003 Posts: 390 Location: PRC

So is a dependant visa holder (local HK spouse) with a contract to start at a DSS school, who did not attain LPAT "explaining errors/problems", but who has applied for a place on one of the EMB-approved exemption courses (a place hasn't been granted yet), have "a right" to apply for housing and benefits, if the school decides to consider the contract valid (and not null and void, given failure on the LPATwriting paper and given that it is stipulated that the teacher pass LPAT or be exempt)?

once again · Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Posts: 815

There is no RIGHT to housing or other benefits with a DSS school. They can essentially pay you what they want. I was offered substantially over the EMB pay scale when applying at a DSS school, but they did not have to do this. I was also offered a yearly bonus, but again they did not have to do this. It will depend on the school and how much they feel they have to compete to get or retain good teachers.

The housing allowance for NETs is only for the EMB NET scheme. If you have been hired by the school directly, without going through the EMB recruitement, then there is NO automatic housing allowance or other benefits. Being hired as a native english teacher and being on the government NET scheme, are two entirely different things.

once again · Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Posts: 815

Just checked it out...DSS schools are not eligible for getting staff under the EMB NET scheme. The scheme is only available for government and subsidised schools. So there would definitly be no RIGHT to any form of allowances at all, only what you can negotiate as part of your salary package.