Job Discussion Forums

[123Loto]

Someone told me that Andrew Tiffany was posting on this forum so I thought if he was allowed his two cents, I could wade in with mine!

I've been working for Hess for 5 years and I don't regret a single one of them! They've been variously tough, demanding, satisfying and exciting. I have become involved with doing things I'd never have thought of doing back in my home country - and I suspect that I wouldn't have had the opportunity to do in another school or company in Taiwan. (Due to Hess's size and width of avenues eg publishing, national events etc)

I've also worked with many, many different teachers - and I get the feeling from reading a few posts about Hess on this board that the kind of person who comes here to complain about Hess are the kind of person that would struggle in any workplace in Taiwan.

Attitude makes all the difference. And not just to yourself. I've seen the power of what a determined and ultimately negative teacher can have on a school. I've also seen what a positive individual can do, to turn around an entire school or group of teachers in terms of their work ethic and effectiveness.

Teaching is a great profesion to be in as it is so stimulating and rewarding to build your students up and see them achieve heights you trully wouldn't have expected of them. That's pretty self affirming to see from the teacher's point of view!

I've heard of many complaints about Hess and it's "strictly regimented" curriculum and methodology. Hmm, it sounds to me like a cop out! If you are really that good a teacher you'll be able to achieve all of the educational goals set out for you by a curriculum, your supervisor or your school and STILL have scope for adding your own flair, twists and expertise. People who complain about having someone see them teaching, or give them tips, pointers or advice sounds to me like people who don't want to be accountable for the learning outcomes of their students. If you're that good, then what are you hiding? If you're that good, why would you feel insecure about someone else trying to help your teaching?

The way I've always seen it, when I've been observed, is that I have a chance to show off all of the cool things I've been doing in class, all of the extra effort I've put into my teaching becomes apparant, not because I have a good line of professional terms, ideologies and theories ready to spout, but because the results are there to be seen! And if there's been something that my supervisor wanted to tell me about improving my teaching then great! It's my JOB to continually improve upon my skills.

Ok, so in saying all of this - Hess is a big company. Of course there would be occasions when someone "doesn't get on" with their colleagues. And that can be just as true for intercultural workplace relationships as any other. The mistake is made by some people who assume there is something institutionally wrong with the Hess company, or that perhaps, Taiwan itself is somehow at fault.

I prefer to keep my eye on the ball.

I'm here to deliver quality education to my students; so if I have to use a particular set of books, or take advice from someone who doesn't have my experience or whatever, I can afford to be generous with these people and situations because I ultimately have a faith in my own ability to teach and in the work that I do with my students.

Taiwan and teaching in it, will be what you make of it. Complaining, harboring negative thoughts or feelings or avoiding putting your heart into your job will only lead to you creating your own self fulfilling prophecy. You'll make your own bed.

I want to say good luck to all of the teachers already here in Taiwan, and those thinking about coming. I only wanted to make this post to put a different spin on the discussion surrounding Hess on this board. Everyone is free to express their own opinions, of course, so please feel free to!

Have a good one!

[SanChong]

Wow, how refreshing to read!

This post is, in my opinion, MUCH more reflective of the way the average English teacher in Taiwan feels than the negative banter that is the norm in this forum.

[123Loto]

Refreshing perhaps, but not many replies to this thread in 2 years, eh?

I'm still here, btw, and still loving teaching! Coming up to 8 years in Taiwan... with Hess...

[dangerousapple]

Nice post.

[123Loto]

Thanks dangerous, you own your own schools right? Good for you; I have a lot of respect for people that put their money where their mouth is. Good luck!!!

[ithos]

Yes nice post Loto it's encouraging to hear a positive experience and outlook. I have lots of questions, maybe you can help me out with one or two of them...

So HESS is the biggest school chain in Taiwan?

Do they hire ESL newbs who have unrelated MA's and a CELTA?

What could one expect to earn as a newb?

What are the hours like usually and do they expect split shifts? Are there jobs available that do not require split shifts?

Do they usually provide any benefits like a rent allowance or assistance finding a place to live?

Who are their main competition schools?

What city/town in Taiwan would you recommend for the best quality of life (environment, social, cultural)?


So I don't expect anyone to answer all of those questions but if you can help out with one or two bits of info learned over the years I would very much appreciate it, thanks =)

[123Loto]

[StayingPower]

They make things as consternating as possible as if to seem erudite, then find englightened folk better than them and feel offended.

Their stockpile is to overwhelm you with over assertive trainers who barrage you with words amidst a cultural fear of being here. Propaganda is easiest begun at the nascent stage of a beginner,. ie child, conditioning you to obey more. Then they slip immoral choices by handing you dishonest decisions you can't make without losing their sugar-daddy relationship.

Their owner's also avoiding offshore taxes, something which could be found out.

[englishmaster]

I did 3 years at a Taiwanese uni and am interested in going back to the island, for a long period if I can.

Do you teach mainly adults or children with Hess? Do you just teach conversation, or are there writing and other courses? Are there opportunities for promotion, e.g., DOS?

I'll have to take a look at their website.

[ithos]

Cheers for the attentive response Loto, lots to think about there. The one thing I'm concerned about is the working hours, as you say it may get easier as I get used to it and out of class hours (prep time, etc.) will reduce.... still I think I will look for something with a more forgiving timetable, I don't like the sound of working all day everyday even if that is just to start off.

[123Loto]

[123Loto]

[StayingPower]

What a gimmicK! They know the economomy's bad, have no one flying in, want to find a different crowd, cling to this board for support.

Anythony Tyffany!? Know him quite well. Can't answer straight questions from newcomers, ex-dumped-hi-tech dummy, hasn't any sense beyond his baby's behind; a cush, push, plush pillow of hope for the reason of NOPE, I"M HESS YOU DOPE. Sorry you don't choke my rope.

[babar6789]

[123Loto]

Ignorant?! Drone?!

With all due respect, a year is hardly enough to time to develop an accurate understanding of all Hess teachers as knowing "nothing about EFL outside if the HESS method."

Oh, hang on, what would I know, being that I am the thoughtless, drooling, disinterested Hessbot so obviously represented in my posts...

The other guy posting in this thread negatively can continue enjoying the charity of my silence.

Unless he would like to engage in a constructive conversation that is... but I'm not holding my breath...