Job Discussion Forums

Lorean · Joined: 21 Dec 2006 Posts: 476 Location: Beijing

Hey, first of all I know this topic has already been done to death, but I am really confused on how much a newly arrived teacher should ask for. There have been many posts on this forum, and others, telling us not to accept low pay. However, these are often by teachers with several years of experience under their belt.

I recently handed my resignation notice over to my current employer due to poor working conditions. I am looking for new employement and want to get it right this time. I obviously do not want to ask for too little, but I don't want to ask for so much that I've effectivly have made myself unempoyable. Any advice with regards to this would be much apreciated. Thank you.

* Bachelors in Computer Science
* TESOL certificate
* 6 months teaching in Beijing
* 4 months as a volunteer tutor for my University in Canada
* Intermediate Mandarin (spoken + written)

(edited to include qualifications)

Malsol · Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 1976 Location: Lanzhou

jammish · Joined: 17 Nov 2005 Posts: 1704

As others have said, where is the job? In Shanghai I would look for 8000 as a minimum, in nowheresville Henan I wouldn't expect much over 4000.

Lorean · Joined: 21 Dec 2006 Posts: 476 Location: Beijing

Hey, sorry I should have included my qualifications.
* Bachelors in Computer Science
* TESOL certificate
* 6 months teaching in Beijing
* 4 months as a volunteer tutor for my University in Canada
* Intermediate Mandarin (spoken + written)

Right now I'm considering a job in Qingdao as well Beijing. I want a simple job with low hours so I can dedicate my time studying. I'm not looking to cash out, but obviously want fairness. Thanks!

cj750 · Joined: 27 Apr 2004 Posts: 3081 Location: Beijing

kev7161 · Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 5880 Location: Suzhou, China

Haggling is sometimes expected in China. If you feel an offered salary is too low, ask for more. If you're looking for, say, 500rmb a month more, ask for 1000 and see if they'll meet you halfway. Many schools can probably afford to pay a bit (or a lot) more than they offer, but you won't get it if you don't ask. Also, if they seem reluctant due to your relative lack of experience, maybe you can "prove your worth" for three months, then have it written in your contract for a 3-month evaluation and possible salary increase. Get as specific as you can in your contract or, 3 months later, you may get little to nothing due to some fabricated technicality.

Steppenwolf · Joined: 30 Jul 2006 Posts: 1769

Itsme · Joined: 11 Aug 2004 Posts: 624 Location: Houston, TX

I would be careful with the evaluation period thing.

Since when is a school going to openly say "yay you are a good teacher! Here, take another 2000 RMB per month" ?

kev7161 · Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 5880 Location: Suzhou, China

But you can be very specific about the evaluation criteria (such as coming to work every day, on time, daily lesson plans written/turned in . . . whatever.). I agree that being evaluated can be tenuous, but ask for a weekly feedback session or something. Have a simple form ready for them to fill out and keep it as a record so, when the evaluation period is over, they can't come up with an excuse as to why they won't give you the agreed upon pay increase.

I realize this seems to be a lot of work, it's just one suggestion on how to get more money out of a school.

brsmith15 · Joined: 12 May 2003 Posts: 1142 Location: New Hampshire USA

You seem quite young with little experience. That's not a slur, just an observation. If you're looking at BJ or SH, you can probably get something like 5,000 a month with an apartment thrown in -- all expenses paid. Teaching load woule be around 15-20 hours a week, 5 days a week. If the school demands more, like 1-2 English corners a week and tutoring duties after class, look for 6,000/mo or so.

Be careful of the job offer that looks too good. It is.