Job Discussion Forums

[skreee]

Hello all,

I'm relatively new to the board, but have done some lurking around trying to get some info, and I hope anyone who can give me some guidance would help me out a bit.

I've done some searching about the NET scheme qualifications, salary, application deadlines, etc... The info on Dave's has been great and I've learned a great deal, but I do still have a few questions.

Here's the short version of my story. I've my degree in English Literature, my minor in Asian studies, my Colorado sate teacher's certification (my content area of specialization is English) 3 years experience on JET in Japan, one year's teaching experience at University of Colorado at Denver's Intensive English Program, and I'm now finishing up my Masters in ESL Education (all my coursework is finished, I'm just working on the final portfolio at the moment... it won't be too much longer I pray!).

I don't have any doubt that I qualify for acceptance, but it's really hard to gauge from the diverse educational/experience backgrounds of all the posters to know where I stand with regards to salary. I'm not money crazed. I've actually had some interest in teaching in Prague, but I do have some very substantial student loans to pay off, and the pay I'd earn in Prague wouldn't suffice, and so I must do what must be done I suppose. It's okay though, Hong Kong certainly has it's allure as well. I know any figures you may quote here wold be pure conjecture, but I'd still be interested in any opinions... at least your guesses are educated whereas mine are based on next to nothing.

Also, does the JET experience count for anything? I wouldn't be surprised if it didn't, but then again, I think it may just count for something because they know that I've survived living and working overseas for a few years and would be less likely to break contract and leave early.

And finally, though I can turn in my portfolio any time this spring, my official graduation date is in May. When I fill out the application, do I report that I have my Master's work completed knowing I don't start work until the end of the summer anyway, or do they make provisions for those who are expecting to graduate?

I appreciate any and all help offered, than you.

Regards,

Eric Hall

[rayman]

Hi,

I'm in a similar situation to you. So I can only provide you with some answers I've already received from those on the program.

That is, your Masters will count for next to nothing in terms of a salary increase. Obviously though, it would help put you ahead of other applicants. Your JET experience will count providing you completed your teaching certification prior to the JET experience.

Good luck.

[hkteach]

NETs are placed somewhere on the 29 point salary scale according to qualifications and experience. The top of scale applies to those with a degree, teaching qualification and extensive teaching experience POST DEGREE (I think somewhere between 17 & 20 years experience puts you at top of scale)
If you have a degree, the teaching experience you have POST DEGREE is your starting point on the salary scale. You indicate that you have 3 years' teaching experience on the JET scheme. If this is all you have, then you will be low down on the scale (not sure of the salary scale point but if you check the ad, you will be somewhere near the bottom of the scale).
You will also receive the housing allowance of 12950 HKD per month and that will give you plenty of choice depending on your preferred location and size/features of your home. Whatever you choose, the allowance is yours to spend as you wish..... some NETs spend all of it on their accommodation and pay for other living expenses out of their salary, while others who pay low rent can manage to pay for food, accommodation and utilities out of their allowance and save a lot of their base salary. The choice is yours.
Even on the lowest salary (+ housing allowance) you will be able to manage ok, unless of course you want a lot of entertainment and leisure activities.

[rayman]

I, as well as I'm sure many others, would be very interested to see the salary scale for NET teachers. I haven't had any luck finding the complete salary scale on the net, so assume it's only detailed in the contract.

If someone would care to post it on here or provide directions to such, it would be most appreciated.

[rayman]

No worries, I'll answer my own question. This was the best I could find;

www.edstaff.com.au/docs/Remuneration_package_PNET.doc

[briandwest]

You can see the salary scales by clicking on 'Pay Scales' here:
http://www.hkpnets.org#NET Scheme

The NET scale is on the right hand side and starts from level 12.

An education degree starts you at level 14 and one subsequent level is for every level of teaching experience gained AFTER obtaining the education degree.