Job Discussion Forums

[tsumetai mizu]

I'm considering applying to the NET program as a special education teacher. I have an M. A. degree in Special Education from a Canadian university but am not certified to teach K-12 in Canada. I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who has experience teaching special education in the NET program. I'm especially interested in teaching reading and writing but have a wide range of special education experience. I'm definitely willing to be flexible. Much of my experience has been teaching basic academics and vocational skills to youth and young adults after they graduated from high school. So, I would apply for a secondary school postion if the NET program looks good. Thanks for any general comments or details about your position.

[briandwest]

There is pretty limited use if "special education" in the HK system and none whatsoever in the NET scheme.
NETs are here to teach English and train the local teachers in 'Western' teaching methods.
If you reallly want to follow a career in Special Education, rather than simply being an EFL teacher, then the NET scheme is not for you.

[tsumetai mizu]

briandwest
Thanks for your reply. It was a short reference to special education in one of the government NET ads that prompted me to post. My email to them has yet to be answered. I'll pass on any info if it looks useful. I'm aware of the general goals of the NET program but will do a bit more research. Much of the theory, practice, and methodology of special education, as applied to reading, overlaps a great deal with the theory and practice of applied linguistics. The percentage of students experiencing difficulties learning to read in Hong Kong must be similar to that in NA and Europe. I imagine there is some kind of policy in place re this issue.

[anninhk]

Brian is wrong on this one. I personally know of two NETs who worked in special education as there are schools here for children with special needs so if you are interested go ahead and apply.

[tsumetai mizu]

anninhk
Thanks for the information. I think I'll get further details and go ahead with an application if the conditions/contract seem reasonable.

[briandwest]

Wow!! I stand completely and totally corrected.
Great to hear that there is some room for specialists in the NET scheme.
I'm still not sure this is the best place to further you career in Special Needs. How do your friends feel about it Anne? Are they able to make full use of their skills? How far behind or in front are the HK SE schools compared to the Western style?
Do let us know how you get on, TM.
Brian
PS I've just re-read my original post and it sounds a bit abrupt and negative - sorry about that, it had been a bad day!

[saint57]

[hkteach]

Hi, if I may just ad my two bob's worth here...............
Yes the ad DOES mention special ed. posiitons (that has been the case for several years and you have to fill in a separate application form for special school NET jobs.
BUT......... it doesn't mean you're going to get one of these positions EVEN if you're qualified and experienced.
I personally know of one NET (secondary) working in a secondary school for the deaf. She's qualified to do so.

I also know of other special -ed qualified NETs who are working here but not in special ed. schools. Some of them wanted a mainstream experience and some of them actually applied for the sp. ed positions but didn't ge them - they were placed in mainstream schools instead.
And guess what??? The special ed. posiitons which were vacant were given to unqualified teachers with no experience in special ed. - a tough call if you ask me (not only the special ed. issues, but compounded by students having little or no English).

On another note............ brian asks how far behind/ahead the HK special ed. system is compared to other (western) countries. looooooooooooool
Well all I can say is that the primary schools are full of kids with specific learning difficulties (not just English) also kids with intellectual disabilities and ADD - you spot them pretty easily.
Precious little is done for the majority except 'remedial lessons' which are more drill and rote.

I asked my teachers why we have so many kids like this (because my school seems to have quite a lot) and their answer was that many special schools have been closed down in recent years (govt. cutbacks?????? )and also the cultural issues - "nothing wrong with my child - see he' s in a regular school"

[darkside1]

[hkteach]

Perhaps so, but there is at least an effort re. some kind of provision for these kids in mainstream schools in UK - never enough funding to go round of course. But here, the kids are subjected to the same intense drill, textbook stuff (no handson learning, none of the teachiing aids and resources that they need and very unlikely that anybody in the school has the faintest idea how to meet any of their learning needs. The local teachers often describe them as 'lazy'

I'm not sure about increments. Nothing mentioned in the ads. But an interesting thought ........... why should you get an increment when you've got such an easy job??.... you only teach small groups after all and mainstream classes have maybe 40 kids. ): ):

[darkside1]

Actually, my current job probably is 'easier' (less stressful anyway) than mainstream teaching (shh, keep it a secret...) but I think teachers who work with kids who have Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (EBD) do deserve a bit more cash for all the grief they get. For example, being locked in the classroom with a helper and four violent kids isn't an easy way to earn a living.

It is not unknown for SEN teachers to get a bit extra especially if they are qualified (Dip or Masters). Just asking, I too have seen the NET scheme ads, and while I am not going anywhere in the short term, medium term you never know...

[hkteach]

hi darkside1, I hope you realise that the closing question in my last message were made with my tongue planted very firmly in my cheek!

Although I agree with you that some special ed. teaching roles are easier than teaching mainstream classes, this probably wouldn't be the case for teachers lacking training/qualifications in that field.
Many teachers I've discussed this with are quite comfortable with a physically disabled child in their regular classrooms, and may even be able to deal with some of the behaviours of ADHD/emotionally disturbed kids because they feel that these kids can fit in to the class without the need for too much curriculum modification. However, these same teachers are daunted at the prospect of teaching kids with intellectual disabilities.

As I said, I'm not sure if there's an increment applicable for special ed. positions on the NET scheme.
My guess would be no, because a small class of any kind is regarded as a soft ride for the teacher.
Many classes both primary and secondary are well over 30 (in my last school I had one P3 class of 39!! including several who had virtually no English and many with significant behaviour problems!!!! )

Many local teachers resent the salary and benefits package that NETs get - it's been reported that initially the EMB wanted to give NETs a much bigger housing allowance but reduced it in the face of voiced opposition from locals (don't know if that's true and can't even remember where I read it, but I'm inclined to believe it).

[ioyairo]

Hi tsumetai mizu, I too am in the same boat but don't have a masters and I will be certified in March to teach Special Ed. I also saw the ad and on their website it is also mentions it. I just mailed out my application and hopefully I will hear from them. If not I try my luck in the U.K.

[tsumetai mizu]