Job Discussion Forums

[eha]

Sorry--my post refers to a different institution-- not the Model Schools.

[expresso]

Sad to read some of the calibre of comments from people originally chosen as mentors. Makes you wonder what skills they have to offer the local teachers. Anyone considering this project should think carefully about the dynamics of single sex foreign teams in a very small town - very inbred and vindictive; both the managers deserve medals.

[mikenunez]

Dear Ghost

I just posted a message on the other thread(recent info on IAT), please read it before making an dicisions. I am currently working for IAT, and believe me it is a real NIGHTMARE!

[Kosh]

The Time Has Come

The time has come for me to speak out about the ADEC program.

There are many reasons why teachers should avoid this teaching job.

Management

The management at all levels of this project is non-existent. Upper management is too concerned with its grand projects and boasts how the company is getting bigger everyday. This is not a solution too the difficulties experienced.

Middle management is concerned with what the project should be. No practical solutions to the continuing problems of mismanagement of all parties. A spin doctor turning up occasionally and making grandiose promises is not a solution. It doesn�t matter how bubbly and positive you sound. Unless you can follow through with the promises made don�t bother.

Micro management within the schools consists of bullying as a major tactic of controlling the teachers. This is more prevalent in the girl�s school. Divide and conquer is another tactic used within this school. These managers with poor people skills were not the right choice for the job. Wishy washy �Say yes to any proposal� people do not make good leaders. For clarity this does not apply to the dearly departed former leader of the boy�s school.

Teachers

Untrained and unqualified teachers are the norm. Teachers put into the schools who have never taught ESL, have never taught children and teenagers are dominant. So far two teachers have absconded, two resignations, two transfers (based on gross incompetence within the school) and multiple sackings is the current head count of teachers leaving the schools.

Students

Unmanageable, rude, disrespectful and undisciplined students are the norm in these schools. These students need busloads of teachers, teacher�s aids, counsellors working 24/7 for any difference to be made to their education. The students have an appallingly low level of ability in everything. The circus that goes on in the classrooms of these schools is something to be avoided.

Overall I would rate the ADEC project as one of the biggest jokes of education in the Middle East.

Further comments anyone?

IMHO Kosh

[knoxso]

I'm confused! Is this project still up and running? What's the job security like in the two schools? Do these 'medal deserving' managers support you in a professional manner - sounds like chaos!!

[sandy gallop]

.

[veiledsentiments]

I do agree Sandy... with the addition of ZU, PI, and AUS though they may not be currently hiring. Just for people searching for jobs next year, not immediately.

VS

[drdallas]

Kosh is almost 100% right re: Al Ain schoolteaching positions at so-called 'Model' schools.

ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK!!! WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING!!!

[knoxso]

This one goes out to all those people who are still umming and ahhing about this job. The project has failed and the slow melt down of IAT as a functioning company now appears to be occurring.

20 odd brave souls started on the ADEC project back in August - that number now, between both schools, is a paltry 7. Many good teachers have given their best but the realisation has finally dawned that they (as native speakers) were never intended to be any more than an impressive optical illusion.

Lies and false hope have been the order of the day - teaching, an afterthought!

Good luck to the die hards who are still there!