Job Discussion Forums

[naturegirl321]

Even though I've been teaching for about five years, due to changing schools, I've never asked for a raise and don't really know how to go about it.

I've heard it's difficult to get raises at my school. That they pay more than the norm so they don't want to give out raises.

I've been at my school since last August, however, they have a high turn over for native English speakers. Two years ago they went through three in a school year and the year I arrived they went through two. So the fact that I've stayed on says something. And I've commited to staying until the end of the school year.

I'm teaching more hours than last year and have a new class which I basically have to design everything.

And I'll finish my MA classes in October and my thesis in February.

Any tips in general on how to get a raise? I'd be talking to a Peruvian, so any tips on talking to Latinos would also be appreciated.

[Justin Trullinger]

Tips for getting raises from business-owning Latinos:

First tip: It probably isn't going to work. If they already pay more than the norm, you lose one of your most important bargaining tools- which is "I really like working here, but need to improve my financial circumstance, and I could earn more at ____________." If there's no place you'd earn more, your position is weakened.

Second tip: Don't be (or seem) greedy- you don't want the money just for the sake of it- you need it for ____(Travel home, visa expenses, increased rent, buying a house, your new baby, or whatever.)____
This seems weird to me, but what I've seen, in Ecuador at least, is that people aren't hesitant to include the personal situations that cause them to need more money in the request.

Third tip: They can afford it. Make sure you have a convincing reason why you feel they can afford it. (For example "last year, with so much teacher turnover, you lost 11 students before the end of the year- but this year, because I've stayed, you've only lost 2, which is normal in a school like this...") But be careful with this one- it can help you, but get your facts right. If you suggest something innacurate about the financial situation of the school, that will pretty much give them the excuse they're looking for to turn down your raise.


All the best,
Justin

[Glenski]

Fourth tip: Don't even sign the contract renewal without negotiating. You haven't been there a full year yet, so there is still this chance. Perhaps planting a seed before renewal time would help...?

You've been at your current school since August, yet you are teaching "more classes than last year". Does that mean they changed the terms of the contract already in midstream without negotiating?

[TheLongWayHome]

[cmp45]

Naturegirl321,
Asking for a pay raise is difficult for anyone...however the trick is to come up with as many "specific" reasons that would warrant the pay increase; avoid generalizations...by which I mean ... presenting your case in such a way that that helps the employer see that you are a definite asset to their school. Offer what you can do for them; instead of what they should to do for you. I would avoid stating personal reasons for a raise.
For example: If you can list specifcs regarding what you have been doing in the past and you are currently doing that they may not be aware of; out side the realm of your contract duties, as well as the ways you can help them in the future. Most employers want dedicated teachers and if they see you as genuine and willing to stay for the long haul they may be inclined to offer a pay raise. Also, the manner in which you communicate can also impact what you have to say. Try to communicate in a way that is acceptable for the culture you are in. Easier said than done. I am sure you are already aware of this, so just disregard that last one

The difficult issue of communicating with someone who may not have the same level of English proficiency as you; to pick up on the subtleties of negotiations, may warrant having some one who is bilingual and you trust come along as an emergency back up incase things become unclear or require intervention by translation? I know that suggestion may be problematic, but something to consider?

Some schools may have policies that don't allow pay raises, or may just be greedy and lacking in the fundamental understanding of human resource management strategies. You may be able to point out how it is to their advantage, if you say for example: "If you are willing to offer me a _____% pay increase, this is what I am willing to do for you and your school___________( come up with X number of specifc ideas)" The best time is a few months prior to contract renewal....so at least if they refuse...then you know where you stand on the issue of pay raises and can say you tried.
You have nothing to loose, better to be genuine and upfront about it and at least then, if they are not willing to give you a pay raise, you can deal with that and perhaps look for another job.

It sounds like you are planing to leave the job anyways.../?

[shuize]

What I've noticed from my own experience as well as from watching others is that when one asks for a raise and is turned down it really leaves a bad vibe. Most don't stay long when that happens.

First, ask yourself if you're willing to leave. If so, ask for the raise. If they don't give it to you, then leave.

If you're always willing to walk, employers can never get you over a barrel.

[Otterman Ollie]

Yes best idea so far ,you people are just toooooooooooooo nice these employers are all the same where ever you work ,the maxim is this ,quite simple really ----- The best teacher is the CHEAPEST teacher . Thats you, and as long as you accept that, its what you will remain .First rule ,forget tips you are not dealing with educated people just some blokes who makes money selling what you do in the classroom .YOU are just a commodity to be used abused discarded when finished with . Get you self another job lined up negioate a better deal for yourself ask about annual increases in line with inflation etc,etc,you know the stuff you should have done at the begginning ,don't ever sell yourself short .
Then go back to your cowboy of a boss and tell him you want OUT unless he can give you a good reason to stay . He won't of course because there is a teacher tree growing in his garden and you can be replaced any time . This is a hard lesson to learn but learn it well and use it to your advantage .
But if that is all too hard for you to do then say nothing and get shafted for another year .

[saint57]

Line up some other offers and be prepared to walk if they don't budge.

[Otterman Ollie]

Saint 57 wherever you are it looks cool ! Lucky Barsteward !

[naturegirl321]

[naturegirl321]

[cmp45]

I would tend to agree with otterman ollie, although would not have worded it quite as blunt, but heh he got the point across! Teachers do tend to be overly nice, and are less inclined to speak up when negotiating contracts, after all it is business and you do need to take care that you aren't being taken advantage of...sounds like they struck gold with you and perhaps it's time they pay you what your worth.

Good luck...however it turns out.

[naturegirl321]

Fingers crossed, I have a meeting tomorrow to ask for the raise.

[Glenski]

[naturegirl321]