Job Discussion Forums

eslmommy · Joined: 14 Mar 2008 Posts: 21 Location: Canada

Hi All,

I'm looking for some advice on questions to ask previous or current teachers at a couple of schools from which I've had job offers.

Other than the obvious questions about follow through on promises, any problems with pay, living accommodations, working hours etc are there some more specific questions I should be asking?

Thanks in advance
Joanne

eslstudies · Joined: 17 Dec 2006 Posts: 1061 Location: East of Aden

Facilities, eg gym, internet, cable/satellite TV, proximity of transport, supermarkets etc. You will have many free hours to fill.
Class sizes, subjects taught, assessment tasks, resources, profile of student cohort and English faculty.

Remember, former and present FTs may have gripes, not all of which are the school's fault, and in some cases are unjustified.

malu · Joined: 22 Apr 2007 Posts: 1344 Location: Sunny Java

After covering the important stuff that you mentioned, I think it is important to know what there is to see and do outside of work and to get an idea of how easy or difficult it will be to get away for a short break during holidays.

Experience on this forum suggests that a few things that really get up FTs' noses are, in no order of importance: chaotic organisation, last minute information or utter absence of information about work related issues, poor transport/remoteness, lack of little home comforts that don't seem important before you get here but assume significance after a while - fresh milk, coffee, proper bread etc, intermittent water or electricity supply, poor healthcare or dentistry, general boredom.

Questions like "What sort of things do you guys do at the weekend?" and "Have you been to many interesting places around China?" Should get people talking freely. If the answer to the former is "I usually stay at home and watch DVDs" then think again.

Lobster · Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2008 9:07 am Post subject:

1. Can I fail students who don't attend classes?
2. Does admin change my marks?
3. Should I wake up sleepers or let them snooze?
4. Do I get a classroom I can decorate or move between white-washed cells?
5. Do I get locked into the dorm at 9:30?
6. Will I get my final paycheque?

RED

Kram · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 152 Location: In a chair

Did you get paid?

Moon Over Parma · Joined: 20 May 2007 Posts: 819

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 4946 Location: Blabbing

1. How have you enjoyed working for this school?

2. How helpful have they been when you came across any problems?

3. Do you get enough support and resources to teach properly?

4. How is the boss?

5. How are the Chinese teachers?

6. How are the other staff, including other foreigners?

7. Any problems with pay?

8. How is the housing?

Those would be mine, off the top of my head.

Leon Purvis · Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 3:16 am Post subject:

I would be very pointed about the Whiner's question #6.

I'd ask how many maladjusted FTs work there. Whoever tells you "none" is probably the one wacko which seems to be in every work place in the industrialized world.

I'd also ask about the abilities of the students.

Does the FAO farm out the teachers to other schools?

Is the campus and surrounding area safe? Crime seems to be on the rise in my area.

eslmommy · Joined: 14 Mar 2008 Posts: 21 Location: Canada

Hi All,

Thanks for your input. It is very valuable.

Joanne