Job Discussion Forums

Veddie Edder · Joined: 21 May 2007 Posts: 15 Location: HK

Sorry for the blog, but looking for some advice.

I'm just starting year 2 of my contract at my secondary school. Originally, I had been considering a switch to PNET after 2 years, but have decided to stick it out with SNET for my next contract. I was pretty down on the idea in the beginning, but after a lot of thought and evaluation I've realized that I actually do enjoy teaching at the Secondary level, and maybe just moving to a new base (a new school and place to live in a new part of HK) might be the change that I need.

Here's my question. Is it the norm for most people to secure new positions before or after having to tell their schools whether or not they will re-contract? I ask because it seems risky to me to let my current job expire just in the hopes of getting a new one somewhere else. Is there a "start date" when schools start to look for new NETs?

For anyone who is into their second contract or more, when did your school ask you to tell them if you were going to re-sign? I'm sure most people will tell me that I have to decide if it's worth the risk or not to applying after I let my contract expire. I realize that, but I was just wondering if anyone's had experience with this in the past.

This might put it into context a bit: I'm at a Secondary School in the western New Territories. The workload is quite heavy but manageable, the school is good, students are great. It's just that living in the western NT doesn't seem to be making me as happy as I could be. After spending a lot of time this summer on the eastern side of HK (Sai Kung, CWB, etc) I've come to realize that I'd be a lot happier out there.

Any advice on when I could/should start applying to other schools? Do I actually have to go through the EDB, or am I free to contact anyone I like at anytime?

Thanks all. And if anyone is living in eastern HK (Sai Kung, Sha Tin, CWB, or vicinity) and is planning on leaving in the summer, please PM me, I'd love to hear about your school!

anninhk · Joined: 08 Oct 2005 Posts: 284

I am a PNET and in our contracts it states that if you wish to renew with the same school you must inform them at least 6 months before the contract ends and if you don't it will be assumed that you are leaving.
They on the other hand don't seem to need to do anything until around May.
June/July is when most schools start looking - and some still are.
You can look for a school yourself or let the EDB find you one - I think there is some form you fill in.

dodgee · Joined: 01 Jun 2005 Posts: 47

I changed jobs this year at the end of my 2-year contract. The panel head at my old school tried to get me to sign a 2-year contract again after my first year but I refused to saying that I was not sure I wanted to stay in HK.
After that almost weekly she would ask me what my plans were. At this point I was ceratinly not going to stay more than two-years at that school as I had some sanity to preserve. After Christmas I asked her if she would be a referee for me as I was applying for jobs in other schools. She agreed to do so with the caveat being "I hope you don't get another job so that you can stay here.'
She also asked me to write a letter of resignation for the headmaster so that she could start advertising. The Headmaster wished me luck and even passed on some schools where she heard that they might want a new NET. Including one she is now a Headmaster at heself. I started sending applications to selected schools where I heard there were openings around April.
By the beginning of May I had signed a new contract. My old school were totally fine about it. I went out of my way to help them find new NET and I have a woderful relationship with all of old colleagues. As long as you are clear and honest with them I think they are fine with you changing schools. My lot seemed very supporting and philosophical about the whole thing.

Veddie Edder · Joined: 21 May 2007 Posts: 15 Location: HK

Thanks for the replies guys. Actually, things are starting to go a bit smoother this year at my school, so I'm not as stressed about it all as I used to be. I still have a big decision to make in the next couple of months about changing schools, but I'll be sure and take your advice/info into consideration.

Anyone else have the experience of having a very hard/stressful first year and then have things turn around in later years? It's a natural progression I realize, but I'd love to hear about your experiences.