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Left HK for certification--would like to return
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texasisthereason



Joined: 29 Apr 2009
Posts: 52
PostPosted: Mon May 11, 2009 1:57 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Mojoski-- I will be finished with my student teaching by December 2009. I was hoping to have something lined up with the NET program to start after the Christmas break in January of 2010. I assume that if the deadline for applications for the beginning of the year is in February, then maybe a mid-term application would be over the summer.
Is it even possible to start a contract mid-term?
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Marcoregano



Joined: 19 May 2003
Posts: 872
Location: Hong Kong
PostPosted: Mon May 11, 2009 2:00 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
texasisthereason wrote:
I definitely would like to avoid teaching English at this point. I am a bit burnt out on it and would like to focus on science, math or sports. My original post was in question to how one goes about contacting these school as well as when. Am I able to start putting feelers out now even though I will not have completed my coursework until the end of December? Same question for the NET. If I wanted to start immediately after my program ends, do I apply this summer while I'm in HK and able to interview?


If you want to teach science, maths and/or sport, the NET programme isn't for you! The vast majority of NETs teach English language, some with a bit of drama, literature or history thrown in. Don't forget that NETs work at 'local' schools, with most subjects taught by local teachers. Perhaps you should take a look at the international schools, where overseas teachers are brought in to teach subjects across the curriculum - though you may find them a tougher nut to crack until you've racked up some experience in your desired subjects.
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texasisthereason



Joined: 29 Apr 2009
Posts: 52
PostPosted: Mon May 11, 2009 4:45 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Marcoregano-- that's what I figured in regards to the NET program--- I am returning in December due to personal commitments and I am trying to lay the foundation for the best scenario possible. If that means teaching English for a 'local' school, then so be it.
So should I apply now even though my program will not be complete; do I explain in the application that I will be finished in December of 2009 and am looking for work immediately after? While visiting this summer do I pop into the EDB and see if I can set up an interview?
Just curious as to what the best course of action will be to produce the best results.
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Marcoregano



Joined: 19 May 2003
Posts: 872
Location: Hong Kong
PostPosted: Mon May 11, 2009 6:18 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Why not just go ahead and apply, and make it clear that you're looking for a position beginning Jan 2010 - I don't see what harm it could do. Some NET positions do start mid-year (due to dropouts etc.) though obviously there are less than in September.

However, my Q to you is this: If you want to escape TEFL, why apply for a route that guarantees that's what you'll be doing??? On top of that, if you succeed in finding a NET post, it might make it harder for you to switch to your preferred subjects in the years ahead, as you'll have no experience of teaching those subjects.
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oxi



Joined: 16 Apr 2007
Posts: 347
Location: elsewhere
PostPosted: Mon May 11, 2009 6:19 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
texasisthereason wrote:

So should I apply now even though my program will not be complete; do I explain in the application that I will be finished in December of 2009 and am looking for work immediately after? While visiting this summer do I pop into the EDB and see if I can set up an interview?


Personally, I think the answer to all that is simply yes. There are posts available in January, but obviously not as many as September. My first rounds of interviews for NET were in January for a Chinese New Year start.

The EDB are notoriously slow, so anything you can do in advance is a good idea. But don't be annoyed if "popping" in just confuses them and they can't set up an interview quickly. If you have something resembling QTS, (after all previous posts, I still dunno) they're normally interested. Could depend on how many posts they've already filled, and your luck.

Not sure about international schools, but I imagine they'll be happy to get the chance to see someone in person for interview rather than by phone.

If you don't mind me asking, why would you not want to apply? Are you worried that if you're rejected first time, they'll reject a second application later? Well, I don't think that happens here too often.
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kowlooner



Joined: 24 Jun 2004
Posts: 230
Location: HK, BCC (former)
PostPosted: Mon May 11, 2009 8:05 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
For other schools, here's a list:

http://www.google.com/Top/Regional/Asia/Hong_Kong/Education/International_Schools/

Some have very high standards and would likely be hard for a new teacher to get into, though perhaps things have changed.

As the others have said, best get a start on it now! No reason to wait.
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Yes Sir I Can Bogey



Joined: 23 Mar 2009
Posts: 201
PostPosted: Mon May 11, 2009 1:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
kowlooner wrote:
Yet another "I know a bloke who..." from Bogey. Remember his "friend" who'd been turned down from a hawker's license because he "wasn't Chinese"? Which of course had to be totally bogus (or, possibly, simply a case of misinformation) since the government hasn't issued new licenses to anybody in the last 30 years or so. Perhaps Bogey is confusing things again and that his "friends" were turned down for other reasons.

Thank you for the personal attack, Kowloony. That is very big and mature of you. I can only assume that the economic downturn has had an adverse effect on that grotty little backstreet hack tutorial centre you own and run. Or is it perhaps the case that you are simply jealous of those of us who actually have proper jobs?
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Yes Sir I Can Bogey



Joined: 23 Mar 2009
Posts: 201
PostPosted: Mon May 11, 2009 1:16 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
texasisthereason wrote:
In regards to my education- I have taken 3o semester hours in the university classroom.

30 hours is the equivalent of about one week's full-time experience. Hardly good enough to get the sort of jobs you seem to think you are eligible for. Local teachers would laugh in your face and ex-pat teachers at international schools would most likely not even give you the time of day.
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kowlooner



Joined: 24 Jun 2004
Posts: 230
Location: HK, BCC (former)
PostPosted: Mon May 11, 2009 1:50 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Bogey, you are a hoot! Still got your facts wrong, but that's never stopped you before.

By the way, you really should investigate before sticking your foot into your mouth. 30 semester hours is not the equivalent of one week's FT experience. But I'll let you figure out how that would be on your own.
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