Job Discussion Forums

[wanderer84]

Hi everyone. long time reader, first time poster...

As a Celta qualified, native (UK) teacher with 2 years experience teaching in Small-town Poland, I was wondering what you think the current demand for people like me is in the larger cities (In particular Wroclaw and Warsaw)

Do you think the market is saturated with natives? Are there still oppurtunities to go freelance in these cities? Any advice would be greatly appreciated...

[mania]

How small is your 'Small-Town'? Sometimes it is better to have a go in a smaller market rather than jumping into the saturated pool. Also, do you have any other degrees besides a celta?

[wanderer84]

I agree, sometimes it is better to be the big fish in the small pond.

So from your reply, you say that demand in the big cities is "saturated." Is this the commonly held school of thought? Does supply of natives greatly out-weigh the demand in places like Wroclaw and Warsaw? Would it be hard simply to find hours to teach in these cities?

And to reply to your question, I have a batchelors degree in a science. Thanks for any help

[Master Shake]

I think the demand for CELTA qualified teachers in the bigger cities is still fairly high.

Someone posted recently that it is even possible for native speakers to find English teaching work without a degree or CELTA in Warsaw.

I'm curious what someone living in Warsaw thinks about the job situation. There's a good chance I'll be making the move to Warsaw this Fall in order to do the DELTA.

[hrvatski]

If you're good you'll get a good job in a big city, there is a lack of decent applicants. If you're not so good then you'll get a not so good job in a big city.

[justflyingin]

[Blasphemer]

[Blasphemer]

[TwinCentre]

Think you guys are painting too rosy a picture of the centre of Warsaw!

Yes, there are lots of teaching jobs going, nearly all on an hourly basis BUT unless you get a gig at the British Council, you are dealing with a zloty a minute max. With few exceptions. So, to earn more you have to go directly to companies, and they won't touch you unless you have your own company.

However, I know a few people who do well from just teaching privates alone. This seems to be the new trend amongst my teaching friends here. I know a number of people who have ditched the schools and gone it alone and never looked back. If you know how to pitch yourself to the Warsaw mentality (basically, involves saying you are the best in as stern way as possible) then it is possible to make a decent income from privates alone here, make sure you have a good cancellation policy! Got to charge at least 70 per hour to make it a viable business, especially with Zus and tax etc. It is possible to go up to 100zt per hour if you get your name around company execs and can boast great credentials.

People will tell you that it can't be done, privates are too unreliable etc etc. But, that is BS, it sure can if you know how to market yourself and how to keep to strict, clear rules, and never ever ever bend them whatever happens, even if the student gives you a heart-breaking sob story..

The teachers who have done it are far happier, so Warsaw does have potential for anyone wanting to move here.

[Master Shake]

I am an American and will be arriving in Warsaw Aug. 28. I have a CELTA and 2 years teaching experience (1 year in Poland). I am also working on my DELTA (1 module down, 2 to go).

I'd love to freelance, as TwinCentre suggests, but I think it could be tricky because I will be new to Warsaw. I taught at Bell Gdansk a couple years ago.

Should I try to line up a job before I arrive in the Big W? Or is it better to go knocking on doors once I arrive? Any schools in particular to seek out (or avoid)?

[hrvatski]

Are you doing your DELTA through correspondence?

[sharter]

A DELTA will only make a difference with the language schools and the BC. I think it's overrated and can be expensive; it won't make you a better teacher and your privates won't give a fig.

[hrvatski]

Does give you a pretty good edge if things get raw and you really need a job though...

[Master Shake]

[simon_porter00]

Schools are all much or a muchness from my experience the main things are the money (min złoty a minute net) and with your experience I'd try for more - and you're gonna hear "it's the crisis, companies cut their training budgets", but this is all BS.

Check out the contract and if it has truly unacceptable terms as per the relationship between class attendance and wage as per one very well known school's contract does just say no.

Check out the resources and admin staff there and if you can try to talk to a native that's there about staff turnover. It's not unusual to go in every time and see a new librarian/admin staff who doesn't know their ass from their elbow.

I can't see how the DELTA will increase your wages although I'd shout it from the tree tops in any interview. Hit the schools at the end of August and keep on harassing them until Mid September - stuff you know. If you start on Aleja Jerozalimskie by the palm tree and walk until plac zawiscy you'll walk past umpteen schools and there'll be many umpteen more just off the track.

For the money side of things obviously the BC is one, Mike Mills is another (don't say that you followed my advice - he doesn't like me). There's a new school starting in Warsaw "the new york school of American English" or somesuch that so far seem to be promising silly wages, although I'd have my reservations.

Privates are easy to come by once you've settled in. There's even a chance I might be able to send some work your way if you're appropriately documented to work in Poland.