Job Discussion Forums

Betty Rubble · Joined: 19 Jul 2009 Posts: 9

I guess it is a 50% bilingual school then, because the classes are split and they spend half the day with the English teacher (me), and half the day with their Spanish teacher. So I will actually have two classes a day. I actually enjoy working in schools where the parents are highly involved- I think they should be. I am going to accept the position- I sure can't find any jobs up here! They answered all of my questions satisfactorily, and have been super nice and accommodating. So I guess you'll be seeing a lot more of me for the next year... Dave's was my lifeline when I was in Korea!

dixie · Joined: 23 Apr 2006 Posts: 644 Location: D.F

TheLongWayHome · Joined: 07 Jun 2006 Posts: 1016 Location: San Luis Piojosi

cummings93 · Posted: Sun Aug 16, 2009 6:13 pm Post subject: bi lingual schools

I spent 3 years in Mex, two of them teaching at Mexican Bi lingual schools, and the last teaching at an American School. In short, the bi lingual schools were very disorganized on almost every level and the support from staff, colleagues, and administration was non existent. Often I would wonder if I was on a totally hidden video show, seriously. It just got to be so ridiculous and unbelievable. As Americans, we weren't treated very respectfully at all and were forced to put on plays and teach the kids songs so they could put on multiple shows to entertain the parents and often told to serve the parents food after the shows, really wierd stuff. These two schools were also very dishonest. O one instance I moved from one part of Mexico to another under the impression that I had a full time job, only to find out that they were only giving me part time when I arrived. I then made up the hours working as an assistant for my free hours and making $30/ pesos an hour. I stayed because I liked the kids, they were fun we really enjoyed our time together. But the parents, most of them, were impossible and acted like the privileged aristocracy they believe themselves to be.
My final year I worked in an American-esque School and was paid well, and everybody communicated well, the kids were great, the parents were awesome, and it was pretty much the greatest year of teaching I ever had.
I do not if this helps, but I sort of got to thinking about the past 3 years of my life.
saludos

Professor · Joined: 22 May 2009 Posts: 449 Location: Mexico City

Linda,

stay away from the kids here in Mexico. Especially the rich ones. I saw them just get up and walk out of classes while the teacher was in the middle of a lecture. The kids here do what they want if the parents are rich.
It doesn't matter what some who post here say about teachers just not having the experience to teach kids, the rich kids here are TERRIBLE. And the universities are kind of like the language schools in that they will want you to follow their approach or system. Teach for yourself and you won't have to deal with all of the above.

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

Jfurgers: not all students in private ("rich"?) schools are "terrible", obviously, and not all private schools are run the same. It goes without saying that some schools are poorly managed and others are managed quite well. Go after what feels comfortable for you. Some people prefer a steady income and the comraderie of working with other teachers. Others can afford the flexibility and like to work alone. It's all about personal choices.