Job Discussion Forums

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

Tiny problem, but would like some feedback. I'm getting ready to sign a new contract, but it calls for me to attend "probably" three English Corners per week. I HATE ENGLISH CORNERS. I asked the FAO to take that out, he replied that they don't happen anyway, the administrators don't check teacher attendance, don't worry about it, etc., it's just a standard clause in the contract, none of the other teachers go to them, blah, blah...... It IS in the contract, though. I technically have his disclaimer in writing (an e-mail with the contract attached). Whaddya think?

tttompatz · Posted: Wed May 26, 2010 9:24 am Post subject: Re: contract glitch

Silent Shadow · Posted: Wed May 26, 2010 9:26 am Post subject:

As it's not required and seems unimportant to the school, I would reason with them and ask " Why not take it out, then?". ...not difficult, surely!

I had similar issues with my current school, though it was the opposite. Things that were promised verbally like return airfare and payment of utilities were omitted. They couldn't understand why I insisted that they should be included in the contract. In the end I made adjustments, myself (I told them I was doing it, and to check the changes) to the copy of the contract that they sent me by email attachment, and they agreed to the changes and signed the contract.

Then again, as you're renewing maybe you can trust them on this if they've been trustworthy up to now. You could consider their track record regarding both their written and verbal promises. It will largely depend on how good your relationship is with them.

How many English corners were required in last years contract?; it seems strange to suddenly shove this on you, on a contract renewal!

Er!... sorry. I've just checked and you didn't say renewal. If it's a new school, forget the last two paragraphs. In that case, it's even more important to get rid of the clause

The Ever-changing Cleric · Joined: 19 Feb 2009 Posts: 1523

wangdaning · Joined: 22 Jan 2008 Posts: 3154

If you sign a contract you should read it first. The school cannot change the contract after signing or it would be messed up. Changing anything before signing is fine, as the other party should read it.

kev7161 · Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 5880 Location: Suzhou, China

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

OP here. Yeah, I'm trying to avoid any unpleasant surprises. No matter how much the FAO assures me that nothing will come of not doing the English Corner Boogie, TECHNICALLY I would be in violation of the contract by not doing it. Therefore,.........

And no, I have not signed the contract. That's why I put this topic on in the first place. If I had already signed, this would all be moot.

Teatime of Soul · Joined: 12 Apr 2007 Posts: 905

The SAFEA contract does not have this provision.

The SAFEA contract allows amendments that have equal force in law. Not sure what kind of contract you are signing.

By now, you should know if they are trustworthy or not. If you trust 'em, sign away.

If they say anything later, just give some formalistic excuse that will signal them to stop asking; e.g., "I'm sorry, I was busy writing lesson plans for my normal classes. I'll try to make it next time." They'll get the message.

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

No, I don't know if they're trustworthy or not. I've been communicating with them for a couple of weeks. They smile a lot. I met a foreign teacher who's leaving, but he seemed to be on excellent terms with the FAO; don't know if that means anything.

gene · Joined: 03 Mar 2010 Posts: 187

Likely he is trying to reassure you without changing anything that might alert his supervisors that all contract obligations are not being met. This would indicate he is walking a tightrope between his staff and his bosses. Whether or not this would be come a active stipulation in the contract would likely depend on events surrounding the day to day operations of your school. In other words, if this became an issue the FAO would expect you to fulfill the obligation so his "higher ups" would get off his back. Trusting the FAO or the school is an attitude that should be exercised in the present tense as any actions directed towards the FAO (by the administration) in the future will determine his expectations and not his assurance in the email.

Silent Shadow · Posted: Thu May 27, 2010 12:53 am Post subject:

Apart from the FT that you've met, have you been told that other FTs work there, too ? If so, why not ask for emails of those FTs, and find out if they had the the same or similar stipulations in their contracts, and if the stipulations were enforced? I don't think most FTs would lie about an issue like this. This is what I would do. A reasonable school, should have no problem with this.

If you find out that they had to do those English corners, you could express your concerns with the FAO. Explain that you would rather use the time to prepare lessons and allow time for students who need help with their studies to see you.

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

Lobster · Posted: Fri May 28, 2010 5:28 pm Post subject:

There's absolutely nothing wrong with unilaterally making changes to a contract and sending it back. I do it all the time. Of course I give a clear notification of all changes I've made and the reasons I've made those changes. Reasons may range from thinking a clause is vague to just not liking it. Still, each party has the responsibility to read the final copy before signing it.

RED

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

I finally decided to tell them to either take out the EC's or find another teacher. They took them out.

Silent Shadow · Posted: Sun May 30, 2010 1:51 am Post subject:

Well done.