Job Discussion Forums

[fabdi_2]

I got a job offer with Future Bilingual School for the upcoming 2010/2011 school year and need some advice.....is this a good offer?

790KD with usual benefits (airfare, furnished housing on school grounds, medical insurance, and stipend at the end)

I have a masters in education and a 140hr tefl certificate with 6 months of adult ESL teaching experience.

So is this a good offer? Is this salary on the lower end of the spectrum? Any advice on FBS?

[Starfell]

No that is a S**t salary.
someone with a masters should be earning at least 1000KD.
Oh, and accom is in a sh*TTy area, and the school is a load of sh*t too.

In a mood, thought I'd be blunt.

[fabdi_2]

thanks Starfell....I def need to keep searching

What do you know about FBS? I tried to search through the forums but couldnt find anything specific.

Anyone worked there before? What specific problems have you encountered with the school/management/contracts/etc?

Thanks

[Starfell]

Join international schools review.....heck Im feeling generous......here you go...... I'll cut and paste for you:

''

Comments:

Academic integrity of school: I am afraid that one cannot use the words �academic� or �integrity� or even �school� in relation to this establishment.
* They do not usually hire academically qualified / certified teachers. The children are basically �looked after� by well meaning adults, many of whom try very hard. Yet in most countries this institution would not even be allowed to operate as a Day Care Center.
* The children are at a level way below the norm for even second language learners at each level. The care givers have no idea how to present lessons to the children, nor for the most part, do they know what to present to them.
* The parents are being deceived into thinking that their children are being educated. They pay private school fees, but are not even getting an education, let alone the level of private education for which they are paying. Making money is paramount, so the Manager would rather pay unqualified staff at a low rate than invest in qualified teachers.

Effectiveness of administration: The school is run by a �Manager� and an �Assistant Manager�. These two individuals must have once attended a school �. somewhere. Apart from that, they know nothing about education. They make decisions on a whim. They change their minds on a whim. Staff members do not have contracts. Many have signed four copies. These are then taken away �to be signed by the owner��. and are never seen again. Those who ask for them are given non committal answers and eventually they leave. Most people will not get their contracts back because the Ministry of Education will not approve their lack of qualifications for teaching. So the administration gives them a �contract� to sign, but it is null and void because the person cannot be legally employed as a teacher.

Academic and disciplinary support provided: The Principal and Assistant Principal have tried to support and enable the staff. Both have skills which could help this establishment become a real school. However, their efforts are frustrated by the Administrative Pair. What a waste of skills! They have kept hoping to persuade the Manager and Assistant Manager to have a change of heart � if only for the sake of the children, but to no avail. Both are leaving at the end of June (along with most of the Western staff).''

[Starfell]

Oh, and.....

''Comments: There have been many issues in this school. Accepting employment in this school is a very bad decision. Supplies for teaching are limited, teachers have to spend a lot of their own money in order to deliver a half-descent lesson. Visas and such-like are processed very slowly and teachers have a terrible time with legal issues and rights.''


and

''Comments: If you are thinking of coming here think twice�� and then think again. Below is a list of reason not to come

� ****** Academic Director, is unprofessional.
� ******is a micro manager. She loves �yes� people.
� ******is holding contracts of several people for not doing their job� Not once did she come and tell you what you are doing wrong or what she didn�t like.
� ******tells people that your contract will be reviewed in April. At the same time, she is looking for someone to replace you.
� Contracts were not passed out until the end of Feb. Kuwaiti Law states they should be passed out by January.
� Not a place for Western Children.
� The children at FBS are lower than low in speaking English and basic math problems.
� Parents run the school. Example; school hours were changed because a parent complained about the hours.
� Visa�s take a LONG time.
� Not enough or no materials� no paint, coloring paper, butcher paper (for bulletin boards), math books, science books and etc..
� Teachers have to copy whole books and then got reprimanded for it.
� The Principles try their best but the efforts are stopped by *****and her Micro managing style.

****** is making a bad school worst.''(sic)

[fabdi_2]

wow wow wow
that is really bad
thanks for the information....I really appreciate it
International schools review, never heard of it before but sounds like a useful site

is this the right website http://www.internationalschoolsreview.com/

[Starfell]

Yes, but to read the reviews, you need to pay to join.

[veiledsentiments]

[Romano]

I must concur that kind of pay for your experience is definitely not worth your time. if you are still looking for a job in Kuwait send me a PM maybe I can help you.

[wildgander]

I have a doctorate and a CELTA certificate but have about a year of actual ESL teaching experience. Could anyone maybe give me a rough idea of how education and experience play off each other.

What would be an average entry salary in Kuwait and maybe other Middle East countries for someone with my qualifications.

Wildgander

[veiledsentiments]

Ah... I'm beginning to see why you might be having a problem getting a job. What is your doctorate in? I assume completely unrelated? (or you would have mentioned)

With only a CELTA and one year of experience, there are very few jobs in the Gulf that you qualify for...

VS