Job Discussion Forums

[naturegirl321]

It's getting to be the time when people look for jobs for the summer and fall. Before you sign a contract, there are some questions that you should ask. Also, if possible, go and visit the school. You should also talk to some of the current teachers at the school. There might have been some posts in the job information journal, but anyone can post there, it could even be a rival school. Ask the school if they can give you two or three emails/phone numbers of teachers. Be wary of schools that refuse to give you contact info for their teachers. They might be hiding something. Talk to the teachers there and you can learn about the school.Here are some questions that I usually ask, hope it helps.!


School/Students
how many students per class?
How long is each class? How often does it meet?
What are the levels of the students?
What books are used?
What is available? Copy machine? computer? internet? printer? tape player?
What Reference books are available for supplementary material?
Are you expected to completely follow the curriculum or expect to supplement it?
Are there tests? When? How makes them and who grades them?
Where are the classes? on or off campus?
How old are the students?
Why are they studying? for an exam? travel overseas? study/work overseas? for university? for a hobby?
How many teachers are there for each class?
Are you expected to put in office hours?
Are there teacher training sessions or meetings? HOw often? How long?

VisasWhat type of visa will you be on? Is it a working visa?
How long is it good for?
How many entries do you have?
Do you need to get the visa before you enter the country?
What is needed for the visa? original degree? medical?

Teachers
How many teachers are at the school?
What are their qualifications? what experience do they have?
How old are they?
Where are they from?
How long have they been at the school?

Contract stuff
IS there assistance with housing?
Will you have a roommate?
If housing is supplied, what furniture is given?
Is there a shower? kitchen?
Can you live wherever you want?
Is your flight reimbursed? When?
Is there a penalty for a broken contract?
How much notice needs to be given if you break contract?
Is there a trial period? (If not, write one in the contract, you may hate it after a week)
Is there vacation? Is it paid? When is it? Can vacation be taken when you want?
Are there sick days? Are they paid?
HOw many hours will you work?
How much is overtime?
Are there national holidays? When are they?
Is there a dress code?
Is there insurance? What type?
When are you paid? In what currency?
Are you given language lessons?

[Nate]

Thanks for this list! Just wondering, since there are so many questions... do you usually just ask them by email or over the phone?

[Katzwyl]

I was just about to sit down and compile a list of questions to ask. You have saved me SOOOO much time. THANK YOU!!

[naturegirl321]

Usually the school will provide a background and lots of the questions get answered before I ask. Then I email the school a few questions, and ask for some teacher's emails at the school and ask the teachers questions as well. Don't ask them all at once though!

[guruengerish]

Thanks from me too, regarding your list of questions. I've been teaching in an Asian country for five years, and looking for a change of country. These are exactly the questions I will be asking any prospective employer.

Question: What is the norm for salary, conditions and vacation for an experienced teacher with a TEFL Certificate? There seem to be widely varying salaries, leave etc. I even had one school offering me a shared bedroom in the teachers' house. No thanks! I see one international franchised school is offering 2 weeks vacation. Big deal.

Is there generally an age-limit for teachers?

[Roger]

All these questions have been competently dealt with by Dave Sperling in person in his entry "CONTRACT SURVIVAL TIPS" at the top of this board!

[guruengerish]

OK, and thanks for the information.

[Just a guy]

I wonder how good this would go off as a lesson plan at a uni..?

[Travelingman]

I had been procastinating about making this list since I won't be looking in earnest for another couple of weeks. Yet I knew it was just a matter of time before I had to do it. Thanks Naturegirl for sharing this information. The list is all encompassing And many thanks for saving me oodles of time, as well.

[shenyanggerry]

To supplement your excellent list:

If an accommodation is supplied
How many rooms
Is hot water available 24/7
How big are the rooms
What do they contain
What floor is it on
Is there an elevator
If so, is it turned off at night, at what time
Do they lock the doors at night, if so when
Is someone there to let you in if you come in late (I once woke up the �doorman� at 9:30 P.M.)
Do they meet you at the airport/station, deliver you at contract end

School/ Students
Is there a text book(s)
Is there a curriculum (I have neither)
How far is your accommodation from your classrooms
Must you travel to different locations, if so how and who pays