Job Discussion Forums

Coburg · Joined: 14 Oct 2010 Posts: 7

Hello,

Just wondering if any of you out there feel that the working conditions in the Tefl world are quite poor.

I've been teaching for several years, having worked for several schools home and abroad (home being Ireland) and have to say that the working conditions, compared to an average office work are extremely poor.

My brother works in a supermarket and if he is sick he gets paid for it, whereas if I am sick I have to take the day as unpaid or as a days holiday. Am I the only one who feels this way? If not, then why is this the case? Are there any language schools with a union?

Coburg

Perilla · Joined: 09 Jul 2010 Posts: 792 Location: Hong Kong

Stacking shelves has the edge over TEFL in the UK. Head east young man ... far east.

artemisia · Joined: 04 Nov 2008 Posts: 875 Location: the world

Language schools are pretty much the bottom rung of TEFL anywhere. I have come across a few really good ones that actually treat their teachers as though they are full employees but they're few and far between. I haven't heard of any with a union but TEFL might come under the umbrella of one for teachers. There should also be general labour laws that apply eg; how long an employer can keep offering only short term contracts to the same employee.

The situation in Ireland sounds pretty dire economically and that will have a huge impact on what limited work is available and who's out there looking for it. Unfortunately you're unlikely to end up with better working conditions. I know this has been the situation for you for some time and true of work in other countries but Ireland sounds like a particularly difficult place to be workwise. If you don't have higher quals, now might be the time to find a way to go after that - so many people are either updating their quals or retraining in a different field during this global downturn. If you already do and are prepared to live abroad then thats going to be the way to go. If you're willing to go to Asia, you might land something better even without higher quals. Perilla's right about the UK, too. It's always going to be harder and much more competitive to get decent TEFL work in an English speaking country.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

In the 10-year hiatus I had mid-career, when I was back in Scotland I did just about every other job I could - but not EFLing. Just a minute, "Career" Who am I trying to kid ?

My EFLing has all been in Europe (BC) Africa and the Middle East. Retirement is now ahead and I can't wait, even if it means a life of genteel poverty !

Mr_Monkey · Joined: 11 Mar 2009 Posts: 661 Location: Kyuuuuuushuuuuuuu

I took a DoS post because I was sick of the conditions in the UK. Unfortunately, this meant I have to be the *beep* that enforces the truly dire working conditions. This alone is enough to make it the single worst job I've ever had.

I'm going back to Japan with my family in a month. EFL in the UK is awful.

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

If you are on a proper working contract, full-time or part-time, and you earn more than 97 pounds per week you are entitled to Statutory Sick Pay after the initial 3 days off sick. http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/your_money/employment/off_work_because_of_sickness.htm

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

EFL in Britain in all areas and at all levels is DIRE. Do not do it.

GriffinParka · Joined: 16 Dec 2010 Posts: 41 Location: West London

Dire indeed. I've recently joined a union, ATL, which has a presence in some FE and EFL places too. I'd recommend others do too.

I'm not expecting a great deal, as my current employer will not even recognise unions, but at least I have back up if there's a legal problem, and I can officially report them for their underhand deeds (which appear to be numerous).

Most other teachers at my place seem to be apathetic, but I feel that such an attitude just encourages employers to give teachers even more stick.

The cost of joining the union is equal to about one day's wages - certainly worth it in my view.

Kipling

Coburg · Joined: 14 Oct 2010 Posts: 7

I think it is a crying shame how we are taken advantage so often. No matter how much experience you seem to get in some schools, the school is just as interested in giving as much work as a new teacher who has little or no experience.

I have never been a fan of unions but feel it is a pity that they don't seem to exist in the Tefl world.