Job Discussion Forums

gingermeggs · Joined: 29 Jan 2004 Posts: 162

A friend of mine has just been given the arse from his school, a month before his contract ended. Apparently they just realised he was a "bad " teacher. Avoid JINAN SOUTH OCEAN SCHOOL.

Giantbudwiser · Posted: Wed May 12, 2004 3:19 am Post subject:

2 sides to every story. What did he do?

eion_padraig · Joined: 13 Jan 2004 Posts: 38 Location: USA

Maybe it involves pirates and treasure, it is an "ocean school" after all. Perhaps they didn't like the way he pronounce "Aaaarggghhh sea bass!"

Giantbudwiser · Posted: Wed May 12, 2004 5:35 am Post subject:

Fair enough "eion_padraig", I heard Ocean schools were always screwing over their teachers. Oh well sucks to be him! Cool

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

I have heard of this phenomenon in other Chinese schools as well. A supposedly "bad" teacher gets canned very near to the end of his contract for. . . dereliction (is that spelled right?) of duty or some such thing. I've heard that some of these schools have not paid the airfare, the final month salary, the bonus pay (holiday pay), and so on. If you worry about the integrity of your school, may I suggest that you have someone of importance write a monthly review of your work. Invite them to visit your class often so they can observe your work. If they don't want to, then tell them you insist on a monthly report for your own records. Make it easy on them. Make up a questionnaire they can just check off "yes" or "no"

1. "X" was on time for classes every time this month

2. "X" taught English lessons this month as laid out in his contract

3. "X" did not miss any classes this month due to illness or some other cause.

4. This school is, to date, pleased with "X's" performance.

. . . and so on. Then get it signed, dated, and get that little red stamp on it.

Do I know the names of these schools? Well, no . . . it's just rumor, but we all know how rascally some Chinese schools can be. Just be cautious (this is especially true for all you newcomers setting out for China in the next few months!).

khmerhit · Posted: Wed May 12, 2004 7:55 am Post subject:

there are not "two sides to every story"---what a hacneyed cliche--get a life! tere is at least one side and posssibly more---usually one suffices!!

gingermeggs · Joined: 29 Jan 2004 Posts: 162

There are not two sides to this story. Fact is they canned him simply because they are *beep*. They don't deserve any more foreign teachers.If we can keep people informed about *beep* schools, so much the better. They might one day wake up and wonder why no-one applies to their schools. (I doubt it, but it's a dream)
I don't want this to turn into another scratch and bite thread. I have simply stated a fact, and a warning.

lagerlout2006 · Joined: 17 Sep 2003 Posts: 985

I am the man in question....Here's the story. School cancelled Grade 9 and up so they can start early preparing for exams..That left me with 4 classes which they say is "not a job." They have elementary classes but say I am incompetent at this......In their defence yes I am not very good with 25-30 grade 2 or 4 with no TA in the room. I told them this last term.

The reality is they see a way to save 5500 and are taking it...I think I am in the right. I was "good" enough last term to do 24 classes and 20 the rest of the time...And to decide this 9 months into a 10 month contract? Really...I don't know if ther PSB will agree but we will find out...Of course they do some dodgy things here so they might back down...

In their e-mail (they didn't even tell me to my face) they say they have the right to do this. Is 2 weeks notice legal...Anyway I replied YES you do and I have the right to go to the police. This is even more absurd because I have tried to leave a couple of times and let them talk me into staying...Ridiculous...

ilunga · Joined: 17 Oct 2003 Posts: 842 Location: China

I know what you mean about the students lagerlout. I heard Lanza had many problems in the beginning. I work for the same organisation in another city and although there's many things wrong with the place i've never had any problems with the way I've been treated.
I feel in many respects this is a great school to work for but I suppose it all comes down to the people you work with.
I don't know anything about the Jinan school though so they may be completely different.
Why did they cancel grade 9 and above? Did that just leave you with Junior 1 and 2? They can be a right handful! 35 little runts who have no interest in learning English yet they expect you to teach them 'conversation' with no support whatsoever. Getting them to shut the *beep* up for 5 minutes is hard enough.

I don't know where you stand to be honest but it doesn't seem right at all.
Hope you get it sorted.

La Paz · Posted: Wed May 12, 2004 12:32 pm Post subject:

Lagerlouse got canned!

Too funny, like I said everbody gets screwed in the end...not literally but in your case yes.

Too funny....... Laughing

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 4946 Location: Blabbing

moonraven · Joined: 24 Mar 2004 Posts: 3094

Lagerlouse: Sometimes when we are in a different culture we tolerate things that under "normal" circumstances we would never consider. It sounds as if you've been down the rabbit hole for awhile there. Do what you can to get the money due you and don't look back--the Universe has given you a kick in the pants to extricate you from a low self-esteem swamp. The kick hurts now, but you will undoubtedly look back on this later and decide that the Universe saved your bacon. Good luck--you clearly deserve better!

La Paz · Posted: Thu May 13, 2004 2:06 am Post subject:

Pleasure from Pain. No, that is you subjecting us to your posts. Laughing

Just wait, you will get screwed too. Everybody does, just laugh and bend over.

johnslat · Posted: Thu May 13, 2004 2:08 am Post subject: Three in one?

Hmm, why does La Paz remind me of Cowboy Pete, who reminds me of Victoria. Or is ir the other way around?
Regards,
John

La Paz · Posted: Thu May 13, 2004 2:13 am Post subject:

John, I think you are Roger. Almost the same number of posts? Weren't you in Saudi? You should go back. I hear they are handing out cheap head, I mean hair cuts for Americans.