Job Discussion Forums

[Silent Shadow]

A stereotype lesson sounds like a very good idea. I've never discussed it in class before, but I think I will give it a go. Thanks for the idea. I think it will be quite enjoyable.

To the OP.

Try to bypass the recruiters if possible (I know it's not easy, because they seem to dominate on some sites). Have you taken any pictures or videos of yourself interacting with your students, in and around class? Any positive reference letters from former employers? I heard of one FT getting references from former students. I'm not sure if they would be believed, though.

Stuff like the above could help to break any ice that a non native passport might not be able to do.

[writpetition]

[dean_a_jones]

If you don't plan on leaving the city you work in, then you need to be networking with other teachers and getting your good name out there. Schools may use recruiters, but in my experience a university will first throw up a cheap ad or two on a website and ask one or all of their current teachers (particularly those they keep on, or the head teacher) if they know anyone for an open position. When the recommendation is coming from a trusted source and they can get you to do a demo, then your chances are much higher (I would have no problems recommending a non-native speaker any more than a native. I would only put my neck on the line for someone I thought was suitable and qualified).

This means you need to stay in once place, and ideally a larger city. If you want to move around, you are going to need to just deal with the fact that you are clearly not the ideal candidate for most places (at least on paper). The fact that you have a problem with authority also probably doesn't help you much. There is a game here, and if you are unwilling to play it, you will get shut out. That is not to say you should put up with being abused (such as teaching for a paltry sum), but if you don't learn to play the game on some level, don't expect to be picked for the team.

People doing recruiting are simply looking for the fastest route to getting their cash. Sending schools non-native speakers is risky for them, as the whole point of using a recruiter is to ease the process of getting a decent candidate. Often the people doing the hiring at a school are themselves unable to properly judge the English ability of a teacher. When it means they hire a poor native-speaking white teacher, the person who hired them can just blame it on the lazy foreigner. I imagine the blame falls on their own lap if they hire a non-native speaker and they turn out to be no good. This is the reality of the market. The fact that it might be unfair matters little.

[Opiate]

[7969]

[Baozi man]

Those who want to put the poster on the defensive as a racist are idiots. China is a racist nation, considering its size, it is the most racist nation in the world. The British are racists too; however, in Britain, you will find, in a hospital, for example, physicians of both Chinese and Indian descent. How many White physicians, of any nationality, are practicing medicine in China?

English teacher recruiters do make decisions based on race alone, whenever the opportunity arises. Most would always choose the lesser qualified White teacher over the better qualified person of color. They would do this any day, any time.

The students and their parents want a White teacher. It's all about the cachet of being taught by a "foreigner." Foreigner is nearly always code for a White person.

It is possible for people of color to find employment; however, it IS more difficult because of the racist policies/attitudes which permeate China in every dimension of society.

"If you are not British, you are to be ignored.
If you are not White, you are to be stepped on." British maxim

[tomhume89]

[Opiate]

[jayjjasper]

[dean_a_jones]

[PandaPandemonium]

[PandaPandemonium]

[Cairnsman]

So many instances of 'deja vu' on this board.

The OP's very first post:-

[Kiwi303]

[dean_a_jones]

I like his cakes, so I just might!