Job Discussion Forums

[7969]

[BlakeS]

9 months in China - 2 months at my current school.

looking forward to a Canada recharge in December before continuing on ANYWHERE OTHER THEN CHINA!

Christmas dinner - I cry, just a little bit, everytime I think about turkey, mashed potatos and gravy.

Dammit....crying again

TURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRKEY!

[Girl Scout]

I teach at a private university. Last year we had 26 FTs. This year we have 11. It was the school's, actually the now fired FAO's, failure to recruit new teachers that is actually causing the problems. This means there is more work and more pressure put on whoever they did manage to hire.

They are taking away the classes that are interesting to teach and only allowing us to teach oral and movies. Last year we got to teach writing, culture, and journalism. They have crazy ideas about a standardized syllabus and test for classes. (as if all classes were at the same level)

You might also already know where I teach. Think back to the late June "incident". This had very little to due with the lack of teachers. Most of the ones that did come had no idea what happened.

Right now students are complaining about the way they are being taught, who is teaching them, and why.

I stayed because I have moved every 16 months for the last 6 years. I thought it would be nice to rest for a little while.

[latefordinner]

Girlscout, there is nothing crazy about a standardized syllabus or testing. What is crazy is getting rid of half the professionals who can best deal with the challenge, crippling the rest and passing the task on to the unprofessional, the unqualified and the disinterested. Oh wait, I see I'm preaching to the choir again. Sorry 'bout that.

Back to the topic at hand, does anyone else here detect a solid reason why professionals should be so transient, so unwilling to commit several years to a single workplace in China? Am I overstating the case if I say, "an overriding commitment to failure?" If this is overstating, then how would you express this particular problem?

Caveat, I've had a bit to drink tonight, so it's best to ignore what I write. There are times when alcohol is a useful solvent, it helps to clean the muck from your glasses. Other times, it's like looking at the world through the bottom of a bottle. Bets are off tonight.

[kev7161]

Well, I've said this before in another thread, but it bears repeating: I think a larger percentage of FTs are those that only come here for a few months to maybe a couple of years and switch schools like they do underwear. One reason is they want to see China and staying at one school for two years or more may not give them the opportunity to explore this country. Understandable, but that makes it a little harder for those that would like to plant their feet at a certain location and stay for "x" amount of years. Why? Some schools may treat long-timers with the same suspicions and run-around they might a new person. I found this at my first school but, gladly, have not experienced this so much at my current position.

[Girl Scout]

I honestly agree, there is nothing "wrong" with a standardized syllabus. However, using a standardized test goes against my theory of EFL education. Every class is different. They have their own strengths and weakness. I try to teach towards their weakness in order to create a more well rounded learner. When confronted with a standardized test, most teachers teach to the test while ignoring the needs of the students.

Also, creating a standardized syllabus would require a standardized curicculum, or any curriculum. Something missing in my current situation. We were simply told to create the syllabus amongst ourselves starting with the seniors.

[Sinobear]

[2 over lee]

You stayed at the same place for six and a half years! I just fell off my chair.

[KarenB]

Beginning 5th year at current school and 7th year in China.

For those of you who have stuck it out at one school for 2 years or more, perhaps you would give your reasons:

1) High pay
2) Good relationship with FAO and/or administration
3) Comfortable living conditions
4) Great students
5) Nice town/city
6) Amiable relationship with fellow teachers (foreign &/or Chinese)
7) Freedom to do my own thing
Recognition for being a good teacher
9) Hours that suit me
10) Pleasant climate
11) Too lazy to move
12) other: ____________

For me, it would be a combination of 2,3,4,5,6,8,9,10 & 11

[latefordinner]

KarenB posted the challenge, I'll bite.

1) not a chance! If pay was a factor, I'd be gone yesterday
2) ehh, I like to think we have a fair to good relationship, but it's not the most important thing for me. Call it a secondary factor, because I've also worked for people that I wouldn't want to meet again, if I could help it.
3) Definitely a critical factor! Especially as I have a wife and child
4) definitely a plus, although my students' abilities run the gamut from grad student star quality to "What's your name?" "Hello?" Well I like them, they are nice kids, much easier to handle than the middle school wastelanders I've dealt with before. Also more interesting as people, but that's a function of being a bit older.
5) I'm very comfortable in DL, but to tell the truth I don't see much of it anymore, as I live way out on the outskirts.
6) Not a factor. I Ihavn't had anything to do with Chinese teachers of English at this college. I'm told that there is an English department, but I've yet to meet a living, breathing CTE. The FTs I've met have been pretty good people, but last year's crew is gone. I've met one new FT this year, and we seem to get on well. Then again, FTs come and go with the seasons, so few of my lasting friends are foreign.
7) My wife tells me what to do more than my boss, so that's definitely a plus (from the workplace POV).
My students respond to me, and a few even take the time to consider their own opinions. Unfortunately FAO CTEs and the mythic English Department have yet to give me the time of day. Not, on the whole a good thing. Freedom has its price
9) Not this time. In partial mitigation though is the thought that, my schedule being what it is, I'm able to pick up a few extra hours each week with secondary work. On the whole a minus, but not a big one
10) Definitely a big plus
11) The number one reason for me
12) It's close enough to visit my wife's family, without the M-in-L being on our doorstep every other day

[Girl Scout]

1) High pay - That's actually laughable. I left Taiwan where I made a high salary to teach at a university instead of a kindy cram school.

2) Good relationship with FAO and/or administration - I've been through 3 FOAs and 3 deans. So, this one would have to be a no.

3) Comfortable living conditions - Absolutely. There is a beautiful well kept campus and a huge apt. with a balcony.

4) Great students - I love the students here. It's possible to make friends with people who are not even in your class.

5) Nice town/city - I live in the middle of nowhere. I would call it interesting but not nice.

6) Amiable relationship with fellow teachers (foreign &/or Chinese) - Last years teachers ranged from psycho to immature. There were very few who were even amiable. This year, there is a great group of teachers that will be easy to get along with.

7) Freedom to do my own thing - Last year there was a lot of freedom. This year ... well, we're still working on that.

Recognition for being a good teacher - I don't think they know what a good teacher looks like. If the teacher does not cause problems, that's "good" enough for my school. I did get a sizable raise for staying a 2nd year.

9) Hours that suit me - The hours fit very nicely with my lifestyle.

10) Pleasant climate - Yes

11) Too lazy to move - This is the biggest factor in my decision to stay.

[Craig!]

3rd year starting.
i hope my next (second) school/org is as great.
'Hats off to those like Hairu who have a longer tenure, and are working to clean up the mess of the transient, flaky FTs