Job Discussion Forums

nestajones · Joined: 30 Sep 2010 Posts: 4

Ok thanks for the information. They've invited me for an interview but haven't mentioned anything about a demo lesson, is that usually done at a later date?

Captain Willard · Joined: 11 Sep 2010 Posts: 251

If you interview well, then you get to move on to the demo lesson.

tefl peasant · Joined: 09 Oct 2010 Posts: 132

I know some dedicated and serious teachers that have worked at Cleverlearn, but it is a border line backpacker school that even pays below backpacker wages (at $14 per hour).

Students have the control at Cleverlean HCMC. If they whinge, even if wrong, they will be considered right, and the teacher will be removed from the class for a new teacher to take over.

I never worked there, and certainly never will.

DNK · Joined: 22 Jan 2007 Posts: 236 Location: the South

tefl peasant · Joined: 09 Oct 2010 Posts: 132

Mr. Kalgukshi · Posted: Tue Oct 26, 2010 6:38 pm Post subject:

I suggest that everyone immediately start addressing the message and not the messenger. If the latter continues, sanctions are highly likely.

DNK · Joined: 22 Jan 2007 Posts: 236 Location: the South

I would say it's fairly clear that I work or have worked for them, MOD EDIT The reality is that I work for them now. My location is an artifact of not bothering with my profile in the past two years. In my heart, perhaps it is my location still...

MOD EDIT For the health of the thread, post specifics to back up your claims, so that people actually have something to discuss, agree or disagree with.

I clearly was not arguing that people are making $14/hr, but clarifying since the way you stated it made it sound as though the pre-tax wage was $14 (as typically people specify when it is otherwise, and you did not do so). If there is something factually inaccurate in my post, let me know. I still believe I was correct on both counts ($14 net and $16-17.50 being a reasonable starting wage). The additional information that all new hires, regardless of experience or credentials, receive this wage was a specific worth discussing, so thank you for adding that to the conversation. I can't argue with that point, not because I disagree, but because I do not know of its validity.

tefl peasant · Joined: 09 Oct 2010 Posts: 132

MOD EDIT I am just giving my opinion, and I actually know people working at the Nguyen Thi Minh Khai location now.

Andy123 · Joined: 24 Sep 2009 Posts: 206

It is true that they pay well below the market rate. If you are working for $14 an hour (after taxes) it is not good. I have worked here for many, many years and have never worked for that.

The students run the show. I know experienced IELTS teachers, real ones who know what they are doing and the students ran them out. The students think they know what they need and what should be taught. Scary.

CleverLearn is great at marketing and getting students but can not keep them.

The staff are borderline nut jobs (control freaks) who are stuck between a rock and a hard place. Large turn over, much in-fighting with young 20 year old "managers" dictating lexical approaches and educational protocol.

If you only want a paycheck, do not care or are a backpacker it is a great place. Many of the teachers come to work in t-shirts, jeans, hats and adorning their tattoos. Too much for me.

tefl peasant · Joined: 09 Oct 2010 Posts: 132

DNK · Joined: 22 Jan 2007 Posts: 236 Location: the South

Cannot comment on the TOEFL program issues, which may well be the reason we have differing views, but I will say this:
I have not noticed the uniform issues mentioned here. I have not seen anyone teaching or administrating in jeans, t-shirts, or hats. In fact, I've yet to see a hat worn in the buildings. This may be different in other branches. The dress protocols are a bit lax, but even with this being the case, the norm is appropriate, business casual or better, although I see smart casual from one or two regular teachers.

tefl peasant · Joined: 09 Oct 2010 Posts: 132

travelinhobo · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 35 Location: U.S.

I had an "interview" with the lady at the headquarters office today. I put interview in quotes because after a few minutes, it was clear that the interview was just a formality. She spent a few minutes asking me questions, which obviously she asked everyone, but told me absolutely nothing about the school's system, the books used, resources, number of students in the class, etc. I had to pull the info from her and as my questions grew, I could tell that she wasn't expecting me to ask so many. But she kept the fake smile on her face. Even before I started asking about the classes, she was telling me that I would go onto Round 2 - Demo class. I asked her what book they use and if I could see it, but no, none of the series were available (extremely strange). She claimed, "You'll get a copy for the Demo." I never saw a book - only a few pages copied from it. When I asked, "What was on my resume that interested you in me," she replied with 3 things, the first being that I'm a native speaker. The rest I knew was b.s. I'm willing to bet that she's paid a bonus for each person she signs on. She never did answer my question as to what position they're hiring for, and I asked it more than once. How serious can a school be when they won't show a potential teacher the book?? She never brought up salary. She called later to schedule the Demo, but I'm going to cancel it. I was overqualified for the interview - always a bad sign for a serious teacher. After reading the comments here (good and bad), I have to say that just from how she badly presented the "position", it can't be even a good school.

just noel · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Posts: 168

bludevil96 · Joined: 07 Aug 2006 Posts: 82

[quote="just noel"]