Job Discussion Forums

gajackson1 · Joined: 28 Jan 2008 Posts: 210

I can almost field that last question for you, rayman ~

In the actual .pdf application form (you may already have it?) the starting pay & CfBT payscale ladder is all charted out for you - it is based upon your number of teaching years and accreditation level when you start with CfBT, and then follows a ladder after that, with set caps for each of the 3 'types' of teachers.

If you have a copy of the app already, easy-peasy. If not, you can either get an app form, or just send me a pm & I will cut & paste that part of it from mine.

Regards,

Glen

bje · Joined: 19 Jun 2005 Posts: 527

There seems to be an element of vagueness in the pdf pay scale; particularly concerning 'qualifications'.

For those currently working for CfBT, would anyone know whether any room for negotiation exists when the time comes for establishing starting salary? In other words, is this decision completely in the hands of the Ministry, or does CfBT also have some input. Thank you in advance for any information.

jsteventon · Joined: 08 Jul 2007 Posts: 191

If you find the salary scale to be vague, I think you should ask the recruitment contact at CfBT. They are very helpful - if you give them your experience, qualifications etc, I am sure they will tell you what your salary would be.

celtica · Joined: 29 Jun 2008 Posts: 137

Negotiation doubtful - but no harm in trying!

Guessitimate on 7yrs experience: (as per pay scale)
Non-Graduate with Qualified teacher status (QTS) and Cert Esol
$3,235 (up each year till bar at 4,750)

Graduate with Qualified teacher status (QTS) and Dip ESOL
$3,750 (up each year till bar at$5,250)

Plus, if you ask for a house of no more than $1000 per month rent, you get to keep the extra $500 (for a teacher with a family) of the allowance. The quickest way to up your pay immediately!

celtica · Joined: 29 Jun 2008 Posts: 137

To Rayman

Not having come from the international school circuit, I am not, perhaps, the best one to discuss this. But as no-one else has answered, I'll put in my twenty cents worth.

IMO The biggest challenge in teaching in Brunei is figuring out how to teach students who have a far more limited world view/knowledge than expected. Rather than being challenged by the demands of the students (and of course there are exceptions! the sixth form schools for one..and probably many others which I have not experienced personally...), you find yourself constantly searching for innovative ways of teaching in order to stimulate and motivate your students into learning.

So in this way, it is a real challenge to you as the teacher. Can you get these kids to learn and enjoy it?

There are also opportunities in the school for you to develop an area in which you may be interested. eg technology in the classroom, developing reading programmes. These are being emphasised by the MOE and CfBT and if you can implement a programme in the school you teach in, this too provides you with the challenges you may need. A lot of it is up to you to initiate.

Having said that, there are the projects CfBT is running as well. If they suit your interests and professional development.

As for future jobs...after a number of years, that may be of concern if you don't take the opportunity to study and upskill while here. I think if you take advantage of the extra hours you find you have (compared to teaching elsewhere) you will have ample time to complete another degree, diploma etc which will help along the employment trail. Many teachers complete their masters, do diplomas, follow their personal interests into another teaching area while working here. It is a good opportunity to do so as the daily teaching hours are shorter than at the International schools (in Brunei at least).

In short, it can be as good or as bad as you want to make it.

It will also be challenging living and working in Brunei in other ways which are most unexpected!

Happy to reply to pms if you want.

jsteventon · Joined: 08 Jul 2007 Posts: 191

I know many ex-CfBT Brunei teachers who have moved on to the international school circuit. It does not seem to be a problem - unless perhaps you stay here for 20 years - as some teachers do!

Having got together all the information, if you are still interested, maybe you should apply - once you are accepted by CfBT, the major step is to be accepted by the Ministry of Ed in Brunei. If you are, then you can make an informed decision on whether or not to accept.

There are very useful information booklets produced by CfBT on teaching in Brunei. You can also email the recruitment contact with any questions - and do feel free to pm me too....

Regards salary - I don't think there is any negotiation, but if you opt for temporary accommodation in a hotel at the start, you can find yourself a home for less than the allowance and pocket the difference, as Celtica says. Many pocket an extra $500 this way.

Students vary greatly in their motivation and ability - it depends on which school you are posted to. However, they are respectful and basically very nice kids- none of the discipline problems to be found in the UK, for example.

Good luck!

maccaliam · Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 17 Location: Jeju, South Korea

If any of you have ever worked in Korea before (I saw at least one poster had), would you mind giving me a little comparison. I realise that everyone's opinion is different, and everyone's experiences will vary slightly, but what are some differences/similarities that you have between Brunei and Korea?

I have been teaching in Korea for the past two years, and my girlfriend and I have been looking to go elsewhere to teach. We had been looking into going to Brunei before but we were a bit unsure as we had never heard any real first hand info from anyone. Thanks so much for everyone's posts on here. I have really learned a lot!

maccaliam · Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 17 Location: Jeju, South Korea

Sorry for posting two times in a row, but I have just come across some interesting info.
Is it true that I would not be accepted to teach in Brunei becasue I went to University in the United States? I am Canadian, and I went to school from the age of 4-18 in Canada, but I wouldn't be allowed to teach in Brunei because my post-secondary education took place in the states? Is this correct?

jsteventon · Joined: 08 Jul 2007 Posts: 191

Hi

Do you have any Canadian tertiary qualifications? I'm afraid that if you have done everything in the US then it won't be accepted.....

JS

maccaliam · Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 17 Location: Jeju, South Korea

No, unfortunately I do not. I have been looking at going back and doing a MA in TESOL or Applied Linguistics. If I did this at a Uni in the UK do you think that then would make me eligible to work in Brunei?
This really sucks because my girlfriend is Irish and she went to Uni in Scotland, meaning the only reason we are ineligible is because I went to the states for Uni, even though I am not American.

Ah well, c'est la vie.

jsteventon · Joined: 08 Jul 2007 Posts: 191

I think a UK Masters would be helpful...so sorry at the moment you are not able to apply...how about your girlfriend? Is she a teacher? Her qualifications sound as if they would suit...hopefully in the future, US qualifications will be accepted, but not for now.
Good luck. (I can recommend Edinburgh as a great city to do your MA, by the way!!)
JS

celtica · Joined: 29 Jun 2008 Posts: 137

Also remembering qualified teacher status necessary....for both of you ....

maccaliam · Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 17 Location: Jeju, South Korea

Yeah, I have it ... only it was from the same Uni in the states.. so no good I guess.

We were actually looking at possibly doing our MA in Edinburgh or Queen's in Belfast. Only prob is living in the UK is so expensive.

Can anyone on here recommend a good distance MA, or do you think it is much more beneficial to get it all done in person?

jsteventon · Joined: 08 Jul 2007 Posts: 191

Edinburgh do a dstance or residential MA - both highly recommended.

celtica · Joined: 29 Jun 2008 Posts: 137

If it was a country other than Brunei, I would say your partner could apply, you come as 'dependant spouse' and study till qualified, then you get work too. But of course here in Brunei you need a marriage certificate to come as a couple.