Job Discussion Forums

[Mr.Kevin]

I don't know about anyone else, but I've never had any intentions of being a teacher in Canada. That is probably the last place I see myself. Some people on here sound like posers, eagerly ready to out-type others with their perfect grammar and syntax. Good thing this isn't voice chat. I admit my grammar and syntax sucks, I just didn't know this was an essay contest. China is just a good country to get the real joys of teaching people something they want to learn, with the added benifits of a free trip, Aeroplan miles, and cheap DVDs.
Hey beck, what were you doing when you were 19? I wont bash you too much in fear you might have a heart attack. The only teachers I have met out here were either fresh or retired. Come back to me with grammar and syntax mistakes, you obviously did a bad job in the first place.

[The Great Wall of Whiner]

[tradinup]

It's good to have a few voices of reason around here...

[TEAM_PAPUA]

Two schools of thought:

One - I have a Degree, so those with Degrees are better prepared to enter a classroom & teach (logical & obvious)

Two - I don't have a Degree but my students think I'm the "Princess' Panties"

IMO it's better to be educated before educating others. How do you answer your students' questions concerning university education (those wishing to study overseas) when you were educated in Mcdonalds?
Students may think you are funny & friendly, but I can assure you that Chinese students respect qualifications & experience more than the ability to make them laugh.

BTW Whiner is correct in saying you need a Degree to work legally in China. To bypass this, the schools simply create Degrees for teachers. Hopefully China will soon adopt practices from Japan & Korea, where Degrees are checked & validated before being accepted. Only then will the level of instruction of English improve in China, and as a consequence salaries may also increase.

Also, think about the quality of the schools which are recruiting all these undereducated 'so-called' teachers. The better the school the better the expectation regarding their teachers, the better their overall reputation.

Requirements:

ex.1: University Degree - CELTA/Trinity - 2 years post-certificate overseas teaching experience.

ex.2: Must have a sense of humour *

T_P


*If you don't have a Degree from a recognised University, you are not qualified to read the above (assuming that you can read it)

[sposieng]

Xiantao, Hubei. West of Wuhan, 1 1/2 to 2 hour bus ride, about half way between Yichang and Wuhan.
It is located in the river valley, do not expect a varied landscape.
Small city, not very sophisticated but not without some charm.
I spent my first year there at another school. You can live comfortably spending 800 RMB a month. The college is on the outskirts of town, get a bicycle. The college and the people are alright but they may try to do some things to you, keep your passport, restrict your freedom, etc. One 3 - star hotel downtown with a disco and lounge, a couple of smaller bars.
Drop the attitude or you will have many problems in Xiantao, guaranteed. Over the years a few FT's have pulled runners from other schools.
My attitude was - Its a s***hole but its my s***hole. Very hot in the summer so get away during the vacation. Develop selective hearing.
You will see and learn many things in Xiantao and if you can, the surrounding areas.
I do carry fond memories of Xiantao and the people.
If you take a bus to Wuhan, make sure you get the right bus to the section of Wuhan you want go to.

As for degree or no degree, I have a simple attitude - the only bad teacher is one who does not try. I still remember and practice what an old prof. told me - If you cannot present your topic so that a 5 year old child can understand, then you do not understand your topic.

If you go to Xiantao - enjoy it, warts and all.