Job Discussion Forums

[stinkytofu]

I was wondering if anyone has worked for these companies and how long did you last? Please give details. Thanks.

Tutor ABC
https://www.tutorabc.com/aspx/mvc/

VIP ABC
http://www.vipabc.com/aspx/portal

Tutor ABC Jr
http://www.tutorabcjr.com/

[stinkytofu]

I had my first interview with Tutor ABC today it lasted 1.5 hours. I felt like I was interviewing for a rocket scientist position I thought it was never going to end. Instead it was just a crappy job that pays $8.50 for a 45 minute class, I have to wear a tie to work and I never get to see my students faces. They informed me it would be another 2 weeks before they could determine if I'm a suitable candidate for their company after I give them permission to investigate my computer hardware etc... This company has at least 12 recruiters(HR managers) trying to find teachers that meet their ridiculous requirements. They have no less than 10,000 rules that You must abide by or your don't get paid. If you know of any online Chinese schools that are easy to work for call me collect.

[choudoufu]

how can you complain? great gig!

you're gettin' paid MORE than minimum wage, AND you don't
gotta wear pants to work!

[fat_chris]

A…B…C!

Easy as…1…2…3!

Warm regards,
fat_chris

[stinkytofu]

[Bud Powell]

[fat_chris]

[stinkytofu]

Here's the Tutor ABC contract. Its simple, if you make any mistakes you don't get paid. I figure its impossible to work here and make any money.


•1. Purpose
PROVIDER hereby agrees to provide remote and/or online teaching services to TUTORABC using an e-learning system and videoconferencing system as specified by TUTORABC. Teaching services shall be provided on an as-needed basis by PROVIDER and/or any online teachers employed by PROVIDER.
•2. Scope of Work
PROVIDER shall provide remote, online services to TUTORABC conforming to the following guidelines: •2.1 Login ID and password shall not be shared with anyone else nor used by anyone other than the person to whom the ID and password are assigned.
•2.2 PROVIDER shall log in and enter the upcoming session room a minimum of 10 minutes prior to a session start time. Failure to do so shall be considered as tardy for the session. PROVIDER may be blocked from teaching if considered tardy.
•2.3 PROVIDER shall only use lesson plans from the e-learning system specified by TUTORABC. No other lesson materials shall be used without the prior permission of TUTORABC. Every session must have a lesson plan uploaded to the videoconferencing system.
•2.4 PROVIDER shall maintain high levels of ethical behavior and professionalism at all times during session. Language, content and discussion topics shall not be construed as being profane or offensive in any way. Any evidence of such behavior or improper conduct shall result in immediate termination of services performed by PROVIDER.
•2.5 PROVIDER shall maintain a professional appearance including both personal, physical online appearance and online video background environment.
•2.6 All online sessions shall be recorded by TUTORABC for the purposes of client review and quality control. Online session recordings are considered proprietary, and may be used for promotional activities at the discretion of TUTORABC.
•2.7 TUTORABC will provide an online test area for PROVIDER to test their connection and prepare themselves prior to the start of their session. Failure to use this area prior to the start of a session will result in PROVIDER being solely responsible for all issues related to providing the remote and/or online teaching services.
•2.8 No visual and/or audio distractions shall be seen or heard by the client during or before session. Audio distractions include, but are not limited to, noises from children or other people, other online teachers in the same room, mobile and regular phones, televisions, radios and any other sounds that can be heard by the client that are not part of the session. Visual distractions include, but are not limited to, a person or object behind or next to the consultant that is visible to the client through the web cam image.
•2.9 PROVIDER is responsible for all technology required for providing service, including, but not limited to, web cam, headphones, microphones, personal computers and software, lighting, and Internet connection. •2.9.1 Web cams, headphones and microphones shall be in working order at the start of a session. A teacher will be blocked from teaching if they fail to have an operable web cam ready for session. Web cams shall display color at all times. A session shall not start without properly adjusted headphones and microphone. Proper settings include, but are not limited to, the following: proper volume gain on the microphone, proper volume set for the headphones and clear quality audio (no static or fuzzy, unclear audio).
•2.9.2 Personal computers and software used for session shall be free from viruses and shall not crash before or during session.
•2.9.3 Lighting shall be bright enough for the client to see and view PROVIDER’s face clearly. The lighting shall be of natural color and not distort or discolor the natural look of the video image.
•2.9.4 Internet connection for PROVIDER shall meet or exceed the following requirements to avoid degradation in quality of the session and to allow required video, audio, and uploading of files: Upload Speed greater than or equal to 512K and Download Speed greater than or equal to 2M.

•2.10 PROVIDER shall check schedules regularly. TUTORABC shall endeavor to schedule and display sessions assigned to PROVIDER four hours prior to the scheduled start of session. Due to cancellations and client movement in the schedule, PROVIDER must confirm the session one hour prior to the start of the scheduled session.
•2.11 If PROVIDER is not available to teach a session required by the schedule, PROVIDER shall notify TUTORABC by telephone, email or online messenger a minimum of 24 hours prior to the start of that session. Failure of PROVIDER to properly notify TUTORABC of unavailability shall be considered to be an absence for that scheduled session.
•2.12 PROVIDER shall fill out the session report at the end of every session. Each session report shall reflect an accurate account and feedback from in-session activities. Failure to fill out the session report shall result in forfeiture of pay for the session and liability for further penalty. PROVIDER shall fill out the session report within 24 hours of a taught session.
•2.13 PROVIDER is considered absent under any of the following conditions: •2.13.1 PROVIDER does not enter the session room 10 minutes prior to the start of a session.
•2.13.2 PROVIDER does not teach the assigned session.
•2.13.3 PROVIDER fails to properly notify TUTORABC of unavailability for a scheduled session.

•2.14 In the event technological issues on the servers of TUTORABC delay the start or continuance of a session, PROVIDER shall stand by and remain at the computer until notified by TUTORABC to leave the session room.
•2.15 Performance Quality: PROVIDER shall adhere to the following standards of quality set by TUTORABC. Failure to maintain these standards shall result in the removal of PROVIDER from the e-learning system or the termination of the services contract. •2.15.1 PROVIDER shall have no more than three (3) sessions in which the consultant rating from clients is less than six (6).
•2.15.2 PROVIDER shall have no more than two (2) direct complaints from clients attending different sessions about the session quality of PROVIDER.
•2.15.3 All sessions shall be recorded by TUTORABC. Any disputes concerning session activities or lack thereof shall be resolved through mutual review of the recorded session.


•3. Validity of Agreement
This Agreement shall remain valid for a period of one (1) year, and can be extended after annual review, terms pursuant to the provisions mentioned in the latest review Agreement.
•4. Confidential Information. •4.1 TUTORABC proposes to disclose certain of its confidential and proprietary information (the "Confidential Information") to PROVIDER. Confidential Information shall include all data, materials, products, technology, computer programs, specifications, manuals, business plans, software, marketing plans, business plans, financial information, and other information disclosed or submitted, orally, in writing, or by any other media, to PROVIDER by TUTORABC. Confidential Information disclosed orally shall be identified as such within five (5) days of disclosure. Nothing herein shall require TUTORABC to disclose any of its information.
•4.2 PROVIDER agrees that the Confidential Information is to be considered confidential and proprietary to TUTORABC, and PROVIDER shall hold the same in confidence, shall not use the Confidential Information other than for the purposes of its business with TUTORABC, and shall disclose it only to its officers, directors, or employees with a specific need to know. PROVIDER will not disclose, publish or otherwise reveal any of the Confidential Information received from TUTORABC to any other party whatsoever except with the specific prior written authorization of TUTORABC.

•5. Conflict of Interest •5.1 TUTORABC acknowledges that PROVIDER may pursue additional employment concurrent with providing services to TUTORABC, but requires PROVIDER to disclose any and all other online service which may be similar to that provided to TUTORABC in the field of English language teaching. TUTORABC reserves the right to determine whether PROVIDER’s additional employment constitutes conflict of interest and/or, in the absence of full disclosure, may terminate this agreement immediately.
•5.2 PROVIDER acknowledges that the clients taught during the TUTORABC online session attend because they have purchased that time as a direct result of the marketing expense of TUTORABC. PROVIDER agrees that all contact with current TUTORABC clients will therefore be limited to authorized, scheduled sessions using the TUTORABC interface. PROVIDER also agrees absolutely that she/he will not use any means whatsoever to convince, entice or otherwise communicate with TUTORABC clients for the purpose of providing services similar to those provided by TUTORABC for a period of three months subsequent to the expiration of a client’s contract with TUTORABC.

•6. Governing Law and Equitable Relief.
This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and PROVIDER consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts and located there for any dispute arising out of this Agreement. PROVIDER agrees that in the event of any breach or threatened breach by PROVIDER, TUTORABC may obtain, in addition to any other legal remedies which may be available, such equitable relief as may be necessary to protect TUTORABC against any such breach or threatened breach.
•7. Final Agreement
This Agreement terminates and supersedes all prior understandings or agreements on the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may be modified only by a further writing that is duly executed by both parties.
•8. Severability
If any term of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable, then this Agreement, including all of the remaining terms, shall remain in full force and effect as if such invalid or unenforceable term had never been included.
•9. Notices
Any notice required by this Agreement or given in connection with it, shall be in writing and shall be given to the appropriate party by personal delivery or by certified mail, postage prepaid, or recognized overnight delivery services.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.



TUTORABC

DATE: 2014-04-30


PROVIDER

DATE: 2014-04-30





ANNEX A TO THE SERVICES AGREEMENT:
Payment Procedures and Terms
PROVIDER and TUTORABC have mutually agreed that the set unit price per session taught shall be USD$8.50 TUTORABC offers a bonus payment per session based upon the average of ratings given by students in a session. If the average rating is above 7, the bonus is multiplied by the number of students who gave a rating during the session. Average rating of 7 or 6 earns no bonus. Average rating of 5 or less will result in half pay for the session.

Average Ratings Bonus:

Average Session Rating

Bonus Added per Number of Ratings


10

$1.00


9

$0.75


8

$0.50


5 or below

1/2 pay


Only sessions taught shall be paid. A session taught shall be defined as follows:
1) The online teacher is neither tardy nor absent.
2) The online teacher teaches during the entire duration of the session.
3) The online teacher waits in the session room for the entire duration of the session before exiting in the event scheduled students fail to log in to the session.
4) The online teacher remains seated at the computer with headphones on during the entire duration of a scheduled session.
5) The online teacher opens the session room a minimum of ten minutes before the start of the session. If the teacher or his/her substitute doesn’t check in on time, the originally scheduled teacher is not paid for that session.
6) The online teacher must ensure the progress report is completed after the session is over. “Completed” requires that the online teacher enter comments pertaining to each attending client, or, in the event a client does not attend a scheduled session, click “Missed” for that client.
7) Online teacher is not required to teach on Holidays or Tutorabc Maintenance off days.

TUTORABC is not responsible for fees assessed by any financial institution used by PROVIDER to receive funds.
Neither of the parties shall be held liable in case of suspension/ cancellation of any deliverables due to activities including War, Flood, Famine (Force Majeure) or any other natural disaster.


TutorABC shall act as fiduciary for withholding applicable ROC government taxes associated with remittances made by TutorABC to provider. Provider’s financial institution handling fees will be paid by PROVIDER. TUTORABC will issue an income and withholding statement for Provider to file with his/her annual tax return.

Tutorabc will remit the amount payable on the 10th of the month following the month in which the sessions were taught. The day on which the remittance is deposited in Provider’s account depends on processing times of the financial institutions involved. Payment method will be determined at the time of contract signing based on several factors as well as the preference of the PROVIDER.



Company Guidelines
In an effort to provide the most professional attitude to our clients there are some things consultants must make special note of. Observance and attention to all the following areas will ensure that the service we offer our clients is of the highest quality.

•Probation - Consultants are subject to a probationary period upon hiring to confirm their quality of instruction and professionalism. •The probationary period will last for the first 100 sessions the consultant teaches.
•If the consultant’s rating is less than 8.50 upon completion of the probationary period, the consultant will be subject to dismissal.

•Attendance - Absence and tardiness for sessions are not permitted. Being punctual and reliable reflect the professional nature of the Company and show respect for the client. •If a consultant is absent (a “no show”) for three sessions within a period of three months, his/her account will be deactivated for one week. The consultant will then be required to contact HR or the schedulers to request reactivation of their account.
•If the consultant cancels a session less than an hour before that class is to start, this counts as a “no show” class, or an absence. If a consultant has three no shows within three months, his/her account will be deactivated for one week. The consultant will then be required to contact HR or the schedulers to request reactivation of their account.
•If the consultant is late for a session (enters the session room after the :27 mark of the hour), the consultant will receive a warning. If the consultant receives three warnings within a three month period, their account will be deactivated for one week. The consultant will then be required to contact HR or the schedulers to request reactivation of their account.

•Requesting time off - In order to maintain a regular schedule and ensure our clients with sessions at anytime, advanced notice is required for time off. •Session cancellation - to cancel an individual session or any period less than one day, the consultant must notify the schedulers no less than 4 hours before that session starts.
•Days off - in order to request less than two days off, the consultant must notify schedulers of the dates requested no less than 24 hours before the first session of that day is to begin.
•Planned vacation - In order to request more than two consecutive days off, the consultant must inform schedulers of the dates no less than one week in advance of the first requested vacation day.

•Behavior - Consultants’ behavior is expected to reflect the professional nature of the Company and give clients the quality of instruction and attention they expect in the session. For the session, the client should have the consultant’s undivided attention. The following are NOT permitted in any session at any time: •Eating or chewing gum
•Smoking
•Speaking on a home phone, cell phone, or participating in any other activity not related to instructing the client
•Refusing to teach content in the lesson plan despite client’s request
•Compromising the quality of the session by stating that lesson plan content is incorrect, unimportant, irrelevant, etc.
•Not wearing proper professional attire when in front of the camera before, during, or after the session (for more information on proper attire, please refer to the Dress & Grooming video in the training portal)
•Swearing or using any type of profanity or speech that could be considered offensive
•Any discussion of religion, sex, politics, or any other controversial topic not DIRECTLY related to the lesson plan

•Time management - Clients are entitled to a full 45-minute session, beginning at half past the hour, and ending at fifteen minutes after the following hour. Consultants should for no reason cut the session short or deprive the client of their full session time. •The session room should remain open for the entire duration of the session, even if the student does not attend.
•If a consultant intentionally ends a class earlier then at the fifteen minute mark after the following hour, the consultant could forfeit their pay for that class.

•Appearance and setting - The appearance of the session is to reflect the professional nature and quality of the service we offer to our clients. •Background - The background of the session (visible area behind the consultant) should be a light, white solid surface.
•Curtains that will move or shift, patterns, or dark colors are not permitted.
•There should be nothing else visible behind the consultant that could distract the client, including artwork, people walking behind the consultant, windows, views of the consultant’s environment, other distractions, etc

•Sound - There should be no ambient noise or other sounds that could distract the client or detract from the quality of the session. •Noise - the client should enjoy a session free of consultant’s background noise, including pets, people, telephones, music, or other distracting sounds.

•Video and Audio - TutorGroup offers a unique, live, online teaching environment, and the client expects to be able to see and hear the consultant clearly. •Pausing the video/muting the audio - If the consultant needs to sneeze, cough, take a drink of water, or anything else unavoidable and potentially distracting in the session, the consultant should pause the video and/or mute the audio (whichever is applicable) for no more than 30 seconds. If the consultant pauses the video or mutes the audio for any more than one minute, the consultant is subject to a warning letter.

•Professionalism and Personal information - Consultants are, under no circumstances to exchange personal information of any kind with the client for any reason. •This includes giving out your personal information or accepting personal information from the client
•Personal information includes email addresses, telephone numbers, websites, Facebook or other social networking accounts, addresses, or communication means of any kind.