Job Discussion Forums

Hatcher · Joined: 20 Mar 2008 Posts: 602

And assuming (that is big) that you wanted to attract the best teacher, other than increase salaries, what would you do to make the place attrative?

Our dean said he wanted to get good people and seemed puzzled about why they didnt want to come here. Yet, heoften does things to make life more difficult here.

Its the toughst place I have ever lived in... thus, I would grant multiple re-entry visas...

What else?

LPKSA · Joined: 02 Mar 2014 Posts: 211

I don't know. Give me the bureaucracy of KSA over that of the PRC any day.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Pay an education allowance that would allow teachers' offspring to go to a reasonable school. Cost at the moment is around SR40,000 per pupil

plumpy nut · Joined: 12 Mar 2011 Posts: 1652

A non-hostile work environment along with teacher assessments that are reasonable and helpful to the teacher and the education occurring in the school. Remember though I am talking about Western standards. This would go a long way.

Fatboy · Joined: 23 Aug 2010 Posts: 66

1. Better education allowance (as Scott mentioned)
2. Compound accommodation (unlike KFUPM)
3. Long summer holidays (like KFUPM)
4. Possibility to get multiple exit/entry visas (like KFUPM)
5. Lots of paid overtime (most people are in Saudi for the money!)

I think most places lose out on possible candidates because of the education allowance. I can't think of one university (except KAUST) that provides an education allowance that will cover the costs of a decent school. Most teachers also seem to leave Saudi and head for the UAE or Qatar once their children need to start school.

Hatcher · Joined: 20 Mar 2008 Posts: 602

I thought KFUPM provided an ed allowance. KAUST isnt in this discussion because the ave reader of this forum wouldnt never get hired there.

Fatboy · Joined: 23 Aug 2010 Posts: 66

I think stressed education allowances that would cover the costs of a decent school. The money from KFUPM is 15,000 - 20,000 SAR short of the fees of the three or perhaps four decent schools available.

LPKSA · Joined: 02 Mar 2014 Posts: 211

lcanupp1964 · Joined: 12 Dec 2009 Posts: 381

The key factor that either makes or breaks a new teacher coming to KSA for the first time is to provide helpful, timely and direct support during the first two weeks of landing at the airport. It also can make a veteran teacher feel that the place might just work out. Many new teachers may not fully understand the "sink, or swim" way of life it is over here. Help teachers settle in. Pick up the person at the airport ON TIME; give them all the documents and paperwork within the first week and make sure pay is generated as fast as possible. Having housing set-up as much as possible will also help greatly. Help solve the general problems that arise when teachers first move to KSA and you will see less teachers quitting before their contract ends.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

KFUPM pays 25,000 SR per annum in total - not per child but total. One child can cost 40,000 SR at BISAK or similar school.

Housing at KFUPM is on campus which is not a compound. Housing is a bit iffy and some areas on campus are rather squalid. However it is a lot better than living in some dodgy apartment downtown.
Nice vacation allowance,though and multiple exit/re-entry visas are available. Certain malcontents always complain that they actually have to PAY for the visa ! (SR500 for a 6-mo0nth Multi)

Overtime is usually available. In fact at the moment it may be compulsory becaue recruitment has been so difficult. First timers are put off visiting the region because of stories in the news media about ISIS and "The Caliphate"

sicklyman · Joined: 02 Feb 2013 Posts: 930

johnslat · Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2014 2:38 pm Post subject:

Dear sicklyman,

"Ah ISIS. Of course!. It would have nothing to do with the relatively low salary or lack of any real way to increase it with seniority, the measly education allowance or that "iffy" housing you mention... Rolling Eyes"

Well, that might actually be the case - in at least some instances. Prospective teachers headed for the Kingdom who've never been there before night not believe what they read on this forum (if they even check), but with ISIS blaring on all the Western news media, they probably believe that alright (and likely think that ISIS is about 10 miles outside Riyadh, mounting an attack.) Very Happy

Regards,
John

LPKSA · Joined: 02 Mar 2014 Posts: 211

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

It is important to have realistic expectations ! To be picked up at the airport ????? Come on !

Hatcher · Joined: 20 Mar 2008 Posts: 602

Most directors would say they dont have the money for an ed allowance.
For me, the number one change they could make it multiple exit re-entry -- this is for west coast unis...