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KnockoutNed
Joined: 03 Dec 2009
Posts: 87
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 Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 10:57 am Post subject: Was offered a position at Jeddah Knowledge school |
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I'll start by saying my qualifications. I'm not a state-certified teacher but I have 6 years teaching experience, a TEFL and a college degree.
In the interview for the school I was told that if hired I would basically be a substitute teacher until they feel I am ready to take a class by myself. Here are the contract details:
We are pleased to offer you a position of a Primary School Homeroom Teacher as discussed and we will summarize the following terms and conditions for your information:
Housing : Provided. Accommodation is a fully furnished single accommodation located in Sharbatly Village
Medical Insurance : Provided. Full premiums for medical expenses with the exclusion of maternity and dental
Transportation : Provided. Free transportation from the residential compound to the school
Airfare : Provided. One flight to point of origin annually is paid by the school.
Contract Period : 2 years with option to extend as per contractual detail. A three-month probationary period applies. An end of service benefit (of half a month’s salary, per year worked, after completion of the first 2 year contract) is paid.
Visa Expenses : Full reimbursement upon submission of receipts (Medical, attestation and visa )
Work Hours : 7:15am – 3:30pm daily during Term times and extended or additional hours at the management’s discretion for Extra Curricular Activities, Training Meetings, or Special School Events.
Leave : School holidays are determined by the school calendar set by the Saudi Ministry of Education and the School Management. The school academic year requires a minimum of 180 teaching days plus teacher administration and induction days. School holidays are during the summer months of July and August, the two Islamic Feast Celebration weeks, Midyear holiday and Midterm.
details emergency, medical and special leave conditions.
Contract Date: 15 August 2015 – August 2017: USD $2,933 (Two thousand nine hundred thirty
three US dollars only) per Gregorian month.
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First I would like to negotiate the salary as it seems low for KSA. Also, it doesn't say how many contact hours I will be teaching. What else should I ask them? And what are your initial thoughts |
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pooroldedgar
Joined: 07 Oct 2010
Posts: 181
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| Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 11:50 am Post subject: |
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| The longer I job-watch in Saudi, the minimum I'd be willing to take to work there goes down. From 4500 to 4000 and now I'm willing to got for 3500. But under 3,000? I don't know.... |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 1:39 pm Post subject: |
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| KnockoutNed wrote: |
I'm not a state-certified teacher but I have 6 years teaching experience, a TEFL and a college degree.
In the interview for the school I was told that if hired I would basically be a substitute teacher until they feel I am ready to take a class by myself.
....
Contract Date: 15 August 2015 – August 2017: USD $2,933 (Two thousand nine hundred thirty three US dollars only) per Gregorian month.
First I would like to negotiate the salary as it seems low for KSA. |
You can certainly try to negotiate for more money, but what can you offer them to justify a higher salary? They've indicated that you're not at the level they require for a classroom teacher despite your experience teaching kids in China and other parts of Asia. You also lack a teaching license and I suspect your BA isn't in Education or TESOL. Keep in mind you'd be on probation, which allows them the opportunity to see if you can do the job.
What you consider low for KSA, is probably about right for your specific experience and education. Frankly, most international schools in the region wouldn't give your CV a second look unless you had those key qualifications/credentials.
You'd stated that you earned quite a bit in China. Maybe that should be your focus since it seems you're not thrilled with the salaries you've been offered in KSA. |
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KnockoutNed
Joined: 03 Dec 2009
Posts: 87
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| Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 1:42 pm Post subject: |
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I was offered a position last year with ICEAT for about $3,300. The only reason this new offer seems more appealing is because of the nice compound.
The thing is though that I'm saving great money in China and have a relatively nice life here. Just wondering if it's worth the move to KSA to save a few hundred bucks more a month |
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KnockoutNed
Joined: 03 Dec 2009
Posts: 87
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| Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 1:45 pm Post subject: |
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| nomad soul wrote: |
| KnockoutNed wrote: |
I'm not a state-certified teacher but I have 6 years teaching experience, a TEFL and a college degree.
In the interview for the school I was told that if hired I would basically be a substitute teacher until they feel I am ready to take a class by myself.
....
Contract Date: 15 August 2015 – August 2017: USD $2,933 (Two thousand nine hundred thirty three US dollars only) per Gregorian month.
First I would like to negotiate the salary as it seems low for KSA. |
You can certainly try to negotiate for more money, but what can you offer them to justify a higher salary? They've indicated that you're not at the level they require for a classroom teacher despite your experience teaching kids in China and other parts of Asia. You also lack a teaching license and I suspect your BA isn't in Education or TESOL. Keep in mind you'd be on probation, which allows them the opportunity to see if you can do the job.
What you consider low for KSA, is probably about right for your specific experience and education. Frankly, most international schools in the region wouldn't give your CV a second look unless you had those key qualifications/credentials.
You'd stated that you earned quite a bit in China. Maybe that should be your focus since it seems you're not thrilled with the salaries you've been offered in KSA. |
Yes, I agree. With my qualifications I think this is about the best I can currently get. Perhaps in a few years when I'm state certified more opportunities will open up |
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pooroldedgar
Joined: 07 Oct 2010
Posts: 181
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| Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 1:50 pm Post subject: |
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| Sounds like you've already got your decision Ned. I think it's the right one. |
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KnockoutNed
Joined: 03 Dec 2009
Posts: 87
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| Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 2:01 pm Post subject: |
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| I'll keep this thread up. I think it's useful for people to see current offers. Wish more people would do the same |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 2:04 pm Post subject: |
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| KnockoutNed wrote: |
| Yes, I agree. With my qualifications I think this is about the best I can currently get. Perhaps in a few years when I'm state certified more opportunities will open up |
Be aware that employers in the Gulf expect the teaching license to be relevant to the degree major; many also require applicants have teaching experience from their home country. Check out Teach Away's site for the types of requirements for the region. |
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balqis
Joined: 30 Jul 2006
Posts: 373
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| Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 2:56 pm Post subject: |
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Yes, but bear it in mind that you have been offered a position, 3000 USD a month, ample holiday time, furnished apartment, transportation for free etc...
Plus you will have a chance to see the Arab World, and on top of all mentioned so far, you have been offered a job in the most beautiful and interesting city in KSA.
So it makes food for thought.
balqis |
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Makkah
Joined: 08 Oct 2014
Posts: 113
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| Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 3:00 pm Post subject: |
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| ...and very possible after 1 week there you will go from being a sub to teaching your own class with no increase. |
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balqis
Joined: 30 Jul 2006
Posts: 373
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| Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 3:19 pm Post subject: |
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This element mentioned by Makkah you may negotiate now.
As well as you may try and negotiate now a pay increase after one year of your 2-year contract; a number of places in KSA offer between 5-8% increase yearly.
balqis |
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scot47
Joined: 10 Jan 2003
Posts: 15343
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| Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 3:29 pm Post subject: |
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| Sharbatly is a nice compound. Salary is low but your quals and experience are not the best. |
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mnruman
Joined: 30 Mar 2015
Posts: 93
Location: Manchester, UK
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| Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 3:31 pm Post subject: |
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Hi,
Just out of curiosity, what do they expect a sub to do? so when there no classes (for how ever long that lasts) would you be getting paid just waiting around? |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 4:22 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: |
| Just out of curiosity, what do they expect a sub to do? so when there no classes (for how ever long that lasts) would you be getting paid just waiting around? |
Some subs are busy because there's high turnover. 
After checking out the school's website, I suspect it caters to Saudi rather than western students. That could explain why 1) the pay is so-so, and 2)the OP was extended an offer without holding teaching credentials. |
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mnruman
Joined: 30 Mar 2015
Posts: 93
Location: Manchester, UK
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| Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 4:30 pm Post subject: |
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[quote="nomad soul"]
| Quote: |
| Just out of curiosity, what do they expect a sub to do? so when there no classes (for how ever long that lasts) would you be getting paid just waiting around? |
Some subs are busy because there's high turnover.
quote]
Sounds like a loophole in getting teachers on the cheap.  |
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