Job Discussion Forums

akyl · Joined: 23 Jun 2004 Posts: 13

so, after the NET interview, the e-mail saying i've passed, and almost two months of waiting that resulted in an e-mail saying, "we're sorry but we are not going to able to offer you a position this year because it was very competitive and the schools tend to want NETs with more experience", i get an e-mail tonight saying there will be a lot of vacancies come this september. ARE YOU STILL INTERESTED and if so, when can you commence? should i have my hopes up?

munasa · Joined: 17 Apr 2003 Posts: 79 Location: HK

Should you get your hopes up? Sounds promising to me. I know of a couple of NETs who have recently resigned or who plan to resign before school commences. GO FOR IT!

akyl · Joined: 23 Jun 2004 Posts: 13

ehh...may i ask why all these teachers are resigning???

munasa · Joined: 17 Apr 2003 Posts: 79 Location: HK

Sorry, I don't know. The last one I heard about talked about her job in glowing terms, but she resigned yesterday nonetheless. These are teachers who have completed a two-year contract, but most of the ones planning to leave resigned a long time ago. I can't explain the few last minute resignations. Sadly, one NET has passed away during the holidays, too.

Mark-O · Posted: Sat Aug 07, 2004 3:17 pm Post subject: Re: what is the deal (part 2)?

akyl · Joined: 23 Jun 2004 Posts: 13

I just graduated last year so i bascially have none...but I did graduate with honors with an Elementary Education degree, 5 practicums under my belt, and glowing recommendation letters from my CPs...so I really didn't have my hopes up when I submitted the application but nevertheless, the contacted me for an interview, right?!?!

AndyinHK · Joined: 21 Oct 2003 Posts: 98

Here's my 2 pence.

akyl wrote:
"we're sorry but we are not going to able to offer you a position this year because it was very competitive and the schools tend to want NETs with more experience"

They want experience because NETs are supposed to show local English teachers how teaching is done in the 'West'. While a lot of teachers have experience teaching in their home countries, the vast majority have little experience in an L2 environment.

I think a lot of us know that teaching native speakers is different than teaching L2 learners. Thus the so called 'experience' required to show local language teachers how 'western' teachers teach is a bit stupid, in my humble opinion, because most NETs have never taught only L2 learners in a classroom of around 40 students in their lives.

The point being, I think they should give new teachers a chance. If I were you akyl, I would hound them and tell them how interested you are in the position.

akyl · Joined: 23 Jun 2004 Posts: 13

i understand why they would want experienced teachers...that's why i wasn't hopeful when i submitted the application. but i also think they should give us newbies a chance...just because we don't have years of experience teaching doesn't mean we won't do as good of a job or be as "resourceful". honestly, i had already put this whole NET thing behind me but now EMB teases me with this e-mail and i just don't want to be disappointed again.

munasa · Joined: 17 Apr 2003 Posts: 79 Location: HK

AKYL:

Mark-O · Posted: Sun Aug 08, 2004 8:01 am Post subject:

Akyl,

Thanks very much for the information - that was very revealing and interesting. I agree with what both you and Andy mention about letting new teachers have a chance (and not because I will be one myself!). I think some of the teachers fresh out of university might be less jaded and be open to new pedagogies, potentially being able to bring a fresh perspective to teaching in Hong Kong. That is not to accuse the experienced teachers of being unable to do any of the above, but it would be refreshing for the EMB to open their gates to some 'young blood' whom could complement the existing wealth of experienced teachers.

This email you received adds further weight to the rumours that although many have applied for the NET scheme, they have been under-subscribed with teachers holding the necessary qualifications.

Once again, best of luck and please keep us posted on any developments!

akyl · Joined: 23 Jun 2004 Posts: 13

of course i'm not gonna go in there thinking i know more than what i know. at my last practicum, i was blessed to work with a CP who had been teaching for 15 years and i learned more from her than from any of the claases i took in college. she was so encouraging and taught me so much so i know how important experience is. my CP loved what she was doing and i think that made a huge difference in terms of being an effective teacher. thanks for the support, guys...i'll keep you all posted!