Job Discussion Forums

Juli · Joined: 03 Aug 2006 Posts: 4

I know these questions may sound redundant to posters here. However, if someone could help me answer a few questions, I would be grateful. I actually have spent the past few hours reading back threads from a few years ago, so I did try to do some research before asking Wink

Anyways, I will be finishing up my BA, major in french, minor in sociology. I am planning on getting my BEd specializing in primary/elementary education and will then be certified to teach in my province here in Canada.

My question is, with a BA and a BEd prim/elem, how hard would it be to get into the NET scheme (PNET) with relatively no teaching experience (I'm pretty sure the semester internship does not count) and NO CELTA/TESL certificate?

I know it is harder to become a NET with just a BA and a TESL/CELTA, but is it easier to become one with a BA and BEd, NO experience or TESL/CELTA?

Surely the BEd in prim/elem education must make it easier?

Edited to add: Even though I am majoring in french, I am a native english speaker, if that caused any confusion. Is a second language a hinderance or helpful to have in terms of seeking employment in the scheme?

bellabella · Joined: 23 Jul 2005 Posts: 63 Location: Hong Kong

i don't think the TESOL qualification is necessary to get onto the program but you will need to gain a TESOL qualification during your employment.

Juli · Joined: 03 Aug 2006 Posts: 4

Thank you for the quick reply!

So, a BEd without experience is around on par with just a TESL with experience?

I have heard in several places that a BEd or equal teaching qualifications are considered a very good asset when applying even without experience...is this true?

Hkguy · Joined: 18 Jun 2006 Posts: 13

I am a PNET, so I hope I can help you a little here.

Go to the emb homepage...I think it is emb.gov.hk... they have a link to the NET scheme and the requirements. Having said that, one of the goals of the NET scheme is to bring teachers to HK and share their teaching methodologies and experience. Part of your job as a PNET is to not only co-teach, co-plan (read: the local teachers look to you for innovative answers) you also have to, every so often, be willing to hold training seminars for your local colleagues.

I know of a few who have gotten in the scheme without experience. They all have B.Ed's. Obviously the gov't is going to take someone with experience over those without.

BTW... you mentioned CELTA... that is a cert designed for teaching adults. But BELLABELLA is right that you will need a tesol cert. Don't worry about that though, get your B.Ed. A few of my friends went back to Canada in the summer and did the Oxford Seminars course (it got approved as a TESOL course by the EMB)...that's just a 60 hour onsite and 60 hour distance course...pretty basic from what I hear.

Good luck...

briandwest · Joined: 10 Feb 2006 Posts: 98 Location: Hong Kong

I am also a PNET and the harsh reality is that the demand for teachers is higher than the supply so it is perfectly possible to become a PNET with a degree, no teaching qualification and no teaching experience.
With a degree and BEd you are in a strong position despite the lack of experience.
EMB website is http://www.emb.gov.hk/templates/index.aspx?nodeID=262&langno=1

chi · Joined: 06 Feb 2006 Posts: 26

(deleted)

ozman · Joined: 12 Jun 2004 Posts: 133 Location: HONG KONG

If you go into the EMB site you will see the various categories of teachers who can be employed as NETS. Preference is given to people with a teaching qualification. You have a degree and TESOL qualification but this isn't a recognized teacher qual. you say you have two years experience - but what age range were you teaching?
People without teacher training cannot go beyond point 22. If you have no experience teaching the correct age group, then you will start at the bottom point - 14 or 15 - I think around $18,000+.

as brianwest says - yes you can get a NET job without proper teaching quals but of course you won't be paid the same rate.

fishcado · Joined: 23 Aug 2006 Posts: 21

Hello I'm new to the boards and have been reading for some time now.

So from the conversation above, I take it that my chances with having a BA in English with a TESOL certificate are slim then as far as becoming a PNET?

I guess this question gets asked so much is because there may be PNETs out there who have seen others who are as equally or less qualified.

For me its not a matter of getting a free ticket to teach in another country, I seriously wish to teach. I'm thinking however whether I should go for back to school and get my B'ed then decide if I wish to apply by then.

lanceevan1 · Joined: 26 Jun 2007 Posts: 21

Sorry for the delayed response, but I just signed up yesterday.

Here are some things to consider:

1) From what I have read the NET scheme pays pretty low. Try going for the international schools. The pay is much better, and they usually look after you.

2) With a Certification from Canada you will be able to teach at an international school in HK if you meet the following prerequisites:

a) 2 years of teaching experience
b) placing a file with Search Associates or International School Services, which involves providing three Principal Recomendations, as well as three parent recomendations

Additionaly, Try to build up experience in either Bilingual Curriculums, OR the IB (International Bachloriate) Model (Dip, MYP OR PYP) as many International Schools will give preference to teachers who have had experience with these models.

Doing a year or two in countries like Indonesia where they are begging for teachers can give you this.

Good Luck!
c) possibly attending a job fair (check thier websites for locations)

Serious_Fun · Joined: 28 Jun 2005 Posts: 1171 Location: terra incognita

11:59 · Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 5:04 am Post subject:

lanceevan1 · Joined: 26 Jun 2007 Posts: 21

Thank you for pointing out my "spelling errors". I do not pretend to be a great speller, in fact I often tell my students that it is one of my weakest points. Spelling however is pretty low on the Blooms Taxonomy.

For me 30,000HK is low. I have worked hard to develop my carrer to the point at where it is today, and now sitting here in Daytona Beach Florida in the middle of the night, I could care less if my "spelling" is up to par.

But does that make a great teacher? Please let me know!

11:59 · Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 7:20 am Post subject:

If as you claim you have worked hard to develop your 'carrer' (or career) to the point where it is today (with the far from tacit suggestion that it is at a high point) why on Earth would you be at all interested in the lowest possible monthly income on the PNET scheme, viz., $30,000 HK? As I clearly stated in my post, that is the entry-level income for minimally qualified and experienced candidates. On another thread you state you are coming to HK (Lord help us) and will be on between $40,000 and $50,000 HK a month. You can earn this at the top end of the PNET scheme if you factor in the housing allowance so I am a tad confused to say the very least.

And I should point out that it in Standard English (and in the variety taught in HK) 'I could care less' is sheer gibberish. I think you mean 'I couldn't care less'. And, actually, in the eyes of the teachers, principals, students, and parents at bone fide International Schools in HK (such as the 'top school' you claim you are coming to be employed at), bad spelling does indeed make you a bad teacher and it will be pointed out to you in exactly the same way it would be pointed out to a Chinese teacher if they did not know their Chinese characters or correct stroke order.

But anyway, it is all beside the point for as I have stated elsewhere I refuse to believe that you are a genuine poster and so will not respond anymore.

Horizontal Hero · Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 3:24 am Post subject:

Dont bee scered off by the "natives" lanceevan1. They are feroscious, but small. I can't spel ether, but luckally God inventad the spellchecka just for idiets lice me. (Mi spella went down this mornink)

hkteach · Joined: 29 May 2005 Posts: 202 Location: Hong Kong

I've said it before on here and I'll say it again...... you CAN be a NET without a CELT/TEFL qualification.
It depends on your other qualifications, majors and relevant teaching experience. If you don't have a teaching qualification, then you'd need to do it.

The contract specifies this as a requirement - it actually has a clause that says if you don't have a TEFL/TESOL then you will get this qualification in your first year in HK "in your own time and at your own expense" and your school can insist that you uphold your agreement to do this.