Job Discussion Forums

[Luna Chica]

Here is a selection of info from my CELTA course about what to ask and consider before signing a contract with a school. Might be interesting and useful for some (sorry if there are typos, I am very tired) -

Employment Issues

Before you sign on the dotted line� read the contract thoroughly, and don�t start work without one!

Applying for work

� look in local and national newspaper and on the internet
� Find out as much about the school as you can
� Who are the clients, students, who owns the school, manages it, runs it?
� IS there a particular methodology or pedagogical philosophy to be followed?
� How is management structured?
� How expensive/cheap is the school for students?
� What sort of students are the client base?
� Link your CV and application letter ot the job ab. Find out the contact�s name.
� Be bold; follow up application with phone calls, visits. Approach schools you are interested in even if they have no current vacancies.


The Interview

� Experience/ different levels?
� Familiarity with coursebooks?
� Authentic matierals?
� Keeping up to date?
� How would you go about teaching�?
� Long term plans?
� Familiarity with professional journals/periodicals/magazines?
� What can you X, bring to this organization that no one else can?

The Demo Lesson

� Ask to observe the class and speak to the teacher
� Be prepared to make comments on the class and to suggest a suitable lesson
� Prepare throroughly
� Don�t try and wow them too much
� Ensure you try out any technology, cue tapes etc.

Before You Start Work
� Ask if you can observe some classes
� Ask if you can come in to familiarize yourself with materials
� Start getting materials together

Hours

� How many a week maximum?
� How many a day maximum?
� How many in a row without a break?
� Are extra hours/relief compulsory? If so how much notice is given?
� Morning or afternoon shift? Split shift?
� How many different classes and or levels in a week?
� What if school can�t provide the students or hours? Do you get paid?
� Breaks?
� Weekend work?
� Holidays � paid or unpaid?
� When you want them?
� Sick leave? How much?

Money

� Per hour? Per session? Per month?
� Pay day every month? Every two weeks? Weekly?
� What currency?
� Local tax?
� A bonus?
� A bank account?
� Sending money home?
� Cost of living (realistic)?

Conditions

� Flights?
� Accomodation? Provided? If so, compulsory or can you have an allowance to move elsewhere? Shared/not provided/help given?
� Transport provided?
� What is done about organizing visas and who pays?
� Medical insurance private? Or local state system?

Resources

� Coursebook?
� Syllabus?
� Library? Computers? Internet/email?
� Language lab? Video camera? Tape and video recorders?
� Help? What form? A mentor or buddy system?

[Sgt Killjoy]

That is an awesome checklist and should be out there to everyone as a good list of questions to ask.

[naturegirl321]

Wonderful list!

I would add--
How many students are there per class? How old are they?
How often are exams? quizzes? Who makes them?
HOw often are meetings?
Do you have to write reports? Meet with parents?

[Luna Chica]

Naturegirl, feel free to add it to your website if you wish. PM me if you want me to send it as an attachment.

[naturegirl321]

Luna Chica, I sent you a PM