Job Discussion Forums

[Netminder]

Hello all,

I joined the NET scheme last year, and it has been very beneficial to me in many ways. However, I harbour a lot of "If I knew then what I know now.." feelings, and I would like to benefit any newcomers by fielding questions you may have, especially with regard to NET deployment. I don't know everything about the NET scheme, but I do know enough to help people avoid some of the problems I've had.

Ask away.

[jene]

Where can I go on the EMB website to get information on the powers that be contact information?

[Netminder]

Hi Jene,

I'm guessing that you've applied and not heard back from the EMB in a timely manner? If that is the case, all I can say is hang in there- they may take their time in getting back to you, but they will eventually get around to it.

Lame answer, I know, but it is the truth.

[jene]

Actually, no. I'm a net already.
I want to get Raymond Sy's mailing address so I can send him a letter. Didn't think it would be that difficult to get.

[Netminder]

Try:

Ramond Sy
Education and Manpower Bureau
13/F Wu Chung House
213 Queen's Road West
Wanchai

[Shakhbut]

[Leni]

Hello

I was recently looking into the possiblity of special needs teaching through NET. I don't have a teaching qualification or TEFL certificate but I'm a speech and language therapist so have studied language and worked with special needs children in schools and nurseries. I also work with many children who are developing English as second language (refuges etc.)

Do you reckon NET are the best people to pursue this through I've contacted a few speech therapists out there and they say that international schools is the best way to get work.

My other option is to just sign up as a regular NET teacher and see what I can get - is there anything I need to know if I go for that option?

Leni

[Netminder]

Hi Leni,

I know that there are special needs schools here- I did my induction with a woman who was a speech therapist like yourself. I'd certainly make the EMB aware of your specialization and desire to work in that area. No harm in putting in an application with local international or ESF schools here as well- all very easy to locate with an internet search.

Good luck.

[robsam]

Hi...
I was wondering how many Americans are participants in the NET Scheme. I am currently in the JET Program in Japan and have been here for almost 3 years. In March I went to HK for a NET Scheme interview and was turned down. Needless to say after spending about $800 to fly to HK and stay in a hotel, I was a bit disappointed. I have a TESL certificate and about 4 years experience teaching elementary and junior high school students. Is the EMB only accepting people with teaching degrees? I have a Bachelor's degree, but it's in Fine Arts. I would think that if only having a TESL certificate and not a teaching degree wasn't enough to get hired, then I wouldn't have been asked to attend an interview. I find it curious that there are no interviews done in the USA and that even with my experience and qualifications I was turned down. I can't help but feel that the EMB has something against Americans and it is their standard practice to turn down Americans. I want to try and apply again next year, but I wonder if I will get the same rejection and waste more of my time and money. The JET Program has participants from over 30 countries and proudly publishes a lot of information about JET participants such as participant's countries, age, etc. I can't find out any information like this about the NET Shceme. Does anybody out there care to comment about this and answer my question about how many Americans you have come across? Thanks for reading and answering this.

[Netminder]

Indeed, there are Americans in the NET scheme, and I don't think there is any bias.

Frankly, I'm quite surprised you were turned down- they have gone from accepting only teaching degrees to accepting other degrees plus a TEFL qualification. I would advise your trying again. I seem to recall that they did some interviewing in Japan last year, so don't waste the airfare.

God luck.

[Toosey-Jay]

Hey Robsam,

[chi]

Hi Robsam, I just want to say that my degree was a joint honours in Fine Art and Creative Writing ... and it hasn't hindered me in any way.
Is it feasible to ask the EMB for interview feedback so you'll know why you were turned down? It is possible to do this in the UK, but obviously other countries may not look upon this as 'the done thing'.

I even pushed the fact that I am freelancing as a photographer and they made notes on this with regards 'extra curricular activites'! So I dunno, but I think it's worth asking for feedback so that you are prepared for next time.

Best of luck

[robsam]

Hey everyone...
Thanks for your feedback and encouragement. I do want to apply again to NET, but they told me to wait until next year (2007-2008 school year). I know that the EMB has extended the deadline and they seem pretty desperate for teachers in NET, so I'm confused as to why I was turned down. I'm a native English speaker with teaching experience. I can't imagine teaching English to elementary school kids in HK is that much different than Japan. At any rate, they turned me down and ultimately it's their loss as I'm a great teacher!
Thanks again!

[jene]

I would like your opinion on this.

I've been at this school since September (it is one of two I work for) and I can't say it has been the best experience.
I've been evaluated negatively and am left out in the dark about all major decisions! Today, I got notes from the last meeting off of the photocopier, I felt like a spy!
Anyway, I guess the verdict is that they think there is poor collaboration between them and I and the "NET" (they won't even refer to me by name) needs to be monitored more closely next year.
I've just found out that I will have a new SET next year and a newly hired teacher will be the new English Panel Chair.
I think that alot of the problems I've had have been because of my SET, she really didn't help me to get on with my co-workers and has had a grudge against me since the beginning.
What I'm wondering is, how common is it for there to be a change in English panel and SET?
And, will this make a significant difference to my situation (i.e., will my lot possibly improve?)
Thanks so much!

[briandwest]

That sounds pretty awful, Jere. But with two people leaving this is a great opportunity for you to change things.
It will be hard given this year's experience, but be ultra-positive next term and do our yutmost to foster good relations with all teachers. I'm not sure how long you've been in HK, but I find that the simple things make a huge diffference:
- say Good Morning to every teacher you meet as you arrive at school. Initially they may well not respond (as they don't say this greating as a norm to their other colleagues) but after a while they get a hang of it.
- bring in biscuits / chocolates / sweets after the summer holidays (and any other hols that you go away for) and give one to every teacher, not just those that sit next to you. I also usually buy a little present for my Principal, SET and English Panel Chair every time I go away. This sounds like licking bums, but all the local teachers do it and it makes them feel very special.
- find out your colleagues and give them a card on the day
- try to be ultra-useful to the new staff; show them all your resources from last year and make sure they know they are available to all staff; give them past copies of lesson plans etc..
- invite yourself to all the meetings and intimate to the new staff members that you have always attended. They won't know any different and will lose face if they refuse.

"will this make a significant difference to my situation (i.e., will my lot possibly improve?)"
The answer is a probable yes, but only if you make it so....

PS I've just re-read what I've written and it sounds a little patronising which I certainly don't mean to be. What I'm trying to say is that if you work to foster a collaborative atmosphere there will, more than likely, be one and an easy way to do this is to start with the simple things and the things that happen between friends in HK.

I'd also reckomend signing up at www.pnets.org where you can chat about your woes with other NETs, some of whom have been here for years and have been through what you are going through.
Good luck!