Job Discussion Forums

[Henry Chinaski]

Hello All,
I'm new to this forum although I have been reading it somewhat intensely for the past month or two. Basically, my situation is that I passed the EMB interview and written test to become a PNET in late November and am currently waiting for an offer. I am aware that it can take some time and obviously it is quicker for some and slower for others. However, some of the information I have gathered seems to be somewhat out of date and I am hoping to get some information.

What I really want to know is ...

1. All things considered, the process began for me in Novemver 06. I am vaguely working on organising my life with the expectation that I should be in Hong Kong by March or April at the latest. Is this realistic or am I kidding myself?

2. In regards to my salary I have also read a great deal of information and I am still a little confused. I have a Bachelors degree in Communication Studies and a Masters degree in Applied Linguistics (both from Australian universities). I have about four years of teaching experience although I can only document one and a half years of that experience properly and as such am only expecting that particular experience to be considered in assessing my salary. I am expecting that I might earn somewhere around $20,000HKD per month plus the housing allowance. Again, is this realistic or am I kidding myself again?

I would greatly appreciate any information and/or opinions any of you can share. It is a difficult and uncertain process to become a NET but I am hoping it will be worth the wait and difficulties.

Thanks very much,
Darren Wilson

[11:59]

I have to say, I find it quite unlikely that you would be taken on in or around April, as that is well into the second term and is only a few months before the long summer recess commences. If you were taken on around that time I think it highly doubtful that you would be paid during the holiday.

As regards some of the other points you raised, Masters degrees do not enter into the equation when your salary is calculated, no matter the discipline or the awarding institution. The one and a half years of experience you refer to must be documented and must be with an organisation that is officially recognised by the EMB. Also, and perhaps most importantly, it must be post-qualification experience. If it is pre-qualification then again, it will not enter into the equation.

[anninhk]

Although 11.59's view sounds quite logical, there is nothing logical about the appointment of PNETs. I know of one teacher who arrivedin July, a couple of weeks before the beginning of the summer holiday, and yes she was paid for the holiday!
It is difficult to judge how long it takes from acceptance to actually getting in to a school but all I can say is that if you want the job hang in there as it will happen eventually!

[anninhk]

Also I would think your assessment of your salary is about correct!

[erike]

Your experience has to be teaching at the primary level otherwise you'll start at the bottom point.

Did your MA have a teaching practicum? If so, what age group of Ss did you teach?

[TeacherTim]

I passed the interview and all checks in August and have only been contacted by one school (who only contacted me as a reserve in case their actual candidatate dropped out - not that they told me this).

I don't want to sound bitter but I wouldn't expect anything, just carry on until they give you a solid offer. I'm just sorry I gave up my job in the UK - and so is my wife and kid!

Good luck!

[briandwest]

"Experience" only counts post-TEACHING [degree or diploma] qualification.
As you don't have a teaching qualification your teaching experience will not be considered for salary calculations.
As a non-teaching degree holder - Masters is again not counted towards salary calculations - you will join at the bottom of the salary scale i.e. point 12 = $16,165.
Even if you were able to convince the assessment people that your experience counts, 1 year's experience (1.5 will be rounded down) = 1 salary point = $17,154

Sources:
http://www.emb.gov.hk/index.aspx?langno=1&nodeid=1300
http://www.hkptu.org/_right/payscale/payscale2005a.htm
http://www.hkpnets.org - "Net Scheme"

[ironopolis]

[briandwest]

Your friend, Ironopolis, is correct.
Secondary teaching experience will push a PNET up the salary scale, as long as it is POST-education qualification.
The level of experience does not matter, provided that it is POST-teaching qualification and can be documented.

[ironopolis]

[Smoog]

[Smoog]