Job Discussion Forums

gryffindor · Joined: 26 Nov 2006 Posts: 15

Hi guys,

I am an undergraduate who majors in Education and English language. While I'm still studying here, I would like to know the kind of things that I can do so that they look at my application favourably when I do apply.

For example,

1) Obtaining a TEFT qualification

poof · Joined: 23 May 2005 Posts: 161

Getting some work experience in the field can help applications for any teaching job.

anninhk · Joined: 08 Oct 2005 Posts: 284

I agree! I think it would be a daunting task to teach as part of the PNET scheme if you had no teaching experience.
The teachers will look to you for guidance on how to teach reading especially and if you have no experience you will not find it easy to lead PD sessions.

gryffindor · Joined: 26 Nov 2006 Posts: 15

I see... Thanks for the advices! I certainly hope the teaching experience that I'll acquire when I graduate would come into handy. However, I would be teaching English in English and the Medium of Instruction for all subjects over here is also English. Would that count? Or do they specifically want me to have experience in teaching like older children who attend school in one language and learn English as a foreign language?

anninhk · Joined: 08 Oct 2005 Posts: 284

There is constantly a debate about whether it is teachers or language teachers that are needed for the NET scheme. Personally I think, in primary schools, it is probably better to be a classroom teacher rather than a language teacher as now there is more emphasis on teaching reading skills and writing, as these are necessary for the TSA, rather than the grammar of previous years.

lyndon98 · Joined: 09 May 2006 Posts: 8 Location: Australia/Hong Kong

I've been working as a Gelta in a secondary school here in Hong Kong for six months and having come from a background of zero teaching experience, have found it to be a great way in the door.

I work through an agency who also provide part time work on weekends. The conditions are generally good - small classes of form one and two's, as well as assisting form 7. I run discussion groups, the English corner and English speaking day activities - lots of the things you do as a Net only without such a heavy workload and responsibility.

Money wise it's obviously not Net rates but the money is higher than I was offered by private language schools and comes with holidays and a better workload.

One of the best things is getting to work together with a Snet and another Gelta so there is experience and support around when needed. It's been a good way to start teaching.

bootsie · Joined: 25 Feb 2007 Posts: 10

How does one go about becoming a GELTA? Do you need to be a UK citizen? What's the age limit if there one?

Is there a website you can refer me to please?

Thanks in advance... Wink

Pieface · Joined: 18 Jun 2004 Posts: 42

The Gelta website is : www.chatteris.org.hk

You should find all the information you need there. I think the pay is quite low for Geltas (14000 p/m?) but it is a foot in the door, and as stated before the work conditions are generally very good.

bootsie · Joined: 25 Feb 2007 Posts: 10

Thanks pieface!
I will look into it - but I also have an interview for PNET in a couple of weeks. Don't know how it will go as I have next to no teaching experience, although I do have CELTA and a BA...

lyndon98 · Joined: 09 May 2006 Posts: 8 Location: Australia/Hong Kong

From moy experience the pay for a Gelta is more around 18K - 22K a month going through an agency.