Job Discussion Forums

[Matt_22]

someone sent me a pm a few weeks ago indicating that ELICOS colleges and pretty much all other english schools in australia pay teachers by a government-standardized rate; that certain qualifications and experience levels will determine a teacher's salary, not individual schools. i found this surprising - is it true?

[Def]

Heya.

I can only really tell you about W.A., but I can't imagine this changes greatly from state to state.

As far as ELICOS centres and such go, we have what's known as Award Wages (so a basic minimum that they have to pay), but centres are then free to pay more as they like, to attract more experienced teachers, or what have you.

In terms of 'regular' schools, it's a set salary, that increases each year until you're at a certain level, and then it's just that salary permanently. If you undergo further training/education yourself, you can then move up another 3 levels (I think it's 3... might be 4.. but you get the idea), until you reach the 'top' salary. Then it's just set at that.

Each state starts teachers at different salaries, as far as 'regular' schools go, but I don't know if the minimum for ELICOS is the same nation-wide or not.

[eslstudies]

Yeah, there's an "English Colleges" award, which sets out pay rates. Its a national scale. However, some places will pay a higher hourly rate based on classroom hours only, others a lower rate based on total work hours. The former will give longer paid holidays, the latter shorter. Overall per hour rates will be the same though.
Confused?
Just take it on a case by case scenario. All employers pay an extra 9% of superannuation into a fund of your choice, and you get paid sick and long service leave.

Schools within the primary and secondary sectors, govt and non govt, operate differently, and as stated, salaries vary by state. This is the realm of certified and registered teachers.

[das_hermit]

Where would I find those award rates, just out of curiosity? Just finished up a CELTA and have a Graduate Diploma of Education and a BA in Philosophy and Cultural Studies from Murdoch University, and more importantly have no idea what I should be charging students for my hitherto freely offered services...

[scb222]

yes that's true. there's a step level system that corelates to how many years experience you have and what your quals are.

http://www.englishaustralia.com.au/

check out this website, the NEAS sets the wage levels and everyone in the field is paid the same based on what your step youre hired on. having said that, some schools will pay a little extra if youre casual, and others will pay a higher step if youre fulltime. but other than that it's pretty well set.

[scb222]