Job Discussion Forums

anninhk · Joined: 08 Oct 2005 Posts: 284

You could get job as a SNET - secondary NET teacher. I don't think you need a TEFL qualification for that.
For details of the pay etc go to the www.edb.gov.hk website and look for NET scheme.
You would be on the lowest pay level because you don't have any full time experience but with the housing allowance which I presume you will be eligible for the salary is still reasonable.

Horizontal Hero · Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 7:30 am Post subject:

And you would stay low. Unless you have teaching qualifications (postgrad dip Ed, or Bachelor of Ed.) you don't graduate past a certain point on the pay scale. I can't recall exactly what point, but it's pretty low. Having a masters in English makes not one bit of difference to that point. Get the Dip ed., that's my advice.

SydGirl2 · Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 50

If you go to the EDB website you will see that they do need TESOL qualifications. I'm not sure that an online TESOL qualification would be accepted. Having said that. I'm not sure how strict they are about the TESOL. They say you must get it within your first year of becoming a NET. Does anyone know if this is strictly adhered to? I have the opposite problem to the OP. I have teaching qualifications (a 3 year Diploma of Education) but no Bachelors. I have additional teaching related qualifications which give me degree status here in Australia but because I don't have an actual Bachelor's Degree I am not eligible for a work visa in many countries. I do qualify for NET as a category IV which is pretty low, but at least it gets me in.

Horizontal Hero · Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2007 12:23 am Post subject:

They (EDB) haven't been very strict on TESOL to date, but who knows when the policy might change. A qualification as an English teacher seems to be looked upon favourably for SNETs. It seems to be left up to the schools to decide if they want a TEFOL qualified person or not. I attended heaps of interviews and nobody bought it up, and got heaps of job offers. I don't have a TEFOL qual, but have Dip. ed in English (secondary). Neither of my two schools to date has ever mentioned the damn thing. They are just happy to get somebody who can teach. There does appear to be a shortage of decent NET applicants out there. My current school could not find a second NET even though they had funding for one. They went and hired a local.

hkteach · Joined: 29 May 2005 Posts: 202 Location: Hong Kong

HH is correct when he says the EdB haven't been very strict about the TESOL qualification. I've been here five years and don't have TESOL or anything similar - just my degree and other teaching qualifications.

As far as PNETs are concerned, most teach reading in lower primary and ability/experience with this - i.e. primary teaching qualification and experience - is highly regarded.
School principals are pleased to be able to get a NET with experience of teaching reading, especially at lower end of primary and appear not to be concerned about TESOL.
Not one of the four principals I've had has ever suggested I have to do it.