Job Discussion Forums

[naturegirl321]

I recently did a workshop and in it had info about teaching English in Peru. ONe of the sections was questions to ask before accepting a job. HOpe this info helps people.

Questionnaire for Institutes
Before you decide to work at an institute, there are a couple of things you should know. During the interview, they will probably answer most of the questions you have, but just in case, here�s some things to keep in mind.

Management
♦Who owns the school, manages it, runs it?
♦Is there a particular methodology or pedagogical philosophy to be followed?
♦How is management structured?

Resources
♦What course books are used?
♦Is there a syllabus to follow? Does the syllabus have to be strictly followed?
♦Is there a library? Computers? Internet/email?
♦Is there a Language lab? Video camera? Tape and video recorders?
♦Is there a mentor or buddy system?
♦Can you use supplementary material?
♦How far ahead of time do you have to ask for photocopies?

Teachers
♦Try to talk to current teachers and ask them about their opinions about the school, management, materials.
♦Who makes the quizzes? How often are they?
♦What other responsibilities are there?
♦Do you have to attend student social events? Which ones? How often?
♦Is there help with visas?
♦How much notice do you have to give before leaving? (When you do give notice make sure ♦there are two copies. The school should date and sign both copies and one copy is for you. You usually have to give one month notice before leaving.)

Hours ♦
How many a week maximum?
♦How many a day maximum?
♦How many in a row without a break?
♦Are extra hours/relief compulsory? If so how much notice is given?
♦Morning or afternoon shift? Split shift? Weekend work?
♦How many different classes and or levels in a week?
♦Are the hours guaranteed?
♦Are there breaks?
♦What about overtime?
♦Do you have to attend meetings or training sessions? How often are they? Are they paid or unpaid?
♦Holidays? When you want them?
♦Is there sick leave? How much? Is there compensation if sick days aren�t used?

Students
♦What�s the typical student like?
♦How many per class?
♦How expensive/cheap is the school for students?
♦What sort of students are the client base?
♦What levels are taught?
♦What type of English is taught? General, Business, ESP, etc?

Money ♦
How often is the pay?
♦How is it decided? How will the salary differ with a certificate/degree and work experience?
♦How much is the tax?
♦Are there bonuses? How often are they given?
♦Is there help with opening a bank account?
♦How much is needed to live?
♦Do you need recibios por honorario?
♦Where are the classes held? Is there extra pay for classes that aren�t at the school?

Before You Start Work
♦Ask if you can observe some classes.
♦Ask if you can come in to familiarize yourself with materials.
♦Start getting materials together. Although they will have books, having a couple of games or discussion ideas up your sleeves is always a good idea.

[Glenski]

naturegirl,
These are mostly relevant questions to get answers to, I agree. However, flood an interviewer with these (in person or as a supplement to the interview), and I really believe one risks losing the job.

Some answers may be had by personal research. Others may be gotten only after one is hired or by speaking to current staff.

Still, too many questions is a red flag. I'd advise caution.

[Justin Trullinger]

I'd second that- it pays to be selective on both sides. As an interviewer, too many questions puts me off in a hurry.

But nothing is more bothersome than a new employee who didn't ask. One who assumed that things were the way they "made sense" to him or her...

A couple of years ago, we had a teacher most of the way through the hiring process, when he referred to (didn't ask about, just mentioned) his housing allowance. Like most Ecuadorian organisations, we offer neither housing now a housing allowance. When I called him on it, he was shocked. What kind of place is this? EVERYBODY told me that ALL international teaching placements offer housing!! I never found out who told him, or where they were. Just politely cut off correspondence...

You do gotta ask what you really need to know. Just do your research first, to save me having to answer questions you could find out the answers to on your own. Also, don't, repeat, DON'T do reasearch on other places, and assume it applies. IF you are considering Ecuador, or wherever, DON'T do research on Mexico and assume it will be about the same...


Best,
Justin