Job Discussion Forums

chinchon · Joined: 28 Jun 2010 Posts: 18 Location: UK

Hi there, I've been looking at the threads on this forum for a while now regarding the NET scheme and I've learned a lot. I have a much stronger impression of what I'm thinking of applying for. I have a few questions remaining though:

1) On the application form I am asked to detail all post-qualification ESL experience, but my teaching credential is not ESL specific. I have QTS in the UK, via the Graduate Teacher Programme, and I am qualified to teach in mainstream primary schools and special ed. schools. Are there any others on this forum who are applying this year and who only have QTS with no formal ESL certificate?

I had the impression that the most relevant credential is QTS, and that a TEFL certificate was a bonus. Why would someone train for QTS and then go off to teach something different? I'm sure there's something I'm missing here.

2) I'm currently teaching in a special needs school which I really enjoy. If there are any NETs here who work at HK special needs schools it would be great to here about your experience.

3) If I get through the application and interview and land a job, I will be coming to HK with my wife, who is Japanese. What is the sentiment towards Japanese people there? I know that recently anti-Japanese feelings have been on the rise in mainland China, would there be any hassle in HK?

Kind regards to those who can offer me some advice and support.

Perilla · Joined: 09 Jul 2010 Posts: 792 Location: Hong Kong

anninhk · Joined: 08 Oct 2005 Posts: 284

With regard to your experience, it is acceptable to the EDB and will count towards the salary point on the pay scale. You will need a TESOL certificate of some kind as it is now a requirement for all PNET teachers and you will not get a job without one.
I had friends who taught in special schools so there are definte openings in that area.
With regard to your wife there shouldn't be any problems at all.

chinchon · Joined: 28 Jun 2010 Posts: 18 Location: UK

travelfloosie · Joined: 12 Jan 2009 Posts: 7 Location: lancashire,uk

firstly, chinchon, hahahahahahaha! that's original and very funny for a hk post. i like the irony.

sorry, just my chinglo sense of humour! just in reply to your Q about applying for pnet programme. i too am a primary teacher qts, have been teaching for 6 years in mainstream. however my experience of pnet has not been favourable as i was shortlisted for interview in london 1st time only to be told at feedback (which is very rare apparently) that although i was fully qualified i did lack a TEFL cert. so come back next year, which i did and this time was told that i was lacking in the teaching years! this was 4 years ago as after the second experience i was quite down i simply got a job in school here in the uk. now with some years teaching both in school and foreign students i think i have racked up some experience and hope to apply again. so don't be discouraged if you get a knock back. the system is very slow and jobs worthy in nature.
ho yun!