Job Discussion Forums

[prufrockwakes]

Are the net scheme schools as ridiculous with the teacher duties as the non-net scheme schools? I'm referring to the required lunch-time with students, teaching English DURING lunch (once a month), doing the class-teacher/homeroom time, door-greeting time, waiting at bus with students' time, writing drama scripts, proof-reading documents, attending meetings weekly with others teaching same level to alternate who writes the tests to be used by all, 1-2 Saturdays a month for training, writing in students' logs when they don't do homework and notifying parents, supervising a study-hall/homework session for your and others' classes, over-seeing several clubs, practicing speeches with students, having SEN students who disrupt class, having spoilt P1's yet with no discipline guidelines (OK, the last 2 weren't duties ; ))..............ad infinitum ad suicide,,,,,,

'Cuz the worst thing I've heard from net scheme teachers is that is a boring routine with little room for creativity, robotic.

So, what gives, Alfie?

[Joshua2006]

But isn't all of that what a local national teacher has to do anyway for their entire career, and for probably less pay?

[oxi]

[Yorky]

Most schools in Hong Kong, apart from International schools have a Govt. funded NET. Most schools do not have to pay for the NET unless they are DSS (Direct Subsidy Schools). NETS should have a contract which includes deployment conditions. The duties you write about seem to be more similar to a local teacher's responsibilities than what most NETS would do. NET positions can require creativity by the truckload with no time to get bored.
NETs on the EDB Scheme have their deployment checked each year by the NET Section Advisory Teachers to make sure it is within the guidelines.
Some schools pay for extra staff such as classroom assistants out of their own funding.
There are some schools in HK that are not pleasant places to work.

[prufrockwakes]

Yes, it is a lot of work for locals (and some NETS).

I've been here about 6 months and have worked at 4 schools, none of which were very pleasant. I went into lovely detail about why, but unfortunately, my pc was not compliant and decided to freeze up in protest. This is my second attempt now~

I came to HK b/c of the EDB's generous scheme, but am finding it difficult to locate this amorphous Jabberwocky gem. I haven't encountered anyone on this scheme yet. I guess, I am askingwhether it is possible (and how) to determine if a particular school uses it before applying, if a list of these schools exist. Do the schools that do use it, use it for all their NETs?

I know (or have been told) that you need a PGDE for the EDB scheme; are international schools different? Are teachers able to acquire similar pay w/o the PGDE at international schools? lol Am I confusing the two? ;/

Sorry, ignorant semi-newbie (8 years FT experience teaching English in 3 countries, MA in Eng. literature, 30 Day Emergency Teaching Cred., questionable on-line TEFL ;P )

Cheers

[Perilla]

[Yorky]

There are nearly 1000 NETS in H.K. who are working on the EDB Enhanced NET Scheme. With one NET in each school, primary and Secondary, there are very few schools who don't have an EDB NET. Direct Subsidy Schools (DSS) also have NETS but those NETS are directly employed by the schools and not part of the EDB Scheme.
Schools have EDB NETS because it does not cost them anything, the Govt. covers all of the costs. I am surprised that you did not meet one at least at one of the four schools you say you have worked at.
EDB NETS must have a recognised TEFL/TESL before they apply for the Scheme. Some NETS are employed without a PGDE.

[vancouver_syndicate]

[Perilla]

Without QTS (PGDE/PGCE/BEd etc.) you might get employed on the NET scheme but you will remain at the bottom of the pay scale. TEFL quals are now a requirement but have no impact on your salary.