Job Discussion Forums

[Qaaolchoura]

So I'm not unhappy with my job--I like the hours, I like the benefits, and I like the kids I'm teaching.

However, I've had verbal warnings from both bosses I've had that there are some serious issues with my teaching, and this seems to largely stem from the fact that I'm teaching children (which I'll make another post about soon).

I haven't had a written warning yet, which is the second step to getting fired, but I still feel like there's a sword of Damocles over my head. I'm obviously concerned about what happens to my future career if I get fired, or nearly as problematically, don't expect to get a good reference.

Question 1: I have a number of family friends who are all educators, and have been advised by one of them to start looking for another job now, and break my contract when I get a job. Is this a good idea? Firstly, it feels a bit unethical, and secondly, she worked in American public schools. It seems like ESL institutes are a bit different.

I feel like there's the following risks, with this track, in increasing order of irrational paranoia.
1. I don't get hired because I'm trying to break a contract.
2. I get blacklisted by any company I apply to for the same reason.
3. Some company I apply to will actually tell my current employer what I'm up to.

Question 2: If I do feel like I'm on the verge of getting fired would it be a good idea to quit before I'm fired citing differences with the management, so as to explain my non-use of previous employer as a reference?

Thanks,
- Q

[Teacher in Rome]

Two things come to mind:

- a contract isn't a life sentence! Don't you have a notice period? You could look for work now, and then - if successful - give the required amount of notice

But I don't that will work until:

- you need to work on these "issues". If your boss has told you there are problems, then I think you need to sit down with your boss to define what these issues are, and how you can work on turning them round. Work out a plan with your boss for regular updates, observed lessons etc so you both know that you're addressing the issues, and hopefully improving.

If a potential employer asks for a reference, your present employer may well flag up the issues, which might have the double effect of a) costing you the job, b) telling your present employer you want to quit. I'd say work on the issues before trying to get another job.

[Glenski]

Your avatar says you are in Massachusetts, but the way you write, you are not in the U.S. If you are in a different country, advice may vary. Where are you?

What Teacher in Rome has advised goes without saying. Getting a reprimand is only the first step. What actions have you taken to fix the alleged problems?

[Qaaolchoura]

Like I said, I like the job I have, and I'd like to finish out the contract to get the airfare and such, however I'm constantly nervous waiting for the other shoe to drop.

There's nothing formal in my contract about how much notice I have to give, and obviously, it would be hard to find out. But in my understanding, it should take about two weeks to a month to get officially released. In actual fact, I could quit on a moment's notice if I found the administration to be unusually uncooperative.

I'm not supposed to talk about the country I'm in on these forums, and I don't have any questions about said country. I'm interested in how employers in other countries would react if I applied to them in my current job.

I'm incredibly nervous because the new boss took me over a week (from the time of her class observation) to mention the issues, and she hasn't observed a class since (this was about a month ago). She keeps telling me she will, and keeps postponing it, and meanwhile I grow ever more nervous. Unlike the previous boss, she won't tell me if there's a problem unless we arrange a formal meeting. And yes, I have made efforts to correct things since her warning.

The major issues, as I understand it were:

[Teacher in Rome]

[tttompatz]

If you are changing countries then just pack your bags, leave the old job off your resume and move on. No big deal and there is no way anyone would know or care unless you choose to tell them.

If you want to change jobs and stay in the same country it would vary greatly depending on what country you are in and what your status is in said country.

.

[santi84]

Most people hired to teach children in this country that shall not be named expect a LOT but mainly they expect entertainment for their children. I can see both sides of the issue - yes, your boss should be fully explaining the problems with your behaviour and how to correct it, but at the same time, it sounds like you just aren't interested in this sort of work in the country that shall not be named I don't blame you, I wouldn't care much for it either and I love teaching children.

Considering where you are and your personality (as you stated in another thread), I think it's realistically just time to leave. If you want to stay and try and improve your skills with these children, there are quite a few books I can recommend.

[Glenski]

[GambateBingBangBOOM]

[rtm]

[MarkM]

[Riviello]

I say, just be honest and tell the prospective new school that while you enjoy the kids and get along with the staff, you feel that your talents are better suited for teaching university/adult students.

The funny thing is that sometimes honesty is the best policy. There is a particular city that I'd like to live in. I applied to the local university there and didn't receive any response. I noticed an ad for a primary school there and applied. I was honest about not being the best with kids in our interview and they refered me to someone at the university.

If all goes according to plan, I'll teach at the university in September.