Job Discussion Forums

Jazziz23 · Joined: 08 Apr 2011 Posts: 61

What's the normal time schedules for the big "mcschools" in Moscow?

I've heard of the dread split shifts but on average what's the schedule like for a new teacher.

Can you request to work certain hours, like only after 12pm or no later than 7 or 8pm?

Sashadroogie · Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2012 12:24 pm Post subject:

Split shifts are the norm for new full-timer teachers. No avoiding it. Classes in the morning can start from 7.30. Few classes in the afternoon, unless kiddies. Then evening classes to finish at 21.00.

I do not work in a McSchool myself, so this is not direct info, but the short answer to your other question is no. It would probably be capitalised, underlined, blocked etc. from the Time-tablers in said schools, giving an answer thus: NO!

But no harm in chancing your arm : )

Linochka · Joined: 04 Jan 2012 Posts: 26

You wouldn't be using a McSchool unless you needed to. It's the 'foot in the door' option. Therefore, there's little scope for you to be setting the terms of your working conditions. The McSchools have a high turnover rate, and if you don't want to do what they ask, they will tell you where to go/not employ you at all.

I know two people who, during their phone interviews with two McSchools, both said they weren't happy with split shifts and only wanted daytime hours. Obviously they didn't get offered a job. And why should they have been? These kinds of schools are geared towards learners who want to come after work, or before their work day starts... these schools need to cater to the market.

If you want regular hours (in any country, not just Russia), it's probably best to get some experience and work in international school/nursery/state school/uni. Otherwise there's going to be splits and evenings.

Hate to be negative, but there you go!