Teaching Contracts
I often hear teachers complain that employers issue contracts and then ask them to do more than the contract requires. From the other side of the fence, employers sometimes feel that teachers are too rigid in their interpretation of the terms of the contract. It is certainly a tricky area, so what can you do to make sure that the contract offers proper protection for both teachers and the employer? My suggestions are as follows:
The first point to consider is your own attitude to the contract. It is a document that binds both parties, so as employers you should ensure that it contains only clauses that you can honor. It is hardly fair to the employee to issue a contract that binds teachers and then expect to be able to break its terms yourself.
The second point is that teachers cannot be expected to know the legal requirements of a contract in a foreign country, as these can vary enormously. You should, therefore, explain to the teacher exactly how the contract reflects current employment legislation in your country and for your sector. Some countries stipulate that the contract must be written in the home language. If this is the case, your teachers will need a clear and accurate translation into English. Some countries require the contract to contain full details of the teacher’s visa and employment permits. There may be restrictions on the number of hours a teacher can work and on the number of hours’ overtime permitted. Whatever the specific legal framework in your country, it is essential to both adhere to the legal requirements and explain these to the teacher. Even if your country does not require a written contract at all, it is worth thinking about the kinds of problems that could arise if you do not have a clearly drafted understanding of all aspects of the job: the rights and responsibilities of the teacher and the rights and responsibilities of the employer.
Legal considerations apart, the contract should cover number of class contact hours, number of admin hours and number of preparation hours. If you have a basic 38 hour week and you expect teachers to spend 25 hours in the classroom, two on admin and the remaining 9 on preparation, don’t think of the preparation time as a free pool from which you can ask teachers to do extra teaching. If you need teachers to do extra contact hours to cover for an absent colleague or a sudden influx of students, build the terms of the required flexibility into the contract. For example you may say that could be expected to do up to two extra teaching hours per week to cover emergencies. If further hours are required, offer to pay them as overtime. List any additional duties, such invigilating exams, designing teaching materials or socializing with students.
Be as precise as possible in every area. If you offer accommodation, make it quite clear how this it to be provided and describe it accurately. State whether teachers will be expected to travel to other branches or to companies and explain how such travel arrangements will be made. Make sure you are clear about sickness insurance and medical treatment: what would happen if a teacher had to be repatriated because of an accident, for example, or suffered long-term illness?
Specify holiday entitlement, grievance and disciplinary procedures, and notice terms. Above all, try to make the contract a reader-friendly document rather than one that is full of dense legal terminology. Before you issue a contract, it might be a good idea check with a lawyer to ensure that it is comprehensive enough to satisfy your local legal requirements.
Showing posts with label ESL Jobs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ESL Jobs. Show all posts
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Teaching English As A Foreign Language:
Teaching English As A Foreign Language: A Life-Altering Challenge
If you're considering teaching English as a foreign language, congratulations. You've chosen a career that many people don't attempt. Although it's one of the most rewarding jobs imaginable, the truth is that it can be a massive commitment. Of course, if you have a passion for it, then the work involved will be a true pleasure.
There are two basic ways to teach English as a foreign language. One way is to do so in your home country. All over America and other English-speaking countries, there are English classes offered by the government and by various learning institutions. These classes are designed to help non-native English speakers learn English in a fast-paced, student-centered environment. Programs like this are great for EFL teachers who can't make the commitment to travel abroad.
The other option is to teach English as a foreign language in another country. This is where the majority of teachers end up, since there is a much greater demand for teachers in the students' native countries. Teaching abroad is also considered more of a challenge because of the travel required- most teachers are expected to spend at least a year at a time in the country where they are employed.
With the spread of English worldwide as an essential tool in business communication, many foreign students are ready to learn- and they're not always children. Corporations and businesses also hold English classes for their employees who must communicate overseas. If you're not afraid of travel, the field of job possibilities is nearly endless.
TEFL
The first thing you'll need to obtain to teach English as a foreign language is a TEFL certification. This gives you the qualification to teach in a classroom and covers the basic structure of English grammar. There are several ways to become TEFL-certified. Many language schools offer one-month certification courses. Colleges and universities can also provide TEFL certification.
Although it is possible to get a job teaching English as a foreign language without certification, your chances of employment are not nearly as good. As more and more people become certified, competition for the good positions is increasing. We recommend TEFL certification for anyone who is seriously interested in this career.
Finding a teaching job
Even if your eventual goal is to teach English in your home country, you may want to seriously consider teaching abroad at first. Most teachers start out with at least a year in a foreign country, and the experience gained in doing so is nearly invaluable.
While we don't necessarily recommend heading to a foreign country to find a job, you can certainly do so if you're feeling adventurous. However, there are plenty of resources online that can help you line up a position before you go. Many TEFL certification courses offer job placements for teachers who are interested in going abroad, and these can be a wonderful resource.
Whether you're in a foreign country or on home soil, teaching English as a foreign language can be a challenging field. Be prepared to work hard and devote a lot of time to your career, especially at first. In exchange for your efforts, you'll be experiencing firsthand one of the most rewarding and interesting jobs there is.
If you're considering teaching English as a foreign language, congratulations. You've chosen a career that many people don't attempt. Although it's one of the most rewarding jobs imaginable, the truth is that it can be a massive commitment. Of course, if you have a passion for it, then the work involved will be a true pleasure.
There are two basic ways to teach English as a foreign language. One way is to do so in your home country. All over America and other English-speaking countries, there are English classes offered by the government and by various learning institutions. These classes are designed to help non-native English speakers learn English in a fast-paced, student-centered environment. Programs like this are great for EFL teachers who can't make the commitment to travel abroad.
The other option is to teach English as a foreign language in another country. This is where the majority of teachers end up, since there is a much greater demand for teachers in the students' native countries. Teaching abroad is also considered more of a challenge because of the travel required- most teachers are expected to spend at least a year at a time in the country where they are employed.
With the spread of English worldwide as an essential tool in business communication, many foreign students are ready to learn- and they're not always children. Corporations and businesses also hold English classes for their employees who must communicate overseas. If you're not afraid of travel, the field of job possibilities is nearly endless.
TEFL
The first thing you'll need to obtain to teach English as a foreign language is a TEFL certification. This gives you the qualification to teach in a classroom and covers the basic structure of English grammar. There are several ways to become TEFL-certified. Many language schools offer one-month certification courses. Colleges and universities can also provide TEFL certification.
Although it is possible to get a job teaching English as a foreign language without certification, your chances of employment are not nearly as good. As more and more people become certified, competition for the good positions is increasing. We recommend TEFL certification for anyone who is seriously interested in this career.
Finding a teaching job
Even if your eventual goal is to teach English in your home country, you may want to seriously consider teaching abroad at first. Most teachers start out with at least a year in a foreign country, and the experience gained in doing so is nearly invaluable.
While we don't necessarily recommend heading to a foreign country to find a job, you can certainly do so if you're feeling adventurous. However, there are plenty of resources online that can help you line up a position before you go. Many TEFL certification courses offer job placements for teachers who are interested in going abroad, and these can be a wonderful resource.
Whether you're in a foreign country or on home soil, teaching English as a foreign language can be a challenging field. Be prepared to work hard and devote a lot of time to your career, especially at first. In exchange for your efforts, you'll be experiencing firsthand one of the most rewarding and interesting jobs there is.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
