Education In Taiwan (Part 4-1)

Part 4 How To Work As a Taiwanese English Teacher (analysis)

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Part 1 Problems With Public Schools: teachers

Part 2 Why Can't We All Be Home-schooled

Part 3 Experimental Schools Won't Fit Us

the main focus is easily seen

We've discussed about how to be a teacher in Taiwan(school):

1. have a bachelor degree

2. finish "Teacher Education Program(2 years)"

3. complete and pass the internship from school or schools (6 months)

4. acquire teacher certificate (applicable after internship)

5. be accepted in the interview held by schools during June to August (yearly)

#professional #lack #good-image

While not everyone wishes to work for a chartered school, here's how to be an English teacher in Taiwan:

• native English speakers (not fluency but nationality on passport)

The following are optional/preferable for those who have:

1. a British/North American accent

2. a bachelor degree (at least)

3. experience in teaching

4. certificate

Yes, there are also five points on the list but as they are shown, one can tell apart easily how different they are. This is clearly for foreigners "with specific nationalities. The meaning is... that we're racist and unprofessional in terms of teaching languages. We're not here to say that native speakers are bad nor Taiwanese teachers are good BUT any act based on race is an act of racism/discrimination. Until we recognize individuals by their ability and not personal background which they didn't earn, could we ever respect professionalism. At the end, who are the ones that suffer? Students. Who are spending the money? You, me, and us all. What's mentioned above isn't news. We all know more or less that some foreigners have privileges. However, how exactly could a Taiwanese person teach English in Taiwan?

First and the most well-known way is of course to find a cram-school and apply for a job there. Since we have some many of those secondary institutes, finding work shouldn't be too difficult. If your English isn't that proficient nor have any teaching experience, you could still start as a TA (teaching assistant). On the other hand, with adequate English skills, you should find a teaching position at ease. The schools would ask you to have a demo lesson for 10~20 minutes. Material is usually provided, such as a copy of one grammar rule in their book. While all this sounds smooth, the real problem is how much they offer.

Salary here starts at about 23K and make no mistake, one would not even make that minimum wage as a TA because the schools will not likely hire you as a full time "extra hand". Chances are that you're there for the busiest hour which would be 17:00~20:00 depending on the size of the facility. If you're a junior English teacher, your salary might rest around 28K to 33K and with experience and supreme performance, it might jump to 30K to 40K(teaching children). [Note that foreign teachers start at the minimum wage from 600/hour and 60K. If it's lower than that, it's either that the foreign teacher has no clue or there's something wrong.]

An English class for minors could really wear you out because it's like a constant emotion and energy roller coaster ride since the classes (of 8~15 children, sometimes mixed groups) are either about games or dealing with children's emotions and feelings. Besides, to make a balanced life, you'd have to teach several class. Normally, students before high school have at least 4 hours (two classes) a week. Here's an example and it doesn't include office hours. It's simply non-stop teaching hours.

This is if you're the only English teacher in the company and if you don't work for a chain, this is probably for your reference, unfortunately. By the way, you can't be sick, either.

As for English class for adults (high schoolers included), you'll have to have an impressive academic background or ironically, "and" a foreign background. You'd most likely be in charge of IELTs, TOSEL, TOFEL...etc. tests based lessons of 20~50+ students depending on the size of school. Your night schedules would be filled and if you work with children or work of any kind, the whole day/week/month/year is pretty much set. To stay competitive, you might not want to keep too much of your own time for someone who's got more available hours may take your place.

While teaching younger students may be more exhausting but they offer more hours, teaching adults may give your a better hourly wage but you lack working hours. For the former you'd have to make sure each hour is fairly paid and the latter, you'd need to organize/arrange the day.

The choice is yours, isn't it?

No. The answer to that question is a hard no and I've known enough good people with passion being wasted, thinking that there's no other choice.

Next time, Andy's work mode will be introduced.

#education