The Opium of the Masses: Teaching in Shanghai - Shanghai Expat

on Friday, June 10, 2005 - 03:48 PM AST - 17796 Reads

By Alex Research by Coco

Whether it's because you have a masochistic pendant for crowd-controlling rugrats or just want to make a quick buck, teaching English is probably the most popular profession in Shanghai for expats.

To help you in finding a job in this ever-growing field, here are some pointers:

Do your research: Google these schools, and check on Dave's ESL Cafe for good measure.
Most of the better places want someone qualified, experienced or both. In terms of qualifications a TEFL certificate (such as CELTA) is usually what they're after. The days when you could just walk into a job straight from the airport are gone.
For part-time work, pay is generally around 150 RMB per hour for someone qualified and experienced. Full-time pay is lower (generally 110-130 RMB per hour), but you usually get benefits such as health insurance and paid holidays. Personally, I prefer living dangerously and taking the part-time route -- more flexibility and more money. On the other hand, if you have a family to support, or you're not as young as you used to be, a full-time position, with the perks, may be a wiser choice.
Don't always expect a contract, especially for part-time work. A lot of teaching work is "under the table" -- that is to say, cash in hand.
Dress codes differ amongst schools. As far as I know, places like the Wall Street Institute require business casual, whilst Kai En has recently insisted its male employees wear ties. On the other hand, Web International offers a more relaxed dress code and it's possible to push the boundaries in some state schools too.
It's difficult to know how to put this -- unfortunately, a lot of schools in China only want white teachers. If you're black, then you'll face an uphill struggle, and I know of one ethnically-Indian Canadian teacher who was forced out due to his skin colour. Some ABCs and other overseas-born Chinese may suffer the same prejudice. Hell, half the time the colour of your skin is more important than your native language. Yep, teaching English here truly sucks in that regard.

So, here's the exhaustive fruits of our research. Please, don't thank us all at once. Just doing our duty ma'am.

English Training Firms

Name	Job Description	Qualifications	Web Site	Contact Info	Salary
Bell Educational Trust	Three full-time EFL teachers to teach on the following programmes from September 2004: General English courses IELTS preparation courses Business English courses Teacher development courses Young Learners courses (off-site to children in schools in the Shanghai area)	Applicants must have a first degree and internationally recognized Certificate in ELT (such as Trinity or UCLES) and experience in teaching on some programmes(read their website for more details)	link one/ link two/	Hillscross, Red Cross Lane Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB2 2QX - United Kingdom Fax: (00) (44) (0)1223 414080 Contact person: Miss Amanda Devine	Annual salaries are between 72,000 and 120,000 yuan, depending on qualifications and experience
English First	English language teaching professionals	Teachers range in experience from those who have just completed a TEFL/TESOL certificate course to those who have been teaching English as their primary or secondary career for a number of years.	www.englishfirst.com	TRC, EF English First 36-38 St Aubyns Hove, East Sussex,BN3 2TD tel: 01273 201 431 fax: 01273 746 742 email: recruitment.uk@englishfirst.com	Accommodation; insurance cover; outgoing airline tickets; and at the end of a 12-month contract teachers will be given either the price of a one-way ticket to their point of departure or the ticket itself.
Shanghai Cheery English School	1. 15 language teachers 2. Teacher for the summer vocation in Nanjing	Age: 22-60 Degree: Bachelor or above Nationality: native speaks from American, British, Canadian, and Australian Language: English Condition: teachers with teaching experience and TEFL certificate	Visit their website	Contact Person: Miss Angel, Mr George Tel: 0086 21 62722729;62722785 Fax: 0086 21 62722905 Mobile: +86 13816884137 E-mail: cheery_english@hotmail.com Address: 16 F B,993 Nanjing W.Rd.Shanghai,China	Workload: 20 class hours per week Monthly salary (RMB): 5,000-7,000 individual income tax should paid by himself / herself; Free boarding: free apartment on campus
Shanghai Learning Education center	10 or more English teachers	Nationality: America, Canada,Britain, Australia, Others Education: Bachelor's degree Contract time(years): half and one year Courses: spoken english,Children English	link one/ link two/	Contact person: Eva Yang Tel number : +86 21-63804118 Fax number : +86 21-63805985 Email : yy@l-e-c.net and cvsinwz@yahoo.com	Base Salary + Extra Teaching Pay + Travel Bonus
Shanghai Hongwen International commercial High School	1 English teacher	Age: 22-65 Degree: Bachelor or above Nationality: America, Britain, Canada, or Australia Qualification: at least one year teaching experience and TEFL certificate Personality: patient, energetic, dynamic	Visit their website	Contact: Julia Zhu Tel: +86-21-13601854849 Fax: +86-21-56023153 E-mail: xlzhu1@citiz.net	Workload: 15-20 periods per week (3-4 days, Monday through Friday) Salary (RMB): 120-150 per period(individual income tax should be paid by yourself). Accommodation: No
Shanghai Normal University high school(Songjiang)	3 language teachers	Age: 22-60; Degree: Bachelor or above Nationality: native speaks from American, British, Canadian, and Australian; Language: English Condition: two year teaching experience	Link one/ Link two/	Contact Person: Mr Xiaoming Tel: +86-0-13601867176 E-mail: mxni@shtu.edu.cn wangyisally2000@yahoo.com.cn	Workload: 20 class hours per week Monthly salary (RMB): 4,000-8,000 individual income tax should paid by himself / herself. Free boarding: free apartment on campus
U.S. Languages	4 kindergarten English teachers	Fluent in English Bachelor degree Experience working with young children.	Visit their website	Address: U.S. Languages Hermosa Beach, CA Fax: (562) 493-3815 e-mailbseifert@socal.rr.com	In addition to airfare, lodging and weekday meals, you will be paid the approximate equivalent of $600 U.S. each month.
Kai En English Language Training Center	Corporate Trainers (3) English Teachers (4) Student Counselor (1) Academic Coordinator, Corporate Training (1) Teacher Trainer (1)	See HERE	Visit their website	Jason Walker Phone: +86-21-6360-8877 e-mail: recruitment@kaien.com.cn	competitive salary assistance in finding accommodation round-trip airfare 4 weeks paid vacation
Shane English Schools China (SESC)	English Teachers	A UK/Irish/Canadian/NZ/Australian/RSA Native English Speaker A recognized EFL qualification (TEFL/TESOL /CELTA/DELTA) A university degree Outgoing, enthusiastic, friendly, positive, sociable, energetic, hard-working, patient and professional, culturally inquisitive Looking for a challenge and enjoying working with young learners	Visit their website	Address: 22nd Floor No.167 Jiangning Road Shanghai, China 200041 Fax: 86-21-6253-4077 E-mail: recruit@shane.com.cn	Confidential
Wall Street English	English teachers	Native speakers of English University level educationor above TESOL/TEFL qualification some experience of teaching ESL open-minded attitude and willingness to embrace new ideas are essential No knowledge of Chinese is required	Visit their website	General Enquiries Phone: (021) 3880-4666 Course Enquiries Phone: (021) 3880-4548 Fax: (021) 5047-0629 Email: info@wsi.com.cn	We offer an excellent salary and an interestingly varied timetable (but fixed in terms of number of teaching hours), and good chances of promotion for committed teachers who demonstrate management and leadership skills
Longre Training Center	English teachers	Native English speaker Bachelor's degree Two years experience in teaching	Visit their website	Tel: 64731145 e-mail: echo@longre.com	Confidential
YingHao Training	English teachers/Other language teachers	At least one years experience in English teaching, and to those who are already certified to work in China (eg. Working permit/Foreigners Expert Permit)	Visit their website	Miss Su Tel: 32032717 e-mail: ihchina@china-ih.com	Confidential
Web International English Training Center	1. English teachers 2. Part-time teacher for summer camp	Native speaker Experienced in ESL teaching Love kids Young and energetic	Visit their website	Tel: 86-21-64479090 e-mail: hr@webi.com.cn sandra.liu@webi.com.cn	confidential The parttimer for the summer camp: the average teaching hour for each day is 4. Hourly pay is 150RMB.
Shane English School	English teachers	Native English speakers Bachelor degree or higher teaching qualification(e.g.CELTA, TESOL)	Visit their website	Shirley Rao Tel:21-58774831 Fax:58772385 e-mail: shanepd@chinatefl.com	workload:18 classroom hours/week+preparation, any hours taught over 18 paid overtime; Monthly salary:7050Rmb basic with bonuses for experience, qualification and overtime. Travel allowance: flight paid up to 4200Rmb.
Berlitz Language School	Native English and Spanish teachers	Degree with 2-year teaching experience is essential Some teaching experience in a business context would be useful	Visit their website	e-mail: Catherine@berlitz.com.cn	confidential
Yuzhen group	English teachers	Certificate of Teacher Qualification, or majoring in education, undergraduate or above. Age: Male, 22~60; Female, 22~55 2-year or more teaching experience first consider	Visit their website	Phone: 8621-62667868 Fax: 8621-62770418	Salary from 400-900USD. The school will offer the accommodation and three meals everyday

Shanghai International Schools

Name	Job Description	Qualifications	Web Site	Contact Info	Salary
Shanghai American School	EDOL teacher assistant Curriculum Coordinator High School Office Assistant	See HERE	Visit their website	Nadia Singh, Human Resource Manager humanresources@saschina.org	Confidential
SCIS - Shanghai Community International School	Teachers	We hire single teachers willing to share housing with one other single teacher, or teaching couples We do occasionally hire candidates right out of university in some areas--music, P.E., art, computer studies, foreign language--but for self-contained classroom positions we require two years' experience in the classroom.	Visit their website	teach@scischina.org	Confidential
Shanghai Rego International School	Teachers	Native English Speaker (British prefered) Bachelor degree or above, Two years teaching experience at least	Visit their website	Principal, Hadyn Adams at info@srisrego.com Tel: (86 21) 6492 3431 Fax: (86 21) 6498 5072	Confidential
The British International School Shanghai			Visit their website	e-mail: enquires@bisshanghai.com Tel: 86-21 58127455 Fax: 86-21 58127465
CONCORDIA International school Shanghai	Overseas Expatriate Faculty	A background of successful teaching as verified by references A record of continuous professional development Participating membership in a Christian church Substantial experience in the subject or grade level in question Ability and interest in contributing to the extracurricular program Excellent writing and speaking skills in English	Visit their website	Address:Head of School Concordia International School Shanghai 999 Mingyue Road, Jinqiao, Pudong Shanghai, 201206, China E-mail: recruitment@ciss.com.cn Fax: (8621) 5899 1685	China taxes - employee responsible for only up to 15% of gross salary. Retirement plan - LCMS plan or cash payment. //Medical insurance (Currently through Tie Care) School fees at Concordia for teachers' children Housing Annual passage allowance in support of home leave Relocation allowance Medical evacuation insurance
The Shanghai Singapore School			Visit their website	Address1455, Huajing Road, Xuhui District e-mail: info@ssis.cn Tel: 86-21 64965550 Fax: (86 21) 4965072
Tiny Tots International Pre-School and Kindergarten			Visit their website	Fuxing Campus: 021 6431 3788 Shanghai Garden Campus: 021 6480 8933 e-mail: info@tinytotschina.com
Livingston American School	Teachers/administrators	Teachers/administrators must be fully credentialed and have a minimum of two years experience. Selected educators commit for a minimum of one school year	Visit their website	E-mail: sthomas408@%20yahoo.com Tel: (8621) 6291-2509 Fax: (8621) 6290-4529 (626) 576-9759	An annual round-trip flight between the U.S. and China Private, modern, fully-furnished room Full board (three meals daily during the school year) Over four weeks of holidays during the school year Competitive salary based on years of experience and areas of expertise
Yew Chung Shanghai International School (YCIS-Shanghai)	Teachers	Native English speaker. Two to six years maximum teaching experience in subject(s) being taught. B.Ed. or equivalent. Prefer university major in subject(s) being taught. Appropriate credential. Committed Christians who have a desire to help change the world	Visit their website	Human Resources Division, Yew Chung Education Foundation, 151 - 153 Waterloo Road, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong. E-mail: newteachers@ycef.com Fax: (852) 2337 0206.	Confidential
Dulwich College International School, Shanghai	Teachers	Native English Speaker (Britisher prefered) Bachelor degree or above, two years teaching experience at least	Visit their website	E-mail: info@dulwichcollege.cn Tel: 58993785 Fax: 58993751	Dulwich has its own salary scales which are above those of the maintained sector and compare favourably with those at other independent schools of similar standing.School accommodation may be available if required
Garfield American School	English teaching positions are available starting now for weekend and summer camp classes		Visit their website	contact Candice Lin at 021-3214-0186 E-mail: Candice@9ying.com	Dulwich has its own salary scales which are above those of the maintained sector and compare favourably with those at other independent schools of similar standing.School accommodation may be available if required

Shanghai state-owned Universities and Colleges

Name	Job Description	Qualifications	Web Site	Contact Info	Salary
Shanghai Normal University high school	English teachers	Age: 22-60; Degree: Bachelor or above Nationality: native speaks from American, British, Canadian, and Australian; Language: English Condition: two year teaching experience	Link one/ Link two/	Contact Person: Mr Ni Mingxiang Tel: +86-21-64324286 +86-21-64322824 Fax: +86-21-64321575 E-mail: mxni@shtu.edu.cn wangyisally2000@yahoo.com.cn	Workload: 20 class hours per week Monthly salary (RMB): 4,000-8,000 individual income tax should paid by himself / herself. Free boarding: free apartment on campus
Shanghai Industry & Commerce Foreign Languages College	English teachers	Native English speakers with nationality of Canada, Australia, America, UK; Diploma of BA level is minimun; Age: 22-55.	Visit their website	Tel: 021- 68020590 Fax: 021-68020597 E-mail: wangxy@sicfl.edu.cn	Confidential
Shanghai JingXue Education	High school native English teacher	Native English speaker. Bachelor's degree. Teaching certificate. 2 years classroom experience	Visit their website	Tel: 011-86-21-64322067 Fax: 011-86-21-52421509 E-mail: susan.chen@jingxue-edu.com	Average workload: 20 hours/week, the maximum will not exceed 25 lessons a week. Salary: 700-900 US Dollar

So, there you have it. Just remember, it's a mixed bag of hammers out there. Use your common sense and don't get tied down to a contract before you know what you're getting into. Best of luck, and please feel free to leave comments with your experience and advice. I'm considering writing a future article on horror stories whilst English teaching, so if you have any tales of woe then pass them my way, anonymous or otherwise.