[God.]

I've been teaching in Hong Kong for several years now (after being a teacher for some time in the UK) and I'm currently in a bit of a slump.

I've got no desire to stay where I am.

The school has seen a drop in numbers due to a new school in opening in the area and now we are accepting everyone despite their English levels, behaviour or Special Needs (I know this makes me sound like a ol' witch, but really you need to see these kids).

As a result, our results are slipping and the behaviour is getting worse and worse (and this is causing more parents to leave as they are (a) seeing teachers spending most of their time with several troublesome kids and (b) don't want there little angel getting whacked about at lunchtimes). I can't blame them.

Our 'brilliant' principal and deputy principle have blamed the teachers for this 'shift in direction' and I've just about had enough (well, to be honest, we all have). I'm thinking, should I leave at Christmas, after only working for one term, or do I wait six months till the end of the year?
Phew, that felt better ...

[redwriter]

It sounds like you are not cut out to be a teacher, so drop it at Christmas, for your own sake, and the well being of good children. You will only make life worse for the kids if you stay. If I were the principle, I would ask you to leave at Christmas, so a replacement can be found, turn in your resignation now.

[KnowItAll]

redwriter : and what brilliant deductive skills would cause you to form such a harsh opinion??

God : Start looking ASAP .. there are openings all the time, assuming you're qualified.

[jayinhongkong]

Alternatively, take it in stride and realize you have an opportunity to help the kids who need you most. I'm guessing you're teaching at secondary level. How about finding a way to identify the troublemakers and embarassing them into behaving? i've done it with success in the past. Then again, it's easier with primary school kids.

[God.]

I'm in Primary but love the 'it's easier with Primary' quote. That put a smile on my face.

I wish I was in Secondary, my mates love it. I'm currently working 7-7, 5 days a week and am not enjoying having to spend a lot of my time with violent kids (most of them aren't from HK). Don't get me wrong, I love teaching but recently I'm doing that less and less and I'm becoming more of a social worker for 7 year old kids (and their 'my daughter is a lovely child' parents!).

I think I'll go at Christmas as I am qualified, with experience and I speak Mandarin, but if not then going back to the UK is still on the cards.

Thanks for the help though.

[HKChigger]

Good luck gettting the kids to actually do work in class let alone homework at the secondary level. Be prepared for talk back too.

I don't think it makes much difference. Trouble at Primary School and Secondary is the same, just different issues.

My suggestion: Just find another job at a school that has a rep for being good and don't worry about the ages, just look for a good band 1 school if you want less trouble.

Easier said than done but I wish you luck.

[redwriter]

Reply to KIA and God:

A little harsh in my comments, but teaching is serious undertaking. A teacher affects the lives of all students, and no one is perfect. We all remember the good teachers, and they are few. I am a teacher, retired, but working in HK, and even now I have difficulty with some students. I teach primary and a few Form 1-2 levels. Each student is unique. Some are wonderful, and a few I wish would go away. But I try very hard to be remain calm and treat each the same. However, I also know that once the pleasure of teaching ends, the best thing for a teacher is to move on. The kids can't, but the teacher can leave. There is always a school looking for a teacher, so keep trying. On the other hand, if you are not a professional teacher, why do it? TEFL teachers are unqualified in HK. This is a high level teaching environment, and most of all, education in HK is a Business. So, my other advice, take the money, and don't complain.

[KnowItAll]

While I understand the altruism in the teaching community ... there are often times when mismanagement and retasking people who are not equipped to deal with the new challenges might cause frustrations.

If you were a science teacher ... now asked to teach art .. I'm sure you'd find it a bit frustrating and challenging right?

[redwriter]

KIA, teaching is a people business. A teacher gets pressure from all directions. The school administration has their own rules and goals, the parents have theirs, and children as well have special needs. What do you do when a "parent" wants to sit in the class, grade papers for you, and then tell you which lessons is best for their child? What do you do when two kids fight all the time, and the parents ignore your advice. Or, the principal is also over burdened, and refuses to listen you your ideas or complaints? And this goes on every school day.

You have kids, KIA? Are they perfect monsters or angels?

Remember, a teacher spends more time with your kids than any other person in their early life.

A teacher is the real "mother or father" to your kids.

[jayinhongkong]

I currently teach primary in one of the poorer areas of HK, and I guess I'm blessed. I have no problem keeping the kids in check. I'm actually really enjoying the experience. I've been teaching at private institutions for about four years, and I've worked as a teaching assistant at college level in the highest crime area of NYC. Never really had a problem. *knocks on wood*

I have taught some stubborn teens and adults who have made me nervous about my physical safety (and I'm 6'1 220 lbs), but I guess I've just been lucky. Never really had an issue as far as teaching goes.