prime teachers is the official recruitment representative for the Hong Kong Education Bureau for their government run NET programme
contents NET scheme objectives:
3
Duties of Teachers (PNET & SNET)
3
Essential Criteria (PNET)
4
Essential Criteria (SNET)
5
How To Apply 6 About Hong Kong
7
Visa Information 7 Useful Links 7 Contact Details 8 FAQ 9
acronyms: HKEDB: Hong Kong Education Bureau NET: Native English-speaking Teacher PNET: Primary Native English-speaking Teacher SNET: Secondary Native English-speaking Teacher EDB: Education Bureau
NET scheme objectives:
duties of teachers appointed under the NET scheme in primary schools (PNET)
duties of teachers appointed under the NET scheme in secondary schools (SNET)
• To provide an authentic
The exact duties of the PNET will be determined by the School Principal/Supervisor according to the specific needs of the School. In general, the duties of the PNET include the following:
The exact duties of the SNET will be determined by the School Principal/Supervisor according to the specific needs of the School. In general, the duties of the SNET include the following:
•
To undertake teaching duties, developing and trying out good teaching strategies/activities related to the learning, teaching and assessment of English
•
To be responsible for classroom teaching and assessment
•
•
To provide support for the English Panel, including contributing to school-based curriculum development and professional development of fellow teachers as well as developing and preparing learning/teaching materials
To teach in accordance with the curriculum of the school to which he/she is appointed under the guidance of the School Principal
•
To provide support to the English Panel Chairperson, including assisting in the curriculum development/adaptation and preparation of teaching materials
•
To assist in conducting extra-curricular activities related to the English Language, e.g. speech, drama, debates, choral speaking and extensive reading
•
To assist in running oral activities for students after school
•
To assist in setting up an English corner in the school where students can come together to practice oral English and read English books under their guidance
•
To act as an English language resource person for other teachers in school, including assisting in school-based teacher development
environment for children to learn English • To develop children’s interest in learning English and establish the foundation for lifelong learning • To work with local teachers to develop the curricula, innovative learning and teaching methods, materials
•
and activities suited to the needs of local children.
•
• To disseminate good practices in language learning and teaching through regionbased teacher development programmes such as experience-sharing seminars/ workshops and networking activities.
•
To organise and conduct extra-curricular activities related to the English learning and teaching such as plays/skit performances, school-based English camps English language days, games, story-telling activities, songs and dances, verse speaking and extensive reading; and if applicable, to contribute to other extra-curricular activities such as IT, art & craft activities and sports To act as a language policy advisor for the principal and teachers in the School; and where applicable, to play an active role in regional teacher development programmes, including lesson demonstrations and experience-sharing with other teachers
PNETs
essential criteria for primary positions To apply for the positions you MUST meet the client’s following requirements: • •
Native English speaker or native English speaking competence Candidates must fit in to one of the following categories, category 1 being the most preferable
cat.
degree
teaching
TEFL TEFL/TESL certificate - at least 100 contact hours and a teaching practicum component
1
Bachelor’s Degree in English
Recognised teacher training qualification in primary education
2
Bachelor’s Degree (any subject)
Recognised teacher training qualification in primary education
TEFL/TESL certificate - at least 100 contact hours and a teaching practicum component
3
Bachelor’s Degree (any subject)
Recognised teacher training qualification
TEFL/TESL certificate - at least 100 contact hours and a teaching practicum component
4
Bachelor’s Degree (any subject)
5
TEFL/TESL certificate - at least 100 contact hours and a teaching practicum component Recognised teacher’s certificate obtained after at least 2 years’ full-time study or equivalent
Prime Teachers has been selected as the UK recruitment representative for the Hong Kong Education Bureau (HKEDB). We are looking for Native English-speaking Teachers (NETs) to join a popular government run scheme in Hong Kong, starting in August 2014. Successful candidates will be teaching students between the ages of 6 and 12 in aided and government primary schools in Hong Kong. The programme aims to enhance the teaching of English and increase students’ exposure to the English language. •
Prime Teachers have a team dedicated to this project, so our recruitment specialists will be on hand to assist shortlisted candidates throughout the recruitment process. If your CV is considered suitable for this position you will be sent a HKEDB application form to complete and you will have a pre-screen session with a member of our team.
•
These positions are highly sought after and shortlisted candidates will need to attend a face-to-face interview in London in February 2014.
TEFL/TESL certificate - at least 100 contact hours and a teaching practicum component N.B. Qualifications must be recognised by the HKEDB
package: •
•
• •
Salary from around HK$23,285 – HK$ 47,290 (approx. £1,863 to £3,783*) per month - dependant on qualifications (see categories) End of contract gratuity, if performance and conduct have been satisfactory (approximately 15%) Return airfare reimbursed per contract (including luggage on first appointment) Cash retention incentive provided from third year of continuous service onwards
*Based on an exchange rate HK$12.5 = £1 (subject to fluctuation)
• •
•
•
Medical insurance allowance Housing allowance for teachers whose normal residence is outside Hong Kong (HK$16,859 per month – approximately £1348*) Paid holiday as per the academic calendar (number of school days will vary, but the school year must be at least 190 days) Two year contract (renewable)
SNETs
essential criteria for secondary positions To apply for the positions you MUST meet the client’s following requirements: • • •
Native English speaker or native English speaking competence Candidates must fit in to one of the following categories (categories 1 & 2 being the most preferable) At least one year of post-graduate English teaching experience (preferably as a second or foreign language) at secondary level or above
cat.
degree
1-2
Bachelor’s Degree in English or Bachelor’s Degree in Education (Major in English or a Modern Language)
teaching Post Graduate Diploma in Education majoring in English or its equivalent
TEFL TEFL/TESL qualification at least at diploma level (for Category 2 – no TEFL/TESL needed)
3
Post Graduate Diploma Bachelor’s Degree in English, Linguistics in Education or its or a Modern Language equivalent
4
Bachelor’s Degree in any subject
Post Graduate Diploma in Education majoring in English or its equivalent
5
Bachelor’s Degree in any subject
Post Graduate Diploma in Education or its equivalent
6
Bachelor’s Degree in English, Linguistics or a Modern Language
TEFL/TESL qualification at least at diploma level
7
Bachelor’s Degree in any subject
Master’s Degree in TEFL/TESL, or equivalent
TEFL/TESL qualification preferably at diploma level
Prime Teachers has been selected as the UK recruitment representative for the Hong Kong Education Bureau (HKEDB). We are looking for Native English-speaking Teachers (NETs) to join a popular government run scheme in Hong Kong, starting in August 2014. Successful candidates will be teaching students between the ages of 12 and 18 in aided and government secondary schools in Hong Kong. The programme aims to enhance the teaching of English and increase students’ exposure to the English language. •
Prime Teachers have a team dedicated to this project, so our recruitment specialists will be on hand to assist shortlisted candidates throughout the recruitment process. If your CV is considered suitable for this position you will be sent a HKEDB application form to complete and you will have a pre-screen session with a member of our team.
•
These positions are highly sought after and shortlisted candidates will need to attend a face-to-face interview in London in February 2014.
N.B. Qualifications must be recognised by the HKEDB
package: •
• • •
Salary from around HK$24,450 – HK$56,810 (approx. £1,956 to £4,545*) per month – dependant on qualifications (see categories) End of contract gratuity, if performance and conduct have been satisfactory (approximately 15%) Return airfare reimbursed per contract (including luggage on first appointment) Cash retention incentive provided from third year of continuous service onwards
*Based on an exchange rate HK$12.5 = £1 (subject to fluctuation)
• •
•
•
Medical insurance allowance Housing allowance for teachers whose normal residence is outside Hong Kong (HK$16,859 per month – approximately £1348*) Paid holiday as per the academic calendar (number of school days will vary, but the school year must be at least 190 days) Two year contract (renewable)
application process: 1. Submit your CV to Prime Teachers for the
6. You will receive an invitation by e-mail for
position(s) that you are interested in via
an interview if you have been short-listed
www.primeteachers.com. Click here for
by the HKEDB.
PNET application submissions. Click here for SNET application submissions. 2. If your CV is considered a suitable match you will be requested to supply Prime Teachers with copies of your passport and qualifications. 3. If you are selected to complete a pre-
7. After the interview, you will normally be
this page, and if you need any
8. If you have passed the interview and a written test, your non-local qualifications will be referred to the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and qualification assessment by the EDB. 9. If your qualifications and experience are found to have met the employment requirements for the NET position, you will
a HKEDB application form which must
be put into the EDB’s central candidate
be FULLY completed and returned to
pool. Your CV will be provided for the
Prime Teachers (along with any required
schools that have entrusted EDB for NET
documents).
recruitment.
5. Prime Teachers will then submit your
you throughout the application
weeks’ time.
by a member of the Prime Teachers
4. After the session you will be supplied with
Teachers are on hand to assist process. Follow the steps on
Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ) for
session on Skype will be arranged.
The Recruitment Team at Prime
notified of the result by email in around 4
screen interview you will be contacted Recruitment Team and a ‘pre-screen’
how to apply
10. Schools in Hong Kong will contact you
application, CV and documents to the
directly for job interviews. Once you have
HKEDB for review.
secured a position you will fly to Hong Kong for the start of the 2014/2015 academic year!
NB: The EDB does not guarantee an appointment for an applicant and whether you will be offered an appointment is at the full discretion of the school. All expenses incurred for attending interview(s) at the EDB/school(s) will be borne by the applicant.
guidance refer to our FAQ or contact us on +44 1904 567673 or info@primeteachers.com
about Hong Kong
Population: 7 million | Time Zone: UTC+8 | Currency: Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
teaching in Hong Kong University degrees, especially from the US and UK, are lauded in Hong Kong, and teaching is a respected profession. Education is competitive, and many children
attend before- and after-school tutoring sessions, which can provide excellent opportunities for teachers to earn extra income.
life in Hong Kong Hong Kong is more closely tied to its days as a British colony than to mainland China, especially when dealing with companies. Locals are punctual and professional in attire and behaviour. Hong Kong welcomes foreigners; indeed it is one of the world’s most international cities, and is also one of the world’s safest. Hong Kong is one of the top three most expensive places for housing in the world. Expect your flat to be tiny but well-designed, and domestic help is cheap and plentiful. Public transport is cheap and clean, and taxis
are affordable. Shopping can be done in cheap market stalls or glamorous malls, and many shops are more than happy to haggle if you’re looking for a bargain. Foreign items in supermarkets are notoriously expensive and it is usually far more economical to eat out than to cook a meal at home. China provides much of the fresh food, though rumours of farming practices and additives mean most expats avoid “going local”. Overall, the quality of life is ideal for those craving city lights and weekend hikes.
travel Ferries are plentiful and crucial to the daily lives of those in Hong Kong, especially to reach the outlying islands. An extensive bus and underground network makes travel around the Hong Kong region fast and inexpensive.
Hong Kong is an excellent start point for a variety of destinations, from a weekend in Macau or Taipei to a longer stay in Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, or Singapore. Australia and Indonesia are further afield.
Hong Kong is one of the few places on the planet where modern and ancient traditions coexist peacefully. The energy of Hong Kong is unlike any other city in the world. The cacophony of chatter, traffic, and construction, neon lights, noisy bars blaring Western music, steam rising from the concrete, the smells of street food and the sea – this is Hong Kong. But beyond the chaotic hum of life in the city are lush green hills, perfect hidden beaches, and charming coastal villages, all just a ferry ride away. Quiet oases are tucked away throughout Hong Kong, from hidden temples to luxurious spas to sleek wine bars. Together with excellent sporting facilities, an exciting restaurant scene and world-class nightlife, Hong Kong offers an excellent lifestyle on the edges of the West and East.
visa information Visas for Hong Kong Hong Kong Immigration Department
useful links Hong Kong Non Residents Government Portal Daily English newspaper Hong Kong restaurants Rough Guide Lonely Planet Time Out
Ruth Marshall Recruitment Manager ruth@primeteachers.com
apply now! get in touch with us today by calling +44 1904 567673 Alternatively you can email
Georgina Tognola
info@primeteachers.com
Recruitment Coordinator info@primeteachers.com
contact details Prime Teachers is a trading name of Prime Education Consultancy Ltd. A company registered in the UK with registered number: 6625432
Prime Teachers York Science Park, Heslington, York, YO10 5NP, United Kingdom Tel: +44 1904 567673 Email: info@primeteachers.com www.primeteachers.com
if you are unsure about any aspect of the NET programme, take a look through the following pages
faq answers are provided by the HKEDB.
Can I still apply for the NET post if I have not yet completed my Bachelor’s degree/ teacher’s certificate/ Teaching of English as a Foreign or Second Language (TEFL/TESL) course? You may still apply for the NET post if you are still studying for the required qualifications of the NET post. In any case, you have to meet all the requirements for appointment as a NET under the respective NET Schemes before appointment to a school.
Who will be my employer if I am employed as a NET? The aided primary/secondary school that you are matched with will be your employer. You will sign a contract with the respective school. Different schools will vary in different aspects such as the background of the students, school culture, etc. You are advised to consult the school principal about all these before signing a contract. If you were matched with a government primary/secondary school, EDB will be your employer.
What will be my working hours? NETs are required to work during school hours, after school hours and sometimes on weekends to perform specified duties within or outside schools.
How many days of school holidays are there in a school year? The schools are given more flexibility over the number and distribution of school days and school holidays to suit the specific needs of the students and the circumstances of the school. In any event, the total number of school days in a school year (for whole day
school) should not be less than 190 days. The major school holidays include Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year, Easter and summer vacation. However, it is not unusual for teachers to be required to perform duties during school holidays.
How is my salary assessed? Salary increments may be awarded for recognised relevant post-degree teaching experience on production of relevant Certificates/Statements of Service. Without supporting documents, your salary will not be revised. 1. If you were recruited by EDB, the NET Administration Team would assess your initial salary. On the other hand, if you were directly recruited by school, your employing school would have the responsibility to assess your salary which is paid under the Salaries Grant in accordance with the stipulations in the Codes of Aid and Guide to Salary Assessment. 2. EDB would verify the salary assessment made by schools as soon as possible. However, due to the huge number of salary assessment cases received in particular in the commencement of each school year, it may take quite some time to complete the verification. If you have further teaching experience which has not been previously assessed after the initial salary assessment, please submit it with additional documentary evidence to your school for re-assessing / adjusting your salary. Without supporting documents, your salary will not be re-assessed and revised. 3. Each certified true copy of the official Certificate/ Statement of Service must include the following: • your full name (as shown in your birth certificate/ marriage certificate/ passport)
• length of employment*, with exact dates • (i.e. from dd/mm/yy to dd/mm/yy); nature of employment (i.e. whether full-time or part-time) • for part-time employment, fraction of fulltime experience is needed (e.g. 0.3 full time equivalent) • nature of school (i.e. whether day school or evening school) • subject(s) taught • age and levels/grades of students taught 4. Please consult your school principal for details of your salary particulars. You may also refer to the Code of Aid and Guide to Salary Assessment which is available at www.edb.gov.hk -> Teachers’ Development -> Employment Related Information -> Salary Assessment in Aided Schools.
Is the NET entitled to salary increments? For a NET who is remunerated on the Master Pay Scale, subject to his/her performance, he/she will, on completion of one year’s service, move to the next higher pay point on the appropriate Master Pay Scale and progress along the Master Pay Scale in subsequent years. [An APSM will not be permitted to proceed beyond a salary bar at Master Pay Scale Point 20 (or Point 22 if he/she was appointed before 1 October 2010) unless he/she has obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Education or an equivalent qualification.] Increments of salary are not automatic. A NET may be granted an increment only if his performance at work (including conduct, diligence and efficiency) has been satisfactory during the preceding year. Increments will not be granted or their payment will be stopped or deferred if the Principal/Supervisor of the School is not satisfied with the performance of the NET.
*Continuous employment of less than 3 months would not be considered.
Is the NET required to apply for teacher registration? Section 42 of the Education Ordinance stipulates that any person who teaches in a school in Hong Kong has to be either a registered teacher (RT) or a permitted teacher (PT). The NET and his/her school should submit an application for teacher registration as soon as the letter of appointment has been signed and prior to the NET’s assumption of duty. For details on procedures of teacher registration, please visit the Education Bureau’s website at www.edb.gov.hk -> Teachers’ Development -> Training & Qualifications -> Teacher Registration or contact the Teacher Registration Team on +852 2520 0325 or +852 2520 0270.
The NET who is a foreign national being approved by the Director of Immigration to stay in Hong Kong for employment purposes should also obtain prior approval from the Director of Immigration before taking up parttime jobs.
Can my spouse work in Hong Kong? For enquiries relating to the dependant policy, please contact the Immigration Department via its website www.immd.gov.hk.
How much tax do I have to pay? For details of Hong Kong Taxation, please refer to the Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department’s website www. ird.gov.hk/.
Is the NET required to undergo a medical
Will the NET be required to make contributions to
examination before assuming duty?
the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) Scheme?
All NETs should, before appointment, undergo a medical examination including a chest X-ray by a registered medical practitioner. Any cost of the medical examination shall be borne by the NET. Serving registered NETs on transfer from one aided school to another without break of service are exempt from this requirement.
The school will arrange to make contributions for the NET to a registered mandatory provident scheme (MPF scheme) in accordance with the provisions of the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Ordinance (Cap. 485) (MPFSO), unless one of the exemptions specified in the MPFSO is applicable to the NET.
Is the NET allowed to take up outside work? The NET must not undertake paid outside work outside normal working hours or any paid or unpaid outside work during normal working hours except with the prior written approval of the School Supervisor, who must be satisfied that such duties contribute to the public good and are not such as to interfere with the efficient performance of the teacher’s normal duties. Records of such approval should be kept by the school. Approval, if given, may be withdrawn at any time if the work is found to be interfering with the NET’s duties and, in any case, shall be subject to half-yearly review.
respective EDB Circulars on “NET/Enhanced NET Scheme in Primary/Secondary Schools - Payment of Fringe Benefits”.
What is Special Allowance? The Special Allowance (SA) aims to assist NETs in meeting cost of living (mainly accommodation cost) in Hong Kong provided that they have produced acceptable proof that their normal place of residence is outside Hong Kong. The Special Allowance rate is currently at HK$16,859 (approx. US$2,161*) per month.
Will the NET be entitled to passage allowance? The NET who is employed under the Native-speaking English Teacher (NET) Schemes will be reimbursed the expenses on economy class air tickets from and to the NET’s country of origin for himself/herself and his/her family (defined as the spouse and unmarried accompanying children under the age of 18 of the NET) by the most direct route for each Contract. For details and application forms, please refer to respective Annex A in EDB Circular Memorandums on “NET/Enhanced NET Scheme in Primary/Secondary Schools - Letter of Appointment”
How can a NET be entitled to the fringe benefits
Will the NET be entitled to baggage allowance?
under the NET Schemes?
The NET who is employed under the Native-speaking English Teacher (NET) Schemes will be reimbursed for his/ her traveling baggage expenses when:
NETs are entitled to passages, baggage allowance, special allowance and medical allowance provided under the NET Schemes only if their normal place of residence is outside Hong Kong. For a NET to establish that his/her normal place of residence is outside Hong Kong, he/she should satisfy the following criteria: 1. possessing permanent resident status in a country/ place outside Hong Kong; and 2. (his/her social ties being outside Hong Kong. For details and the relevant forms, please refer to
(a) he/she travels to Hong Kong on appointment for his/her first Contract. No baggage allowance will be provided for subsequent Contracts; and (b) when he/she leaves Hong Kong after finishing a Contract and will not be in another employment with schools falling under the Scheme’s purview (i.e. government schools or aided schools) in the current/ coming school year. *Based on exchange rate HK$7.8 = US$1 (subject to fluctuation).
Will the NET be entitled to medical allowance?
Will the NET be paid contract gratuity upon
What is the special leave with pay?
Medical allowance is provided on a reimbursement basis for the NET to take out medical insurance within the Contract period. The present maximum rate of allowance is HK$1,400 per year for a single appointee and HK$5,400 per year for a married appointee accompanied by spouse and/or children on condition that the spouse and/or children are included in the insurance policy which should have to cover Hong Kong area and exclude any travel plans/travel insurances. The payment will be made on a yearly basis upon application by the NET. If the coverage period of the insurance begins before and/or extends beyond the NET’s Contract period, reimbursement of the medical insurance premium will be made on a pro-rata basis, subject to the maximum rate specified above.
satisfactory completion of the contract?
Subject to the recommendation of the SMC/IMC and the rules governing such leave in the relevant Code of Aid for Primary/Secondary/Special Schools, special leave with pay for a maximum of 2 days per school year may be granted for the NET to attend to urgent private affairs of grave importance.
What is the retention incentive? The retention incentive (RI) aims to provide additional incentive for serving NETs to continue their service in Hong Kong. Eligible NETs may apply for the RI through their schools (i.e. employers). The eligibility of a NET for the RI is subject to the school management’s satisfaction with the performance of the NET, as reflected in the annual performance appraisal, and the willingness of the school to retain his or her service throughout the remaining contract period. On successful application for the RI, a NET will be paid at the rate as follows: NET serving in the third or fourth 5% of the NET’s year of continuous service current base salary NET serving in the fifth year of continuous service onwards
10% of the NET’s current base salary
Upon satisfactory completion of the full period of appointment required by the Letter of Appointment, or if the NET’s service is terminated by the School for reasons other than unsatisfactory performance or conduct of the NET, the NET will be paid a gratuity for the period of service completed, including school holidays taken within the period of service. Specifically, the gratuity will be granted only if the School is satisfied with the NET’s performance and conduct during the period of service. Amount of Gratuity payable to the NET = Amount of Contract Gratuity entitled (15% of total basic salary received) – Amount of employer’s contribution to the MPF Scheme for the NET
How many days of sick leave is the NET entitled to? Subject to the submission of an acceptable medical certificate issued by a registered medical practitioner, a NET may be granted up to 28 days paid sick leave in his/her first year of service in aided schools. On completion of each succeeding year of service in aided schools, a further 48 days will be granted. Paid sick leave can be accumulated up to a maximum of 168 days. With effect from 1 September 2006, a NET with a break of service of more than one year will forfeit his/her sick leave. Grant of paid sick leave and special tuberculosis leave shall be in accordance with the rules governing such leave in the relevant Code of Aid for Primary/Secondary/Special Schools.
What is the terminal leave? The NET shall be granted the terminal leave in the school summer vacation at the end of the contract and each renewed contract (if any). The commencement date of the terminal leave is to be determined by the schools in consultation with their NETs. For enquiries, please contact the Senior School Development Officer of the respective Regional Education Office.
we look forward to hearing from you!