ABOUT LIFE AT ASP AND IN PARIS
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About Life at ASP and in Paris leadership. And we are so certain that none of this is possible without remarkable personal connections between students, teachers, staff, administrators and parents. The ASP talisman is the quality of relationships across the school. ASP is one of the most respected in Europe; we are the oldest international school in the region and are one of the charter schools to offer the International Baccalaureate. You’ll be joining an outstanding faculty, many of whom have worked at ASP for a number of years, having found much to capture their professional and personal interests. The quality of life in Paris holds depth, intellectual challenge and a feast of the arts and cuisine. The best news of all is that our students motivate teaching performance to the highest level. We find our students to be worldly, engaging, quick with a smile and fully aware of their role in making our school a special place. At ASP, you are fully able to focus on your craft and chosen profession. You’ll also join a school where you will make life-‐long friends and become an even better teacher. If you’ve been attending a hiring conference, then your adrenalin level is way too high. Representatives of schools around the world have asked you many questions. By now you’ve discovered that school organizations, job descriptions, salary and benefit packages and the geography are as different as the languages spoken around the globe. How best to make sense of it all? All of us recruiting for ASP suggest you step back from the relative madness of the hiring fair and find a quiet place to make a “pro” and “con” list. You have a most important decision to make. Experience tells us that it all boils down to finding the place where you can truly make a difference for and with others. We hope your decision will be to join our ASP school and community. In our effort to present you with straightforward information within this brochure, we are trying to let you know that this is the way we will always deal with you– openly and honestly. Again Voltaire’s thinking is instructive– and regardless of his doubts about democracy, “We have the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well.” You too have decisions to make. Life at the American School of Paris is good, overflowing with goodness and quality of life. We think you’ll collect many stories that will keep you company for the rest of your days. To keep you on your toes and as certain as each new morning, we’ll also offer a bit of the unexpected! All Good Wishes and On Behalf of Our ASP Community, Mark E. Ulfers, Head of School mulfers@asparis.fr
Dear Prospective ASP Faculty Member, Making the decision to live and teach overseas is a commitment to live the “unexpected.” To be sure, there are many positives and a few negatives wherever you choose to work your professional magic. Another truth is that about November the novelty of your new home wears off, a few realities of the weather, size of the school, teaching assignment, workload, affiliation with new colleagues, the subtleties of culture or making sense of the French home-‐country language seem to loom large– at least for awhile. All of us at the American School of Paris want you to take the needed time to make the best personal and professional decision, based on employment offers you receive. We’ll never hurry you to make a decision about working with us. We also want to be the school of no surprises, hence our complete and uncompromising availability toward ensuring your questions are being answered as you consider us for your new professional home. Simply stated, the American School of Paris resides within a beautiful city, made all the more remarkable by a sophisticated culture across politics and the arts– the home of democracy with all contrasts and contradictions, from Voltaire, to Rousseau to the observations of Tocqueville. Considering our mandate to promote inquiry learning across curricula, how pleasing that it is Voltaire who said, “Judge a man (or woman) by his questions rather than by his answers.” We are a mission-‐driven school. We seek to hire teachers that are energized by all notions of continuous improvement and who bring skills and enthusiasm to enliven our tenets of helping each young person achieve personal and academic excellence. We are taking the clarion call of 21st century learning seriously, setting into place a curriculum– what our students know, do and demonstrate– that pushes habits of the mind, but equally values the skills of collaboration, wellness and
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About Life at ASP and in Paris TABLE OF CONTENTS
ASP in brief........................................................................................................ page 4 Our Mission Statement................................................................................... page 4 Our Beliefs..................................................................................................... page 4 The ASP community...................................................................................... page 5 Before arriving Long term visa ............................................................................................. page 6 Shipping of personal and household goods and pets.................................... page 6 Shipping your car from the U.S.................................................................... page 7 About life in Paris Arrival in Paris............................................................................................... page 8 Public transportation……………………………………………………..
page 8
Taxis………………………………………………………………………. Page 8 Housing........................................................................................................ page 9 Banking…………………………………………………………………….. page 9-10 Automobile and driving information............................................................ page 10 Sports in Paris................................................................................................ page 10-11 Books about life in France............................................................................. page 12 List of approximate prices............................................................................ page 13 Holidays, French and American.................................................................... page 14 Residency card..................................................................................................... page 15 Income tax: French and American..................................................................... page 16 Health and medical............................................................................................. page 16 Retirement........................................................................................................... page 16 Salaries and benefits for new teachers to ASP................................................ page 17-18 ASP faculty salary grid....................................................................................
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page 19
About Life at ASP and in Paris
ASP in brief The American School of Paris is a coeducational, independent school of more than 800 international students in Kindergarten through Grade 12.
Our Beliefs We Believe That: • •
ASP was the first international school established in Europe and remains the only American School in France. Founded in 1946 to school the children of those who arrived in Paris in the pioneering aftermath of the Second World War, ASP has remained true to its founding mission and continues today to provide a high quality education delivered in English to the children of diplomatic and corporate families.
• •
•
•
In addition, today International Education is fast becoming the first choice for many families who recognize inter-cultural understanding as the key to a successful future in a world in which national identities become at once more diluted and increasingly entrenche.
• • • •
Today's 4-hectare campus is a wonderful place with fine educational facilities including bright, light classrooms, a worldclass Performing Arts Center, two full-size gymnasiums and training center, two newly refurbished libraries, a media lab and modern cafeterias with organic choices.
•
•
• Our Mission Statement “The American School of Paris is a highly diverse, vibrant and family-oriented community. Our mission is to inspire every student to achieve personal and academic excellence as engaged, global citizens by ensuring a challenging, student-centered program within a compassionate and cutting-edge environment.” 4
Every person has equal worth. Honesty and integrity are central to all we do. Individuals are responsible for their choices and actions. We best meet the needs of learners when we understand them as individuals. Through hard work and determination individuals can achieve their potential. Every member of a community has the responsibility to contribute to the greater good. Seeking to understand diverse cultures, ideas and practices that enrich a community. A culture of high expectations and striving for excellence leads to higher achievement. Learning is a continuous lifelong endeavor. Great schools nurture passion, curiosity, creativity, self-expression and joy. Going beyond the familiar and taking risks stimulate growth, innovation and selfdiscovery. In a rapidly changing world, achieving excellence demands commitment to continuous improvement. Everyone shares responsibility for our global community and environment.
About Life at ASP and in Paris The ASP community 45% of our student population is American, and our students come from nearly 60 countries with 8% from France. About 80% of our students are the children of diplomatic or corporate families. ASP is accredited by the Middle Schools Association and the Council of International Schools. We are members of the National Association of Independent Schools, the European Council of International Schools, the Mediterranean Association of International Schools and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. The school is registered as an Association Loi 1901(not-for-profit) organization in France. It is governed by a board of trustees, made up of members of the school community and the Head of School.
Take the Virtual Tour: www.asparis.org/tour
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About Life at ASP and in Paris BEFORE ARRIVING Long term visa
should consider at least a partial shipment. You will find the cost of supplying pots and pans, ironing board, dishes, towels and linen, silverware, cooking utensils, tools and all the small incidental items mounts up rapidly. When estimating the worth of shipping, consider also these may be things you will want to ship home again; so the cost will be double the original estimate you receive. If your things are used, you may sell them here, which can be helpful in saving repatriation costs. You may be able to purchase some used items here from outgoing teachers and parents, but normally one finds used items at the end of the year.
U.S. citizens planning to enter and visit France as tourists are not required to have a visa or a residency card, and are permitted to remain in the country a maximum of 3 months (90 days). U.S. citizens who intend to stay in France for more than 3 months (90 days), to study, to work or to reside, should have the appropriate long-stay visa in their passport on arrival in France in order to be able to apply for a residency card. For new employees from the U.S., the school will assist in the visa application process.
If you rent a “furnished� apartment, it can mean different things. One apartment might come with everything you could possibly imagine – all the way down to champagne glasses and an ice bucket, while another will have only basic necessities, such as two sets of dishware/silverware, one set of towels, one set of sheets, etc.
The visa process is slow and can be extremely frustrating. ASP has a specialized immigration lawyer working directly with us, and he has proven very effective in the past. This does not mean, however, that the process is speedy. French bureaucracy is efficient but it is also true to its name: bureaucratic. Often the personnel in the consulates are overworked and do not seem overly friendly, and they tend to stick to very established routines. It is just something you have to learn to live with.
The typical furnished apartment tends to be somewhere in between. An unfurnished apartment will have nothing at all: no kitchen appliances and no counters or cabinets in either kitchen or baths. It is best to ship only those things that you truly would rather not live without.
Shipping of personal and household goods, pets and cars
Pets ASP provides a relocation allowance for teachers being hired from another country. This allowance may include the shipping of personal items. We offer the following suggestions from people who have recently gone through this process to help new teachers decide what to bring, what to purchase here, and what to leave behind. Generally, teachers do not ship furniture, but, especially if you are a family, you
If you are bringing a pet into France, the best way is to bring it with you on your flight. Entry of dogs and cats into France is subject to sanitary inspection by the veterinary inspector at the French customs bureau of entry and an official certificate, dated within ten days of entry, from a veterinarian is required. 6
About Life at ASP and in Paris Shipping your car from the US
can get it transported to France for a reasonable price, consider bringing it.
Don't bring an American car! Here are a few of the reasons: the import duties on a recent American car in good condition would make it unaffordable. If you bring it in with your shipment, however, the import taxes are usually waived but this must be well planned in advance and the car must be officially imported, a complicated and timeconsuming process, within a year after your arrival in France. There are limited service facilities, spare parts or repair tools for American cars. At this time, gas costs 1.45 Euros for a gallon of super!
If you have a European car that has been constructed for American standards, do not consider bringing it as it will not conform to European standards. Be aware that the importing procedures are complicated and seem to be different for everyone who goes through the process!! The cheapest way to ship a car is from dock to dock. The cost of shipping a car mounts up considerably when it is shipped on land. Cars are expensive to purchase in France, so weigh the decision accordingly. There are often used cars available within the ASP community.
If you own a standard European car in good condition, have owned it for at least six months, are not a resident of France and you Paris – metro map
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About Life at ASP and in Paris ABOUT LIFE IN FRANCE Arrival in Paris
Public Transportation in Paris and suburbs
The new teachers arrive in Paris around mid-August. The school makes the hotel arrangements and provides 10 days’ stay upon arrival. The new teachers are all housed together at a hotel in the center of Paris near Notre Dame.
The public transportation system in Paris is excellent, economical, efficient, well maintained and safe. More than five million people use it daily. As in any large city, however, women alone should be careful late in the evenings; sitting in the first car behind the driver is also recommended. Petty crime is quite common on the metro, especially in tourist areas, and riders should avoid looking like tourists, intently studying maps or carrying a thick wallet in the back pocket of trousers. Metro: Paris has one of the best underground transportation systems in the world. The metro has 13 lines and it is rare to be more than a five-minute walk from a metro (see map on page 7). www.ratp.fr
Upon their arrival, the new teachers are directed to their hotel and ASP will get them started on the basics, such as the relocation agency, transportation, the first day to school, etc.
RER underground express trains go to the suburbs. Stations and routes are specified on metro maps, drawn with thicker, different coloured lines. The RER is faster and quieter than the metro and makes fewer stops. www.ratp.fr and www.voyages-sncf.com
August is the month when most Parisians take their summer vacations, so it is a very slow month. Housing is difficult to find during this time, but things tend to start picking up after the weekend of the August 15th holiday. ASP has contracted the services of a relocation agent to help new teachers become familiarized with the ins and outs of each neighborhood, to show them apartments, to help them through the process of signing a lease and opening a bank account. The relocation agency will also provide additional information should you wish to continue or expand the search on your own.
Bus: With some 2,000 city buses, the bus system is efficient although slower than the metro. Some bus shelters have printed information in English, especially those in tourist areas. www.ratp.fr Taxis: Taxis are plentiful, except in rush hours, late at night or in rainy weather... There are numerous taxi stands; you should always take the first one in line. The charge is marked on a meter and increases after 8 p.m. There is an additional charge if the driver handles your luggage or if you take the taxi at a railway station. The usual tip is 10 to 15% Do not get into a car without a meter.
One of the first stops at ASP is the Human Resources Office, where the new teachers receive complete information relating to their job and getting themselves settled. 8
About Life at ASP and in Paris Housing Finding suitable housing in Paris can take a considerable amount of time and may be a frustrating experience as many Parisians will be on holiday and therefore not available for viewing appointments. ASP has contracted the services of a relocation agency to assist new teachers in finding an apartment and reviewing the rental agreement.
ü 3rd + 4th – the “Marais”. A funky area that is also home to the Chinese/Gay/Jewish community. (Because of the Jewish Quarter, it is one of the few areas open on Sunday). Longer, non-direct commute. Mid-range rents. Part of the center, north of the Seine. ü 12th – good rents and decent parks. Shopping and nightlife. Longer, nondirect commute. By the Bastille, east/southwest of the center. ü 5th + 6th – the “Latin Quarter”. A more touristy area, but therefore has many restaurants, theaters and shopping as well. Higher rents. Decent commute, if in the north of the area. By the Sorbonne and Notre Dame, part of the center, south of the Seine. ü 7th – A more touristy area, due to the Eiffel Tower. Many expatriates live in the area, therefore English is used more. Higher rents. Decent commute. Part of the center, south of the Seine. Furnished apartments are the easiest to find and rent. Unfurnished ones have more legal red tape, longer commitments, and are completely unfurnished – there may not even be light fixtures!
It is advised that you do a little reading before arrival, so that you can get an overview of the different areas of Paris and the suburbs and have some focus for the apartment hunt. Some who move here believe that if you move to Paris, you should live in Paris. An apartment within the city limits offers more than one could do in a lifetime, with many restaurants, theatres, clubs, music venues, and shopping areas within an arm’s reach. Others find the suburbs more to their liking due to cheaper rents, a somewhat quieter lifestyle, and a better commute. Apartments in Paris are expensive. Rents generally start at €950 per month for a studio, and it can go up or down depending on where you live within the city. The range is about €1,100-€1,300 for an apartment with one bedroom. Paris has 20 arrondissements. Some of the most popular among the staff are:
Banking Although the relocation agency assists new teachers in setting up banking services, it is good to know some things in advance.
ü 15th - good location in regards to school and the commute. Reasonable rents. Southwest of the center. ü 16th - good location in regards to school and the commute. Higher rents. West of the center. Borders large park. No nightlife. ü 18th – somewhat longer commute. Reasonable rents to higher rents. Excellent nightlife. By Sacre Coeur/Montmartre, north/northwest of the center. Close to St. Lazare – a major train station.
You can have money transferred to your Paris bank account quickly if the issuing bank is directly affiliated with the receiving bank account so that money does not have to go through intermediaries. You should have enough cash/traveler’s checks/money on a debit card/credit card purchasing power to get yourself started. Even though you will set up an account right away, it may take time to get a
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About Life at ASP and in Paris
checkbook and debit card. If you have a U.S. account debit/instant cash card, you can easily withdraw money from ATMs. There is a fee, so it should be done judiciously.
Children must sit in the back if under twelve years of age. The car to the RIGHT HAS PRIORITY if there is no traffic signal or other marking. LOOK RIGHT should be remembered at all times.
Although you will get a Euros checking account, you may want to bring U.S. account checks, in case you ever need to pay for something in dollars, such as student loans, registration fees, or any other regular payment.
You are required by law to carry a warning triangle & security jacket which you must display / wear if your car breaks down or is in an accident along a highway.
By all means it is better to keep an account in the US open. If you are used to banking by Internet, comparison of local bank fees in France should be done carefully, as some offer this for free and others charge a fee.
Parking Parking in Paris is a big problem. Laws are strict and fines are heavy. If you park illegally, your car may be "booted" or towed away. Under no circumstances should you park on the streets in Paris that are designated "axe rouge”! On streets where parking is allowed, you must display a piece of paper indicating that you have paid (distributors are located on every street) or you can apply for a parking permit.
Automobile and Driving Information U.S. driver’s Licence If you are holder of a French residency card you may drive in France with a valid U.S. driver’s licence for a one-year recognition period. Before the end of the first year of residence, you should obtain a French driver's license, which is a permanent document that does not need to be renewed. Be sure that your U.S. driver’s license will be valid for at least one year after your departure for it can be inconvenient to renew it while you are in France.
Rental of garage space Rents are between 100 to 200 Euros / month. Sports in Paris The French, although passionate sport spectators, are not known for being extremely sportifs themselves. This is changing however, as younger people are becoming fitness conscious. Gymnasiums are opening all across Paris, jogging, roller blades and bicycling are popular, and main city streets have bicycle paths. Paris offers an extensive system of public sports facilities, including tennis courts, swimming pools, gyms and tracks, all increasingly crowded, but very reasonably priced.
You may exchange your foreign license for a French one during your first year of residence in France if the country where you obtained your license has a reciprocal exchange agreement with France (see website, www.amb-usa.fr for more details). Legally you are supposed to wear seat belts at all times in both the front and back seats. 10
About Life at ASP and in Paris
The two largest parks
Clubs
Within the Bois de Boulogne at the western edge of Paris are the race courses and Roland Garros, the tennis stadium that is home to the French Open. Here too are running tracks, a workout course, artificial lakes, rowboat and bicycle rentals, and swimming pools. The Bois de Vincennes stretches east from the 12e. Jogging paths, rowboat rentals on two lakes, baseball and football fields, and a large tennis facility are some of the park’s attractions.
Les Grands Clubs are privately run membership organizations that offer their thousands of members multi-sport opportunities at a variety of public sporting venues. They also sponsor competitive teams, as well as training lessons for young people. Gyms There are more than 100 gymnasiums throughout the city that vary in their facilities and programs.
Running Many runners head for the Bois de Boulogne or the Bois de Vincennes. In the city center, people run in the Tuileries (by the Louvre), the Champs-de-Mars (by the Eiffel Tower), in Parc Monceau, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, Parc Montsouris, in the Luxembourg Gardens and the Canal St Martin.
Tennis There are some 44 public tennis centers in Paris with more than 170 courts. Swimming pools The swimming pools in Paris are well maintained, many are quite attractive and all are reasonably priced.
Bicycling The city is encouraging bicycle riding and has created bike lanes and paths throughout Paris. There are piste cyclables (bicycle paths) within the Bois de Boulogne and the Bois de Vincennes. The wider streets in Paris have dedicated couloirs vélos (bicycle lanes), marked by wide white stripes. Riding outside the couloirs during rush hour can be extremely dangerous. Do not ride through a red light, as fines for automobiles also apply to bikes. The rental of public bicycles (vélib) is cheap, easy and well resourced throughout the city.
Golf To play golf regularly or to obtain a handicap, you must have a permit, which may be issued on a daily, trimester, or annual basis. There are two public golf clubs near to Paris with entrance at a reasonable price.
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About Life at ASP and in Paris
Books about life in France Paris Inside Out. (Applefield, David, ed.) Frank Books and the American University of Paris. A comprehensive guide for residents and students. This has everything.
Sixty Million Frenchmen Can’t be Wrong (Robson Books, ed). What makes the French so French. Guide Paris Pas Cher. (First Editions). Where to find bargain prices on anything and everything.
Paris Anglophone. (Applefield, David, ed.) Frank Books. A directory of Englishspeaking commercial, cultural, and professional activities.
WICE, Health Care Resources in Paris. All you ever wanted to know about health care and health care insurance.
Bloom Where You’re Planted. (Chambers, Jean, ed.) The Women of the American Church of Paris. A must for newcomers, complements of the Applefield books. The American Church also sponsors full/half day workshops and meeting sessions. Culture Shock: Living in the World’s Great Cities: Paris at Your Door. (Gendlin, Frances). Great resource for learning about Parisian neighborhoods. Also gives straight information on almost everything else you might need, with a sense of humor. Almost French : A new Life in Paris (Nicholas Brealey Publishing). “An entertaining tale of being a fish out of water in one of the most magical cities in the world.”
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About Life at ASP and in Paris
List of approximate prices Taxi from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris:
45-60 Euros
Taxi from Orly Airport to Paris:
30-45 Euros
Gas per litre:
1.50 Euros
Monthly Navigo metro pass Paris to ASP – (for which the school reimburses half of the cost):
82 Euros
Average monthly cost for Internet/TV/fix telephone (including long distance calls):
35 Euros
Cell phone price (with calling plan):
20 Euros a month
Movie ticket:
10-11 Euros
Informal dinner with a drink:
20-25 Euros
Cocktail:
6-8 Euros
About Life at ASP and in Paris
Holidays French and American - 2012 January 1
New Year’s Day
American/French
January 16
Martin Luther King’s Birthday
American *
February 20
President’s Day
American *
April 9
Easter Monday
French
May 1
Labor Day
French
May 8
Veteran’s Day
French
May 17
Ascension Day
French
May 28
Memorial Day
American *
May 28
Whit Monday
French
July 4
Independence Day
American *
July 14
French National Holiday (Bastille day)
French
August 15
Assumption Day
French
September 3
Labour Day
American *
October 8
Columbus Day
American *
November 1
All Saint’s Day (Toussaint)
French
November 11
Armistice Day (WW I)
American/French
November 22
Thanksgiving
American
December 25
Christmas
American/French
* Not observed at ASP
About Life at ASP and in Paris
RESIDENCY CARD The information contained in this section applies only to U.S. citizen. The citizens of the countries being member of the European Union, who plan to reside and work in France, are not required to have a residence card. General information residency cards
concerning
•
“Visitor” residency card (for spouses who reside in France but do not work and for retired persons)
Residency cards are issued to individuals 18 years of age and older. Parents of children below the age of 18 should obtain a long term visa for their children before coming to France.
The information below relating to French legal requirements is provided for general information only and may not be totally accurate in a particular case. Questions involving interpretations of specific provisions or application to a specific case should be addressed to ASP’s Human Resources office.
Americans coming to France to work are issued a 1 year visa authorizing to work. Before the expiring date of the visa, one should apply for a 1-year residency card to be renewed every year. After five years of continuous residence in France, the bearer may request a residency card valid for ten years.
The French authorities issue three main types of residence cards to foreigners, depending on their status. A U.S. citizen who wants to reside and work in France receives one of the following documents:
The 10 years card is issued for foreigners who have the intention of becoming French residents. It is renewable if the holder can prove that he/she either is exercising a profession in France or has sufficient means to support himself/herself financially without being employed in France.
•
1 year residency card authorizing to work
•
10 years residency card
The “visitor” residency card is issued for persons who remain in France, but do not work (spouses or retired persons).
About Life at ASP and in Paris
INCOME TAX: FRENCH AND AMERICAN The information contained in this section applies only to U.S. citizens. Personnel of other nationalities will need to consult the French tax authorities and tax authorities of their own countries to learn about tax treaties and other regulations that apply to their particular situations.
If you have lived overseas for a long period of time prior to obtaining a teaching job in France, this exemption, in principle, does not apply to you – except if you have previously filed in the U.S.
The following rules are concerning French income tax for U.S. citizens living in France:
U.S. citizens must file U.S. tax returns for the full period of their employment abroad. Since 1982, there has been an exclusion of the first $92,900 of income that is earned overseas. This will apply only to your salary. The $92,900 is reduced for each day spent in the U.S. during the tax year and is pro-rated.
A tax treaty exempts U.S. teachers from French income taxes on their salaries for the first two years of their residence in France, providing they have just come from the U.S. to France for the purpose of teaching.
For your U.S. income tax:
HEALTH AND MEDICAL Health care is excellent in France. There are very good French public hospitals in Paris and a private American Hospital.
Health care costs are covered through French social security and ASP’s private supplemental plan. For more information, see page 17.
RETIREMENT Any employee in France is eligible for the retirement programs, in accordance with French law. For full pension at the age of 67 you must have participated during 41 years; otherwise your benefits will only be calculated on a proportional basis.
This benefit can be requested as of 62 years of age. However, you are not obliged to retire until age 70. You can therefore continue to work beyond the minimum age to retire of 62 years and even beyond the age of 67 years. For more information about retirement schemes, see page 17.
About Life at ASP and in Paris SALARIES AND BENEFITS FOR NEW TEACHERS TO ASP
Salary
seniority will remain at full salary during the period of illness. ASP extends this advantage to employees with less than one year’s salary.
All salaries are based on the ASP faculty salary scale, and are paid in Euros in 12 equal monthly installments. Placement on the scale depends on one’s degrees and on the number of years of full-time teaching experience, with a maximum entry point of step ten for BA and step twelve for MA. The scale is revised annually.
Retirement benefits program Approximately 10% of salary goes into the mandatory French Retirement plans (Caisses de retraites Cadres – CGRCR and RESURCA). Employees are credited with points based on the contributions received by their plan administrator. Each plan sends a yearly statement to participants listing the points that have been credited during a given calendar year. At retirement the amount of points accrued is multiplied by the coefficient at the time of retirement to determine the pension from the retirement plans.
Medical insurance Eligible employees are enrolled in the school’s supplementary health insurance at no cost to the employee for the basic option. The employee can elect to enroll his family as well. This health insurance supplements the coverage provided by the French social security system. (The French Social Security reimburses an average of 60% of the medical expenses, including doctor visits, and bills for hospital, pharmaceutical, dental, and optical costs).
In addition to the mandatory French Retirement plans, you will benefit from a supplementary retirement plan. This plan is currently set as an employer contribution. At retirement the amount in your account can be withdrawn in a lump sum if it does not exceed 10,000 euros (this limit changes from year to year).
The supplemental health insurance has two options. Basic coverage for single or family is mandatory; the premiums are fully paid by the school. The employee can elect supplemental coverage, the additional cost per month is borne by the employee.
Moving expenses 1. The school will reimburse receipts for moving expenses (upon provision of actual receipts) up to : 4,000 Euros for recruits from USA 3,000 Euros for USA ex-pats coming from Europe (due to return to USA for visa) 2,000 Euros for others coming from Europe Zero Euros for others coming from within France. 2. The school will provide relocation assistance when teachers first arrive in Paris 3. The school provides maximum 10 days’ hotel upon arrival of new teachers.
Life and disability insurance Employees also receive life and disability coverage. Both the employee and the school share the cost of this. This benefit provides partial coverage in the event of disability and life insurance coverage in the event of the death of the employee during the period he is employed by ASP. The disability portion complements that provided by French social security. Sick Pay In case of illness all employees shall continue to receive their salaries during their absence. As per French law, employees with one year’s
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About Life at ASP and in Paris
Visa and working papers expenses
Thus, take-home pay is approximately 75% of the figure on the salary scale.
The school will provide a long term visa and working papers for teachers being hired overseas.
French Income tax is not deducted from the salary. It is paid directly by the employees to the State.
Additional optional benefits Coaching, club supervision, etc. If you take public transport to school, the school will reimburse 50% of the cost of your monthly pass. (If you are not a full-time employee, this percentage is reduced pro rata.) If you would like to participate in the chèques déjeuner (meal voucher) program, the school will deduct approximately 60 euros per month from your salary, but issue tickets with a value of approximately 108 euros. These are honored by most restaurants, take-out food shops and some supermarkets.
Faculty will receive a stipend for any work involving extra-curricular activities, with a maximum of 10%. Specific Franco-American tax agreement For a period of 24 months following the start of employment, US teachers are exempt from paying French income taxes. (You are still liable for the payroll deductions shown above.) Overseas Americans are always required to file US income taxes each year, but their foreign earned income is only taxable if over $92,900 for 2011. Of course, your tax obligation will vary according to your personal situation.
Other benefits: Summer Grant: Available to faculty after three years’ employment, this grant of 1500 euros is meant to cover home leave expenses tied to a professional purpose and is currently tax exempt. After the first three years, the benefit is provided every other year.
Note The information in this document reflects the current state of the laws of France and of the policies of this school as of the time of writing, however, these laws and policies are subject to change. For example, the granting of a work visa is totally under the control of the French government, as is the granting of a social security or income tax exemption under the term of the Franco-American treaty concerning teacher exchanges.
Sabbatical: Available to faculty after 5 years’ employment, sabbatical leave is a full year paid at 50% of salary. Tuition Remission: Children of full time faculty receive approximately 95% tuition remission for each of their children tax free. Salary deductions The following salary deductions are made for taxes and insurance: •
Approximately 25 % for Social Security taxes, retirement benefits, unemployment insurance, disability coverage, health insurance, accident benefits.
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About Life at ASP and in Paris ASP FACULTY SALARY GRID American School of Paris Grid Faculty 2010-‐2011 INCLUDING COL 3% Step
American School of Paris
ANNUAL €
MONTHLY €
1
38,201
3183
BA Min entry
Grid Faculty 2011-‐2012 INCLUDING COL 2%
MONTHLY €
1
37,452
3121
2
39,698
3308
2
40,492
3374
BA 30 Min entry
3
41,945
3495
3
42,783
3565
MA Min entry
4
44,191
3683
4
45,075
3756
MA 30 Min entry
5
46,437
3870
5
47,366
3947
PHD Min entry
6
48,562
4047
6
49,533
4128
7
50,686
4224
7
51,700
4308
4401
8
53,867
4489
4578
9
56,033
4669
4755
10
58,200
4850
BA Max entry
8
52,810
9
54,935
10
57,059
Step
ANNUAL €
*
**
11
59,183
4932
11
60,367
5031
BA 30 Max entry
12
61,308
5109
12
62,534
5211
MA Max entry
13
62,901
5242
13
64,159
5347
MA 30 Max entry
14
64,494
5375
14
65,784
5482
PHD Max entry
15
65,556
5463
15
66,867
5572
16
66,618
5552
16
67,951
5663
5640
17
69,034
5753
5729
18
70,118
5843
5791
19
70,876
5906
5852
20
71,634
5970
5914
21
72,393
6033
5976
22
73,151
6096
6038
23
73,910
6159
6091
24
74,560
6213
6145
25
75,210
6267
6198
26
75,860
6322
6251
27
76,510
6376
6295
28
77,051
6421
6339
29
77,593
6466
6384
30
78,135
6511
6419
31
78,568
6547
6454
32
79,002
6583
6490
33
79,435
6620
6525
34
79,868
6656
6561
35
80,302
6692
6596
36
80,735
6728
6631
37
81,168
6764
6667
38
81,602
6800
6702
39
82,035
6836
6738
40
82,468
6872
17
67,681
18
68,743
19
69,486
20
70,230
21
70,973
22
71,717
23
72,460
24
73,098
25
73,735
26
74,372
27
75,009
28
75,541
29
76,072
30
76,603
31
77,028
32
77,452
33
77,877
34
78,302
35
78,727
36
79,152
37
79,577
38
80,002
39
80,426
40
80,851
New employees with no experience remain 2 years on first step. New teachers will be placed on the salary scale step corresponding to their years of full time teaching experience up to a maximum of ten years. (e.g. a new teacher with five years of full time teaching experience will be placed on step 5. A teacher with 15 years will be placed on step 10.) NB IN ADDITION ,Credit for advanced study will begin as follows: BA+30 one additional step MA two additional steps MA +30 three additional steps PHD four additional steps POINT VALUE for extra activities above 100% is 408.29 for 2011/12 (per 35 Hour Agreement)
* **
About Life at ASP and in Paris
HR Office Elvi Keulen – Human Resources Manager American School of Paris 41 rue Pasteur – F 92210 Saint Cloud Tel. +33 1 41 12 82 64 ekeulen@asparis.fr