Teach ESL in China’s Public Schools in Suzhou (east of Venice)

“Foreign Teachers on Campus” is a government project sponsored by Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP) Education Bureau. 35 foreign teachers were involved in this project for the 2013-2014 school year. The main purpose of this project is to provide students with an authentic English learning environment, improve their English proficiency and enhance their cultural awareness and sensitivity. As one of the partners, U-learn is delegated to run the project in every matter of operation from recruitment to day-to-day support. Several full time teaching positions are wanted for G3-G5 (age 9-11) in primary school and G7-G8 (age 13-14) in middle school for the 2014-2015 school year.

Why teach in a public school?

English is a very important component of public school’s curriculum in Suzhou. However, unlike private schools and international schools where most of the classes are taught in English, students in public schools rarely have the resources and opportunities to practice English outside of regular English classes. Your commitment to the project can help the students gain access to an authentic English-speaking environment and experience a taste of western culture.

On the other hand, this project also allows you to learn more about China’s public education system. As a full time employer of the school, you will have the chance to interact with teachers and school officials and participate in workshops and teacher seminars organized by schools and SIP Education Bureau.

Why live in Suzhou:

A quick nap away from Shanghai’s soaring skyline aboard the high-speed train (the fastest takes about 25 minutes), Suzhou is situated on the lower reaches of the Yangtze River and on the shores of Taihu Lake and is a part of the Yangtze River Delta region. Marco Polo once declared that Suzhou was one of the most beautiful cities in China. While Polo’s Suzhou was a charming merchant town of whitewashed houses, tree-lined canals and sumptuous gardens, the modern Suzhou has well preserved its historical heritage and at the same time transformed itself into a fashionable and worldly city.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Planning, preparing and presenting lessons that cater for the needs of the whole ability range within their class;

• Creating lesson plans and modifying accordingly throughout the year;

• Keeping up to date with changes and developments in the structure of the curriculum;

• Creating positive educational climate for students to learn in;

• Meeting course and school-wide student performance goals;

• Working closely with teaching assistant and other colleagues to plan and coordinate work;

• Participating in workshops and training sessions organized by the school and education bureau;

• Organizing and taking part in school events, outings and activities which may take place at weekends or in the evening.

Who we look for

Skills and Specifications

We are looking for applicants who demonstrate a strong passion and dedication for teaching and education and other traits including:

• Commitment to the project mission and values

• Strong adaptability to new things

• Strong sense of responsibility

• Positive work ethic

• Patience

• Flexibility

• Creativity

• Punctuality

• Independent thinking

• Excellent team player and builder

• Excellent supervisory skills

• Excellent communication skills

• Cultural awareness and sensitivity towards cultural issues in the workplace

• Attention to detail

Education and Qualifications

• Bachelor degree

• Native speaker (UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand)

• TESOL or TEFL Certificate preferred

• Previous teaching experience a plus but not required as training is provided

• 10-month commitment

• In good health condition

What we can offer

• Location: SIP public primary school(G3 to G5 or middle school G7 to G8)

• Working schedule: 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday

• Classes per week: Around 20 classes per week

• Salary: 7000RMB-8000RMB (based on experience and qualifications)

• Contract period: Sep 1, 2014-June 30, 2015

• 10-month contract completion bonus: 6000RMB

• Monthly stipend: up to 500RMB

• Accommodation: Free two bedrooms shared fully furnished apartment or 2000RMB monthly apartment allowances

• Airport pickup

• Z visa (work visa) is sponsored and paid

• First week orientation and continuous life support

• Health insurance is covered

• Vacation: 3 weeks paid winter holiday, 11 days Chinese public holiday

• Free breakfast and lunch at school

• Teaching assistant is provided

Required documents

• A curriculum vitae (resume)

• Copies of degrees and TEFL/TESOL certificates

• Recommendation letter from professors or current employer

• A copy of passport

• Copies of police background check

• A recent photo of candidate

Please send your application materials to nicole.wang@shyulun.com

7000-8000 RMB