I’m planning on moving out to Taiwan this September and am in the process of applying for jobs etc … does anyone know anything about the JumpStart / HeadStart school? i.e. is it any good? Thanks.
I don’t have any personal experience with Jumpstart, but I’ve met several teachers who work there. Many of them were Canadians with teaching degrees, so there seems to be some recruiting network in Canada. From what I’ve heard, you get your own, small “kindergarten” class (up to age 7, maybe ten students) all morning and maybe early afternoon, too. Late afternoon, I think you’re teaching older elementary students in afterschool classes. Again, I’m not sure about specifics.
The teachers I’ve spoken with really enjoyed having their own class. They taught all subjects (eg nature, art) in English and they said the students really could use English. They enjoyed the scope and freedom. They also said that while the school doesn’t provide detailed syllabi, that other teachers helped them get started with teaching ideas. I think the pay is standard. Again, keep in mind, this is all second hand info.
Have you heard any more?
I worked for Head Start for 8 months. I really enjoyed working for the school.
Jumpstart in Taipei is all owned by the same person. They are an immersion kindergarten and you will be doing countless hours of prep and meetings. They do treat you well and get everything you need in order. The pay is low, pay your dues, make your connections and by the next year the world is your oyster. I still have extensive contacts from my time working there.
CYA
Okami
Hi
I currently teach for Jumpstart and am loving it. I used to be a secondary teacher back home in England, and compared to that it is much easier and you get to have a lot of fun.
Pay I think is good, and you get to save quite a bit. They sort loads out for you, housing, health ARC’s all sorts, so that is a great help.
It has been a really positive experience for me, and I plan to stay next year too, if that’s anything to go by.
Hope this is some help
Sally
Does anyone know about Jump Start? I have recently appplied for a job there and would like to know if anyone works there. Basically I would like to know if they are a good school or not? If it matters I am applying to one in Taichung City.
Thanks
stare
Check here:
forumosa.com/taiwan/viewtopic.ph … rt+schools
We also have one of these bad boys to help you find the info you need:
There are a few relevant details that weren’t covered by that thread.
The Jump Start in Taichung is managed differently from the one in Taipei. Taichung Jump Start is supposedly more laid back. You have to do exercises with the kids, and weekly reports, but it’s not a mountain of paper like some schools.
The pay is less than the better indie kindergartens but better than Hess from what I hear. I was offered 59 000 with one year’s experience. I took a better paying offer in the end.
Don’t know about the one in Taijung. I started with jumpstart.It is great for the children but hell on teachers. My school 7 started. 1 finished the year. I lasted longer than the rest (9 months). If youare willing to put up with home office bullshit and having someone look over your shoulder all the time and giving away you time free for meetings and shows and kissing a lot of ass it is OK. I couldn’t do it. Life at Jumpstart was hell. life after has been great.
I know I can check out buxiban and eslcafe and I already have for both as well as old posts on this forumosa. I was wondering if any ofyou could give any PERSONAL experience they have had with this company in teaching in TAIPEI?
Any help is appreciated thanks.
I have worked for both JumpStart and HeadStart and can vouch for both organizations as being completely legit. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions…I would like to add that the owner is often absent (away in New Zealand) but the management team in Taipei is more than capable of dealing with problems as they come up. Good luck and enjoy!
ps. Taichung JumpStart is a totally different organization, but the Tainan one is linked to Taipei…and if I were you…I would take the Tainan posting if any positions are open.
This is a very old thread that I seem to be resurrecting, but things change over time and some six years later I wanted to know if anyone else has any opinions on Jumpstart/Headstart? I have an interview there, and am trying to figure out how legitimate of a school they still are - what teaching there is like, if its still hell on the teacher but satisfying or if the satisfaction is no longer there etc. Any help would really be appreciated!
I did try searching through the threads, but really didn’t come up with much but small tidbits and pieces in random places, so I decided I’d just go ahead and revive this if I could - so feel free to smack me if I just apparently suck at searching, I won’t be offended.
[quote=“Alesistrata”]This is a very old thread that I seem to be resurrecting, but things change over time and some six years later I wanted to know if anyone else has any opinions on Jumpstart/Headstart? I have an interview there, and am trying to figure out how legitimate of a school they still are - what teaching there is like, if its still hell on the teacher but satisfying or if the satisfaction is no longer there etc. Any help would really be appreciated!
I did try searching through the threads, but really didn’t come up with much but small tidbits and pieces in random places, so I decided I’d just go ahead and revive this if I could - so feel free to smack me if I just apparently suck at searching, I won’t be offended.[/quote]
You searched instead of starting a new thread. Excellent! :bravo:
[quote=“jimipresley”]
You searched instead of starting a new thread. Excellent! :bravo:[/quote]
Yeah, I’ve seen enough verbal smacks going around for multiple thread lines - thought I’d try to be unique 
I have a friend who works at Headstart and one that used to work there and they both like the school.
JumpStart = kindergarten = morning classes
HeadStart = elementary and up = noon to evening classies
If you are not Taiwanese, you are not allowed to legally teach kindergarten. So therefore be certain that they are looking for a HeadStart teacher and you will be signing up for noon to evening work.
I already know all the laws and everything - and I’ve read up on their program so I’m aware that’s what I’ll be looking for, but what I’m asking is what kind of school they are - if anyone has had any bad vs. good experiences with them and the like.
I would also like to know! Thanks.