I’ve been working in the public schools for 4 years now and I like to chime in.
No A.C. whole year! SUMMER is yucky in Taiwan.
We’re in a tropical island. I’m sorry, but what did you expect? I carry extra change and towels so I can stay somewhat clean.
You don’t have a classroom. You are a floater teacher.
I had my own classroom for one school. It changes as all schools are different.
Lack of school’s support for foreign teachers
I agree to some point, but you also have to push them to give you support. If you care, they’ll most likely follow you as they are all extremely busy.
You don’t grade tests or homeworks, so students see your class as a Disneyland.
Again, that perhaps is your perception. It’s your class. You can make it as serious or casual as you wish.
4.Principal is never available when you need to ask for a help.
I had schools where such principals exist. (I’m on my 9th school now) However, I’ve had some that were extremely supportive and attentive to their students.
If you want to ask some questions about your duties or statements in your contract… wow!
no one can answer it for you! (airplane ticket reimbursement, salary questions, tax rate…etc)
You probably have/had poor communication with your agency or incompetent agency. Mine has been prompt and professional.
You repeat one type of a lesson 24 times a week. SOOOOOOO boring! For example, if you teach about ABC, you will do the same ABC lesson 24 times a week.
This give you time to plan your next lesson plans and gives you PLENTY of time to plan your future. Lucky you!
Your Taiwanese English teachers either have 0 experience in teaching English or 10yrs in teaching English. You gotta be lucky to have the 10yr experienced teacher. If not, help yourself…
This is considered a bonus. You have your own class and your own lesson plans. You’re supposed to have somewhat of a grip in your class. If I can get minimum help, I’d be grateful. If not, you improvise as all teachers should.
Good Parts?
1. Flexible with teaching content? (Super low English level)
This is the best part for me. Freedom!
2. No homework or tests to grade?
To be in a school program and be a teacher without these works are amazing. We should be grateful we don’t have to do it!
3. No supervising children?
Well, yeah.
4. Vacation days?
I get 11 days plus weekends with full pay. WAY better than working in a cram school if you ask me.
I assume you have had schools that didn’t help you much, but you also have to show that you care. (Not saying that you don’t) Most of the time, I bust my a$$ and schools naturally follow my footsteps. I have had great 4 years and I can’t complain much. No AC sucks, but I’m currently in a school that has AC (yes, classrooms!) and it’s great.