Teaching at a language institute can be an excellent way to supplement your income or transition into a new career, or even to pursue your love of language and culture.
Are you considering becoming a part-time Chinese teacher? You’re in good company: many people who love to learn and teach languages are drawn to the opportunity to work as a Chinese teacher.
For students who are considering teaching Chinese part time, the first step is finding a suitable job. Many institutes are more than willing to hire inexperienced teachers or those with little teaching experience, but it can take time to find a good match.
Explore Chinese Teacher Part Time
The first step is to identify the type of institute you’d like to teach at. Different language schools have different approaches to teaching, and some may be better suited to your temperament or teaching style than others.
Some institutes focus on teaching students as intensively as possible in the time frame available. This can be a very rewarding experience for the teacher as well as the students, but it can also be stressful and exhausting.
Other institutes are more focused on the development of the student’s language skills, and emphasize the importance of speaking and communication in the classroom.
A third type of institute emphasizes the cultural aspects of language learning. This can be a rewarding experience, as students come away with a greater appreciation of Chinese culture.
If you have a particular teaching style or personality type, you can be more effective if you choose an institute that matches your teaching style. For example, if you are more comfortable with a fairly structured teaching approach, consider looking for a position at a language school that has a similar philosophy.
Another important factor to consider is the teaching schedule. Some institutes require their teachers to work evenings or weekends, which can be a difficult schedule for some individuals to maintain.
Many institutes offer a wide range of classes, and some teachers prefer to specialize in a particular area. Consider your strengths and preferences when choosing a particular job.
Once you’ve identified the type of institute you’d like to teach at, the next step is to find out which institutes are hiring. Many schools post their current job openings on their websites, and some occasionally place job ads in local newspapers.
If you’re interested in teaching part time at a language school, keep these tips in mind:
1. The best way to find a job is to go directly to the source: language schools.
2. When you contact a language school, be sure to ask about the following:
a. The number of classes you’ll be teaching each week.
b. The class schedule.
c. The teaching style of the institute.
d. The salary and benefits package.
e. The requirements for employment (such as a college degree).
3. When you visit a language school, be sure to ask questions like:
a. What’s the teaching style of the institute?
b. How many students will you be teaching at one time?
c. What are your teaching requirements?
4. Check out an institute before you begin teaching there.
a. Are the students interesting and motivated?
b. Are the students respectful and well-behaved?
c. Do you feel a good rapport with the other teachers?
d. Do you feel comfortable with the management?
5. If you’re interested in teaching part time at a language school, consider which type of institute would be most suited to your temperament and teaching style.