Folks across the globe will fly to China just to teach – with the idea that they won’t stay any longer than a couple of years. Although, some people will come here, fall in love with the land of the East, and make it their goal to progress professionally as a teacher. So, if you’re wanting to fall into the latter group, listed down here are 6 strategies to go up the China teaching career ladder!
Understanding the How To Become A Teacher In China
Wondering how to move your teaching career in China forward? Dig deep and seek out the answers. Talk to others and discover if the school or language center you’re thinking about joining is one that encourages and financially supports its teachers achieving new qualifications or if it’s just in it for the money. Does it have a great reputation in the community or is it a ticking time bomb? Are their opportunities for foreign staff to grow their roles to coordinator, manager, liaison and department head? How often will you get a raise and is it enough to meet your goals? If you really want to take your career to the next level in China, you’ll need to be in a place that values career advancement, otherwise you’ll be spinning your wheels.
Bulk Out Your Qualifications
China has transformed. I got a work visa and resident permit easily in 2009. China needed foreign instructors to match the rising demand for English language education, so a recruiter encouraged me to travel to China on a vacation visa, which my school would later turn into a work visa. Nowadays, China is more selective about foreign instructors due to a surplus. Schools and language centers have grown increasingly selective, making teaching in China more attractive but tougher to get.
Certification and qualifications are crucial to furthering your teaching profession in China. Throughout the years, the requirement for these valuable pieces of paper has altered, and although it may block many bright but unprepared instructors, it’s a great development.
Certified and experienced instructors are becoming norm as more respected and established institutions raise education standards. There will always be dodgy, fly-by-night schools that pay for licenses in cigarettes and baijiu and hire anybody they can pass off as a competent instructor, but this is becoming rarer.
Employers usually demand TEFL or CELTA certification for employment and residence permits. Although you can earn such degrees in China, I’ve noticed that several institutions, notably the top in China’s first-tier cities, are searching for instructors with certification from their own country.
There are various possibilities for Chinese teachers seeking certification. Local courses provide group instruction, individual study, and hands-on experience. These include US and UK online teaching certification programs for young college graduates and international instructors.
Remote programs allow you to leverage your teaching career for practical classroom components. Online certification programs are convenient and allow you to get qualified in your native country if you relocate back.
On-the-ground or online teaching certification may help you teach at a better school and earn more.
Move into a New Subject Area
English language teaching is crucial, but not for everyone. To get into a Chinese school, you may have to teach English, but after you’ve shown yourself as a capable and committed teacher, switching subjects is typically easy.
I want to teach history and social studies at the high school where I teach English. Like many foreigners in China, I like teaching English but want to learn more.
Switching subjects might boost your China teaching career and Resume. See number 1 if your school ignores your abilities, credentials, and career aspirations.
Consider a Lateral Move
After teaching English and switching subjects, you may still be unhappy. A lateral shift to another department might help you change careers.
Several Chinese international schools hire foreign librarians, department directors, and other top administrators. In training facilities, expats may work as foreign teacher managers or recruitment coordinators. Traditional Chinese schools and universities have greater curriculum development opportunities.
If you teach in China and want a change, you may stay in education without teaching.
Consider Changing Cities
Consider where you live. There are usually greater prospects for progression in China’s major cities, but you must balance potential with wage and expense of life. You don’t need to live in Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou to progress your teaching career in China, but if you’re stuck in a small town, moving could help.
Several second- and third-tier cities offer foreign instructors administrative, recruiting, and subject teaching jobs. I reside in Xuzhou, a second-tier city, and find many teaching possibilities here.
Promote Yourself
Finally, shamelessly promote yourself. Advertise your TEFL or CELTA qualification on social media and email signatures. Update your CV and professional profiles if you’ve taught English for years.
You probably have a degree in something other education. So, stress your experience while applying for employment or talking to recruiters and potential employers if you want to grow into another field. If you have a business degree, institutions or corporations may engage you to teach business courses without a teaching degree.
China is an excellent destination for teaching career objectives. Professional and financial progress are available. There are more schools and foreign instructors in China than ever before, but there will always be a need for reputable and skilled international experts. If you’re in the correct school, clear about your objectives and expectations, and eager to strive to improve your choices, you’ll quickly stand out.