Teaching in Primary Schools in Hong Kong

Primary Native-Speaking English Teachers (PNET) in Hong Kong will typically work at one school. The expectations of a Primary Native-Speaking English Teacher in Hong Kong are to maintain innovative teaching activities, assist in professional development school based curriculum and to work within the community of the school.  Primary Schools in Hong Kong will vary in different aspects such as the background of the students, school culture, and gender mix of the students.

Working Hours

English teachers in primary schools in Hong Kong will teach at either Whole Day schools or Bi-sessional schools.  Teachers do not have a choice in what type of schools they will work at.  Whole Day schools run from 08:00-15:30, while Bi-sessional Schools run from 07:30-13:00 & 13:30-18:00.

All NETs are required to work during school hours, after school hours and sometimes on weekends to perform duties within or outside schools.

Class Size

Class sizes in Hong Kong public schools vary.  Teachers should expect to have between 30-37 students per class.

Accommodation in Hong Kong

Apartments in general are smaller and more expensive than in Canada and the US. Rental costs in different districts within Hong Kong vary greatly in price.  A monthly cash allowance is given to all NETs of HK$14,245 per month (approx. $2,000) to assist with covering of living expenses. The housing allowance is determined by calculating the average cost of an 800 sq. foot apartment across all of Hong Kong. Teachers are assisted by their host schools in arranging accommodation.

Vacation

The schools are given more flexibility over the number and distribution of school days and school holidays to suit the specific needs of the students and the circumstances of the school.  The total number of school days in a school year for Whole Day School should not be less than 190 days.  For Bi-sessional Primary Schools where students have to attend school every alternate Saturday, the total number of school days in a school year should not be less than 209 days.

The major school holidays includes Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year, Easter, summer vacation.  It is not unusual for teachers to be required to perform duties on school holidays.  It is expected that teachers receive at least 4 consecutive weeks of vacation during the summer but due to school specific requirements, this number may vary.

Airfare

Teachers who are accepted into the NET Program will get reimbursed for a round-trip airfare to and from Hong Kong once per contract.  Teachers traveling with families will also get reimbursed for a return flight for up to 5 additional family members.

Moving Allowance

All NETs will receive a baggage allowance to assist with moving costs associated with moving to Hong Kong.  Reimbursement of traveling baggage expenses from home country to Hong Kong will be granted upon arrival.  Details regarding rates on baggage allowance are specified in NET contracts.

PNET Qualifications

To be considered for a PNET  position, candidates should be a native-speakers of English.  A native-speaker is someone whose native language is English.  Candidates who possess native-speaker English competence will also be considered.  Preference will be given to applicants with experience in teaching English as a second/foreign language.