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Teaching in Secondary Schools in Hong Kong
Secondary Native-Speaking English Teachers (SNET) in Hong Kong will typically work at one school. The duties of Secondary Native-Speaking English Teachers in Hong Kong are typical teaching activities, assisting in professional development of local teachers and working within the community of the school. Secondary 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
Secondary Native-Speaking English Teachers (SNETs) will usually work 08:00 - 15:30 with extra-curricular activities which run until around 17:00.
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
In general, secondary school English teachers in Hong Kong will have between 40 and 45 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 calculated based on the average price 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.
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.
SNET Qualifications
The applicant should be a native-speaker of English (meaning English being the person’s native language) or possess native-speaker English competence. Preference will be given to applicants with experience in teaching English as a second/foreign language.
| Category | Qualifications for SNET Teachers in Hong Kong |
| 1 | (i) a bachelor’s degree in English Language or English Literature or English Studies or Linguistics# or a Modern Language# OR a Bachelor in Education degree (major in English or a Modern Language#, but not primary education specialist) obtained after 3 years’ full-time study from a Hong Kong university or equivalent; and (ii) a Post-graduate Diploma in Education majoring in English or equivalent; and (iii) a Teaching of English as Foreign Language or a Second Language (TEFL/TESL) qualification at least at the diploma level; and (iv) at least 1 year’s post-graduate experience of teaching English (preferably as a second or foreign language) at secondary level or above. |
| 2 | (i) a bachelor’s degree in English Language or English Literature or English Studies or Linguistics# or a Modern Language#; OR a Bachelor in Education degree (major in English or a Modern Language#, but not primary education specialist) obtained after 3 years’ full-time study from a Hong Kong university or equivalent; and (ii) a Post-graduate Diploma in Education majoring in English or equivalent; and (iii) at least 1 year’s post-graduate experience of teaching English (preferably as a second or foreign language) at secondary level or above. |
| NOTE: In the event that sufficient number of candidates meeting the requirements in Category 1 & 2 cannot be recruited, consideration may be given to appoint teachers with the following qualifications: | |
| 3 | (i) a bachelor’s degree in English Language or English Literature or English Studies or Linguistics# or a Modern Language# from a Hong Kong university or equivalent; and (ii) a Post-graduate Diploma in Education or equivalent; and (iii) at least 1 year’s post-graduate experience of teaching English (preferably as a second or foreign language) at secondary level or above. |
| 4 | (i) a bachelor’s degree in any subject from a Hong Kong university or equivalent; and (ii) a Post-graduate Diploma in Education majoring in English or equivalent; and (iii) at least 1 year’s post-graduate experience of teaching English (preferably as a second or foreign language) at secondary level or above. |
| 5 | (i) a bachelor’s degree in any subject from a Hong Kong university or equivalent; and (ii) a Post-graduate Diploma in Education or equivalent; and (iii) a TEFL/TESL qualification preferably at diploma level; and (iv) at least 1 year’s post-graduate experience of teaching English (preferably as a second or foreign language) at secondary level or above. |
| 6 | (i) a bachelor’s degree in English Language or English Literature or English Studies or Linguistics# or a Modern Language# from a Hong Kong university or equivalent; and (ii) a TEFL/TESL qualification at least at the diploma level; and (iii) at least 1 year’s post-graduate experience of teaching English (preferably as a second or foreign language) at secondary level or above. |
| 7 | (i) a bachelor’s degree in any subject from a Hong Kong university or equivalent; and (ii) a master’s degree in TEFL/TESL; and (iii) at least 1 year’s post-graduate experience of teaching English (preferably as a second or foreign language) at secondary level or above. |
