Teaching in Primary Schools in Hong Kong

Primary Native English Teachers (PNET) in Hong Kong will typically work at two schools.  PNET’s typically co-teach English in an elementary school with a local English Teacher in the classroom.  The expectations of a primary native English teacher in Hong Kong are to maintain typical teaching activities, assist in professional development of local teachers and to work within the community of the school.  Different schools will vary in different aspects such as the background of the students, school culture, etc.

Working Hours
English teachers in primary schools in Hong Kong will teach at either Whole Day schools or Bi-sessional Sschools.  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. The monthly rent of an apartment of 800 sq ft varies from HK$7,000 to HK$10,000 (approx. $900-1,300) excluding utilities.  A monthly cash allowance is given to all NETs of HK$12,950 per month (approx. $1,670) to assist with covering of living expenses.  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 roundrtrip airfare to and from Hong Kong.  Teachers travelling 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 travelling 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.

Primary Native English Teachers will considered according to the following order of priority: