Gold Star TEFL Recruitment has been assisting teachers secure the very best teaching jobs in China since 2009 and has close connections with China’s leading schools. For details on teaching jobs with major language schools have a look through our website and submit an application today.
Read more interviews with teachers in China here.
An Interview with David at his Test Prep Center in Beijing, China
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GS: So, can you tell us a bit about how you first got into English teaching?
DK: Growing up, I had two younger brothers and an army of cousins that I spent unforgettable years with. Being one of the oldest in my large extended family, I found myself providing guidance and directions to my younger relatives routinely. The more this was a regular thing, the more I found myself enjoying it: the leadership over my relatives. Over time, I realized my passion to work with young adults and children. So, upon completing university, my realization led me to take a TESOL/TESL course allowing me to pursue my passion for teaching and education.
GS: What advice do you have for people about the recruitment and interview process when looking for jobs teaching in China?
DK: In regards to advice, asking the right questions is key to determining the best job match. My recommendation is for people to think about what kind of needs they are looking for at work and on a personal living level. From these needs, derive the set of questions they should ask the employer/recruiter. In situations of comparing multiple job offers, create a chart to put the different criteria of each job offer side by side to evaluate the most suitable decision. The other recommendation I have is for people to ask the employer/recruiter to arrange a short conversation with a current teacher of similar position being applied for. I found it very beneficial to get candid responses on how other teachers are at the education company.
GS: You are teaching in Beijing at the moment, can you tell us about your impressions of the city? What do you like most about living there?
DK: Beijing is a large city with a diverse cultural population. You’ve got your local “Beijingers”, out of city Chinese and expats from all over the world. Every day, I find myself enriching my life by learning about new people and the differences in culture. What I like most about Beijing is the variety of activities you can participate in. You can find something happening almost 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Therefore, no matter what you enjoy, you are likely to meet other individuals in this city to share with your interests.
GS: What do you like most about teaching?
DK: I enjoy getting to know my students’ personalities and interests. The students have such a broad range of individuality that make teaching highly entertaining, memorable and rewarding. It feels great to understand a student’s interest, teach a concept incorporating the student’s interest and watching the connection being built with the entire class.
GS: Can you tell us about your favorite class at the moment?
DK: Currently, my favorite class is one of my weekend SSAT classes. The class is made up of students from different top international schools in Beijing. Not only are these students already high achievers but they are also very competitive. This class is rewarding to teach because the students are able to learn at a very fast pace while being very interactive during class, especially during the fun games and activities. Because SSAT content can sometimes be mundane, the energy of the class provides students motivation for one another to maximize their ability to learn on their weekends.
GS: Talk us through a typical day teaching in China.
DK: A typical day teaching in China starts with the morning commute to the office. Upon arriving to the office, I happily greet the rest of the Beijing administrative and teaching team members. Next, I take a look at which group of students I will be teaching that day and review my class preparations. Some of the time I spend on preparing for class involves planning some interesting activities/examples to use to relate the lesson to the students. I also ensure that there are additional materials for potential new students followed by visualizing a mental run through of each hour of class. Then, I go to class and teach a stellar lesson. After class, I commute back to the office before commuting home.
GS: What are the teaching resources like there?
DK: In Beijing, we have shared teaching and training resources from our headquarters’ content to 3rd party published materials. There is a strong teaching and management team to bounce ideas off of or provide teaching assistance. The resources are both online and offline depending on what you are looking for.
GS: How many teachers are there in your organization/center?
DK: Currently, there are between 3-4 teachers at our center in Beijing. We are looking forward to growing the team.
GS: China is full of surprises and unexpected adventures, tell us about one you have had recently.
DK: One of the best adventures I’ve experienced was living near the Great Wall for an evening. A small group of friends and I were able to rent a van to take us up to a private part of the Great Wall early one morning. On the side of this private part of the wall, there was a small pension that we rented from a farmer family. For lunch, the family cooked for us: a local style breakfast of dumplings, porridge and pan fried potato strips. Afterwards, we were able to take a steep hike before finding ourselves on an unmaintained part of the Great Wall. It was truly serene to be the only group of people on that part of the wall looking over the land and into a nice sunny afternoon.
This school is holding interviews now, apply today!
Read more interviews with teachers in China here.
Gold Star TEFL Recruitment has been assisting teachers secure the very best teaching jobs in China since 2009 and has close connections with China’s leading schools. For details on teaching jobs with major language schools have a look through our website and submit an application today.
Apply now