Teach English In Shanghai

Shanghai is a city of discovery and new opportunities, with rapid economic growth and industrialization bringing a large number of jobs. To meet the growing demand for English language proficiency, English training schools are springing up across the country. In turn, the demand for foreign language educators has grown exponentially in recent years.

To work in English teaching in Shanghai, most teachers need a university degree and/or TEFL certificate, and sometimes two years of work experience - preferably formal teaching experience. The average salary of a teacher in Shanghai is $1,500 - $2,200 per month.

Most schools, if not all, require teachers to be native speakers of English. Other requirements for teachers' work in China vary from school to school. In some provinces, they need at least a college degree. In big cities such as Shanghai and Beijing, universities usually need university degrees. Others require you to be TEFL / TESOL certified and have previous teaching experience.

Three categories of Teach English In Shanghai

Private Language Institute / School

So far, the largest employer of foreign English teachers in China is a private language school. These schools have the most jobs and are the easiest to find. Private language schools are often the most exceptions to employment requirements. Their salary is also the highest in China, but they usually require foreign teachers to work at least 20 hours a week. Private English schools provide the greatest opportunities for negotiation in terms of wages, housing, welfare, etc.

Public schools and Universities

Public schools and Universities: public schools are generally considered to be the safest because the working conditions of foreign teachers are standardized and strictly regulated. The foreign teachers' contract of public schools and universities is generally 10 months, the initial contract period is 10 months, and then extended for another 12 months. Foreign teachers with advanced degrees and several years of teaching experience in China can negotiate an initial contract of 12 months. Although the salaries of public schools and universities are generally lower than those of private schools, the workload is often less and the vacation time is the most.

Private school

The advantages of private schools are roughly the same as those of public and public schools mentioned above: fewer hours and higher freedom, because these institutions follow the same schooling system in China as public schools. In addition, unlike public schools, these private schools may have room for negotiation on salaries and benefits.

What else to look for when teaching English in Shanghai

Chinese culture is very different from the West. Chinese education is based on achievement, so students keep learning (memorizing) to cope with a series of endless examinations. Teachers usually give lectures while students copy notes passively. Therefore, students are good at memory, but lack of basic critical thinking ability. Americans are used to a participatory classroom where teachers and students talk. In contrast to the west, Chinese students are passive and unwilling to attend classes. However, foreign teachers can introduce new concepts in the classroom, such as discussion and role play. Teachers can create an open and comfortable space for active participation and help develop critical thinking ability.