News and Updates | Teaching Nomad https://www.teachingnomad.com Jobs and programs for teaching English abroad, International school employment and teaching job vacancies in Asia. Hiring Now! Thu, 06 Feb 2025 17:35:07 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.5.15 China’s Holidays Unveiled for 2025! https://www.teachingnomad.com/blog/china/china-holidays-2025/ Tue, 17 Dec 2024 19:01:29 +0000 https://www.teachingnomad.com/?p=18379

Whether you are planning your first trip to China or are a seasoned expat, staying informed about the public holidays can significantly enhance your living and traveling experience. Chinese holidays not only offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of cultural traditions but also impact everyday life through changes in business operations and transportation. Join us as we delve into China’s remarkable festive calendar for 2025, with a highlight on essential dates that every expat should know.

 

National Holidays

January 1st New Year’s Day
January 28th Spring Festival Eve (Chinese New Year Eve)
January 29th – February 4th Spring Festival Golden Week (Chinese New Year)
April 4th – 6th Qing Ming Jie
May 1st – 5th Labour Day
May 31st – June 2nd Dragon Boat Festival
October 1st – 8th National Day Golden Week

These holidays are celebrated by the entire country. Everyone receives the work day off for these dates so that they can participate in fantastical festivals and beautiful family gathering events.

Traditional Observances

February 12th Lantern Festival
March 1st Zhonghe Festival
March 12th Arbor Day
June 1st Children’s Day
July 1st CPC Founding Day
July 11th Maritime Day
August 1st Army Day
August 29th Chinese Valentine’s Day
September 6th Spirit Festival
September 10th Teacher’s Day
October 29th Double Ninth Festival
December 25th Christmas Day

In addition to the big holidays, several traditional observances provide texture to everyday life. These holidays do not provide work days off, but there tends to be many large celebrations, rememberances, and excitement around them!

The seasonal solstices and equinoxes, such as the December Solstice on the 21st, Sunday, mark important times for agricultural and spiritual observances in rural areas but are lesser celebrated in urban settings.

Expats living in China during 2025 will find a delightful and complex array of holidays that provide deep insights into Chinese culture and society. During these times, transportation and business operations may be affected, so planning ahead is advisable. Engaging with these celebrations can also provide enriching experiences filled with joy, community, and cultural understanding.

While certain holidays such as Christmas on December 25th are observed, their impact and style of celebration can significantly differ from Western traditions, offering a unique experience for expats from those regions.

Understanding and respecting these dates will not only make your time in China smoother but also more fulfilling. Embrace the opportunity to dive deep into the festive spirit of China and celebrate alongside locals. Here’s to an exciting and eventful year in 2025 full of festivals and cultural immersion!

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Are ESL Teachers Still in Demand? The Scoop at the end of 2024 https://www.teachingnomad.com/blog/teacher-recruitment/are-esl-teachers-in-demand/ Fri, 22 Nov 2024 16:06:56 +0000 https://www.teachingnomad.com/?p=17995

Hello, adventurous souls and curious minds! Are you pondering whether ESL teachers are still sought after in this vast, ever-changing world? Well, my friends, the answer is a resounding yes—and let me tell you, the journey is just as vibrant and fulfilling as ever.

In our interconnected globe, the thirst for learning English has not diminished; in fact, it’s quite the opposite. As we finish off 2024, the demand for English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers across various countries is not just steadfast—it’s soaring! A recent report reveals a significant continued recovery for the ELT sector in 2023, highlighting a robust demand for ESL teachers worldwide.

Why the Demand for ESL Teachers Persists

First, let’s delve into what’s fueling this demand. In many countries, English is not just another subject—it’s seen as a gateway to opportunity. From business and tourism to international relations, English serves as a crucial lingua franca. This ongoing recovery in the ELT sector underscores the essential role of English language education in global communication and economic activities.

“Teaching abroad opened up so many doors for me. Not only did I discover a new culture, but I also gave my students the key to a world of opportunities,” shares Alex, one of our globe-trotting teachers.

A Look Ahead: 2024-2025’s Policy Headwinds

While 2023 continued to be a year of growth and opportunities for ESL educators, it’s essential to stay aware of the policy headwinds of 2024 into 2025. These policy changes could impact visa regulations, teacher qualifications, and even job availability in certain regions. As the ELT sector adapts to these shifts, it’s more important than ever for ESL teachers to remain informed and flexible, preparing for evolving employment landscapes around the globe.

Embracing the Challenges

Of course, one mustn’t overlook that this journey comes with its own set of twists and turns. Navigating a new educational system, learning the local lingo, and adapting to a unique lifestyle are part and parcel of the adventure. But fret not—with Teaching Nomad, you’ve got companionship and support every step of the way.

The Role of Certification

Ready to take the leap? The key is proper certification. A TEFL or CELTA certificate can unlock doors and boost your credentials, no matter where your compass points you. And remember, some regions may have specific requirements, but that’s where our expertise comes in handy.

A Final Note of Encouragement

“To anyone considering teaching ESL abroad: do it,” says Mike, who’s now on his third year teaching in Vietnam. “The demand is high, the experiences are rich, and the support you get from Teaching Nomad is golden.”

So, are you ready to join the ranks of fulfilled ESL teachers around the globe? If your heart says yes, then it’s time to embrace the demand and start your own narrative. Connect with us at Teaching Nomad, and let’s chart a course to your next great adventure!

Remember, the demand for ESL teachers is not just a moment, it’s a movement. And we can’t wait to help you become a part of it. Happy teaching and safe travels, nomads!

Curious about taking your first step into teaching ESL abroad? Get in touch with us at Teaching Nomad for personalized advice, job placement assistance, and stories from teachers who’ve lived to tell the tale!

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How to Unleash the Power of Job Alerts: Find Your Dream Teaching Abroad Opportunity https://www.teachingnomad.com/blog/blog/how-to-unleash-the-power-of-job-alerts/ Fri, 26 Jul 2024 15:12:26 +0000 https://www.teachingnomad.com/?p=17133

Hey, future global educators! Are you feeling the excitement of exploring a new country and the anticipation of embarking on a life-changing teaching adventure? At Teaching Nomad, we totally understand the exhilaration and the apprehension that comes with the prospect of moving abroad. That’s why we’re here to be your knowledgeable friend, guiding you through every step of the journey and empowering you to make the leap with confidence.

Today, we’re diving into the world of job alerts and why they’re a game-changer for anyone searching for their dream teaching position abroad. Here’s the lowdown on why job alerts can be your secret weapon in landing that perfect opportunity.

 

Stay Ahead of the Game

Picture this: You’ve just enjoyed a captivating cultural exchange with your students, and now you’re feeling inspired to explore more teaching opportunities abroad. The last thing you want is to miss out on that dream job because you didn’t hear about it in time. That’s where job alerts swoop in to save the day! By setting up job alerts on Teaching Nomad, you’ll be the first to know about new, exciting teaching opportunities that align with your preferences. It’s like having a personal assistant who’s always on the lookout for your next big adventure.

 

Tailored to Your Preferences

We know that your dream teaching job is as unique as you are. Maybe you envision yourself teaching in a bustling metropolis, soaking in the vibrant city life, or perhaps you’re drawn to the tranquility of a coastal town, where you can bask in the sun after a fulfilling day of teaching. With job alerts, you can fine-tune your preferences to receive notifications about only the opportunities that match your desired location, grade level, and more. As one of our happy teachers, Sarah, shared, “Teaching Nomad’s job alerts made it so easy to find the perfect position. I received tailored job notifications, which helped me quickly land a teaching job that aligned with my career goals.”

 

Time-Saving Convenience

In the fast-paced world of job hunting, time is of the essence. Manually scouring through countless job postings can be overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling your current teaching responsibilities. Job alerts take the stress out of the equation by delivering relevant job openings straight to your inbox. As a satisfied teacher, Mark, expressed, “I couldn’t believe how much time I saved with job alerts. Instead of spending hours searching for jobs, I received tailored job updates without lifting a finger.”

 

Embracing the Adventure

Moving abroad for a teaching position can be an exhilarating yet daunting experience. You might have questions about cultural differences, living arrangements, or even the local cuisine. At Teaching Nomad, we’ve got your back every step of the way. By using job alerts, you’ll have more time to focus on preparing for your new adventure, knowing that your job search is being taken care of.

So, whether you’re eager to immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Asia, explore the diverse landscapes of the Middle East, or embrace the dynamic culture of Europe, job alerts can help you kick-start your journey with ease.

Ready to take the plunge and explore the world of teaching abroad? Set up your job alerts on Teaching Nomad today and let the opportunities come to you. Below is an example showing how to do this in just a few seconds!

Job alerts 

With job alerts at your fingertips, finding your dream teaching position abroad has never been more attainable. Join the network of satisfied teachers who have unlocked their teaching adventure with us. And remember, at Teaching Nomad, we’re here to support and guide you through every exhilarating step of your international teaching journey. Let’s make your dream a reality!

Happy teaching and safe travels! 🌍✈

 

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Foreign Nationals Holding Valid Chinese Residence Permits Can Return to China https://www.teachingnomad.com/blog/news/foreign-nationals-holding-valid-chinese-residence-permits-can-return-to-china/ Thu, 24 Sep 2020 23:16:09 +0000 https://teachingnomad.com/teaching-abroad/foreign-nationals-holding-valid-chinese-residence-permits-can-return-to-china/

 

On March 26th, 2020, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs executed a policy blocking all foreign nationals from entering China due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a shock to the teach abroad industry and especially difficult for foreign teachers that live and work in China but were overseas at the time.

Six months later, on September 23rd, 2020 the MFA has announced some very exciting news! Foreign nationals holding 3 types of residence permits can now return to China! Read the official statement here. The acceptable residence permits types are: 1. Work 2. Personal matters 3. Family reunion. Teachers will all be holding the first type.

The statement goes on to say that if your residence is still valid (not expired) you can now return to China using that visa.

If your residence permit expired after March 28th , 2020, you will need to apply for a new visa, but you will not need a PU letter like a new hire would. However, your new visa will be approved only if “the purpose of the holders’ visit to China remains unchanged”. Translation: you need to be returning to work with the same company that sponsored your visa initially. The statement does not indicate exactly what evidence is required however it is likely that you will need a letter from your employer stating that you are still under contract with them and you will be returning to work. It is possible that a copy of the employment contract will also be needed but those details are still unclear.

Holders of tourist, business, or any other type of visa issued before March 26th, 2020 are still not eligible for entry into China.

Anyone entering will need to follow all pandemic related controls including pre-travel COVID-19 negative test and quarantine upon arrival. The specifics for quarantine vary based on your country of origin. Be sure to research the latest news for these requirements before you purchase your plane tickets.

If your residence permit has expired and you are eligible to apply for a new visa, or if you have a PU letter and need a visa, Teaching Nomad can obtain the visa for you through any of the U.S. based Chinese consulates. Visit the order form to get started.

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Coronavirus Statement https://www.teachingnomad.com/blog/news/coronavirus-statement/ Thu, 06 Feb 2020 21:40:50 +0000 https://teachingnomad.com/news/coronavirus-statement/ Read our statement about the Coronavirus and learn about teaching online if you're waiting to travel to China.

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Read our statement about Covid-19 and learn about teaching online if you’re waiting to travel to China.

Covid-19 Update

The recent outbreak of Covid-19 in China is causing a lot of concern, and the unknowns leave a lot of questions to be answered. We want to provide you with an update from Teaching Nomad to help you stay safe and plan ahead. First and foremost, the safety of our teachers, their students, and our own staff in China is our top concern. Our response to the virus follows that of the relevant governing authorities such as the Chinese Ministry of Education and the U.S. Department of State.

If you’re employed by a school in China, you can expect that they will also be following the policies required by the local education authorities. These authorities are taking the virus very seriously and are making every effort possible to limit the effects.

Please also understand that the situation is evolving quickly and nearly all schools in China have been closed through February 3rd. If you’re not getting fast replies, it may be because your employer is not in the office or is still deciding what to do.

 

We’d like to address three types of teachers that are either in or planning to be in China soon:

1. Your contract has already begun and you’re already in China:

First and foremost, stay safe and follow these suggestions from the World Health Organization to avoid catching the virus. Stay in touch with your employer to see what their plan is for returning to work, and if you’re unhappy with their plan, get in touch with us.

 

2. You’ve signed a contract but you’re not in China yet:

As of now, the majority of M-F schools will reopen on February 17th, but some others, especially training school will have delayed start dates. Stay in touch with your school and employer to plan ahead.

 

3. You’re applying for urgent or fall 2020 start dates:

The demand for teachers hasn’t changed and may actually increase. Fall 2020 hiring is still in full swing with every expectation that the virus will be contained by then. Schools are also still hiring for earlier start dates but be patient as those dates will likely be delayed. If you’d like to keep on top of the virus developments, we suggest visiting Shanghai Daily as a genuine source for up-to-date news coming directly from China.

 

Make money teaching online in the meantime

A great option for those of you looking to teach in China but are waiting until the virus outbreak blows over is online teaching! You can make $14-$19 an hour teaching students ESL online.

 

Check out online teaching jobs

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Teaching Nomad’s Five-Year Anniversary Party https://www.teachingnomad.com/blog/news/teaching-nomads-five-year-anniversary-party/ Wed, 20 Apr 2016 06:00:00 +0000 https://teachingnomad.com/news/teaching-nomads-five-year-anniversary-party/ Come party with us!

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Come party with us!

Teaching Nomad is pleased to invite you to our five-year anniversary ‘Teacher Appreciation Party’! Join us for an awesome evening with delicious foods, drinks and cool people! We will also be giving away prizes worth 20,000 RMB+ so you don’t miss out on that! 

For RSVP, please scan the QR code or send an email to mariefrance.prats@teachingnomad.com.

See you on May 14th!

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Hiring Great Staff https://www.teachingnomad.com/blog/news/hiring-great-staff/ Tue, 22 Jul 2014 06:00:00 +0000 https://teachingnomad.com/news/hiring-great-staff/ Schools have teachers, great schools have great teachers. Today we’ll discuss four benefits of planning your hiring in advance and an easy to use plan of action you can begin today to get better results and hire great teachers.

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Schools have teachers, great schools have great teachers. Today we’ll discuss four benefits of planning your hiring in advance and an easy to use plan of action you can begin today to get better results and hire great teachers.

PART 1: PLANNING IN ADVANCE

“There is nothing more important than your staff”

For a moment, forget about marketing your school or improving the facilities. Just think about the impact that an individual teacher has on their students every day. That teacher’s devotion to their job is what is going to make a difference for the students. Not just in their learning but it also affects how their parents speak about your school to their friends. Statistics show that an unhappy parent will tell ten people, while a happy one will tell just one. With that in mind, how important is it that your school has great staff and how important is it to invest in great hiring practices?

I would venture to say that allowing adequate time for hiring is one of the things that the best schools do properly. I think every hiring manager already knows the importance of this but some do not make it a priority or do not have the adequate man power to make it happen. Just a few of the advantages of hiring early:

1. Larger, more qualified candidate pool

2. Candidates more committed to their contracts

3. Less risk of starting school short staffed

4. Time to process visas and employment paperwork


1. Larger, more qualified candidate pool

Classroom teachers often begin their job search in October or November for fall of the following year and the candidate pool often reaches its peak by March of the hiring year. This means that your most effective time frame for hiring is November through April. By the time April comes around, your candidate pool is shrinking and many of the best teachers have already been hired by a better prepared school.

This begins a cycle of either being ahead of your hiring needs or behind it. This cycle can affect every aspect of your school because your staff is your direct connection to the students and regardless of how much you try, the staff will determine your schools’ reputation. This includes your reputation as an employer, as well as your reputation as a school.

2. Candidates more committed to their contracts

In the recruiting business, our least favorite candidate is the person that calls us urgently looking for an open position. You might think that is strange considering we are in the business of placing teachers, but the reality is that the teacher who is hired in a rush, will be the first one to not finish his contract. Often times, these rush candidates are short on money & references with little to no preference for what they want to teach. They just want the highest paying job we can find them. Does this sound like the candidate you want to hire?

3. Less risk of starting school short staffed

We discussed that the candidate pool peaks around March, meaning that every week after that you have fewer candidates to choose from. By the time you get to August, there are very few left and schools are in a free for all trying to hire up all remaining staff. Finally, September arrives and school starts but hundreds of positions have still gone unfilled. Many of these schools have already taken enrollment fees from students that are expecting foreign teachers and if the school doesn’t deliver, they will not be happy.

On the other side, the schools that hired early brought in all their staff three weeks before school started to help them get settled into their new life abroad and prepare both mentally and physically for the new school year. They conduct training and make sure all the staff is on the same page for the New Year. Can you see how the cycle will perpetuate itself?

4. Time to process visas and employment paperwork

With the changes made to the visa application process in 2013, the application time has been extended significantly. If hiring from overseas, you must expect at least 4 – 6 weeks to get the visa paperwork to the candidate, but probably more! In addition, visa regulations no longer allow schools to change a Tourist visa to a Work visa in the country. This means you must pay for a trip to HK, accommodations, visa fees, etc. if you try to short cut the system by bringing them here on a tourist visa.

As said in the beginning, every hiring manager already understands the potential positive and negative effects of their hiring. The question now is how to make sure you are creating that positive cycle.

Here are some steps you can take:

1. Plan for your needs early. By November, start asking teachers to see who already knows if they plan to renew their contract for the following year. Set a deadline in March for all renewals. This will still give you time to adjust if a couple change their minds last minute.

2. Decide if you’re going to do all your recruitment in house or outsource some or all of it to a recruitment company.

a. Doing all your recruiting in house can be costly and unless you have professional education recruiters, it is often not as effective as it could be. However, it does allow for easy communication between your HR staff.

b. Outsourcing all or part of your recruitment needs can often save time and money while utilizing the services of a professional can help you to yield better hiring results.

3. Have a recruitment flow set in place between all the decision makers in your school. Every new candidate should go through the same process and it should be done in a timely manner. Individuals should be required to complete their part of the process within a pre-determined amount of time.

By Brett Isis, Founder and President of Teaching Nomad

About our company: Teaching Nomad is an American owned and operated education Recruitment Company based in Shanghai, China. Our goal and purpose is to help great teachers find great teaching jobs. Year round, we have hundreds of teaching job vacancies. Whether your goal is to be an ESL teacher or teach in an international school, we have a teaching job for you. You can browse jobs online at www.teachingnomad.com/job-search for the latest job openings. Teaching Nomad is here to make teaching in China easier, so please feel free to reach out and contact us with any questions or inquiries!

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Teaching Nomad and the 100.000 Strong Foundation https://www.teachingnomad.com/blog/news/teaching-nomad-and-the-100-000-strong-foundation/ Fri, 27 Jun 2014 06:00:00 +0000 https://teachingnomad.com/news/teaching-nomad-and-the-100-000-strong-foundation/ download.jpg100k.jpgcomplete_verticalteachingsmall_small.jpg

Many American (and other Western) nationals today are apprehensive about China’s recent economic rise, and view China as an enemy rather than as a strategic partner. As part as the Obama administration’s ongoing commitment to the U.S.-China relationship, the state department launched 100,000 Strong Foundation last year to enhance and expand opportunities for U.S. students to learn Mandarin and study in China. Like the 100,000 Strong Foundation, we at Teaching Nomad believe that raising cross cultural awareness and understanding will foster the conditions necessary for stability and progress for people everywhere in the world and allows us to confront and meet our shared challenges.

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Many American (and other Western) nationals today are apprehensive about China’s recent economic rise, and view China as an enemy rather than as a strategic partner. As part as the Obama administration’s ongoing commitment to the U.S.-China relationship, the state department launched 100,000 Strong Foundation last year to enhance and expand opportunities for U.S. students to learn Mandarin and study in China. Like the 100,000 Strong Foundation, we at Teaching Nomad believe that raising cross cultural awareness and understanding will foster the conditions necessary for stability and progress for people everywhere in the world and allows us to confront and meet our shared challenges.

According to a recent PEW poll, only 20% of Americans view China as an ally, and many others in Western countries view China as competition rather than as a partner. Yet people who’ve been exposed to China and its rich, ancient culture, view the country in a much popular light. This explains why expatriates recently voted China as the number one country to live in. We believe the fear of China simply stems from an unfamiliarity with the country and its people. A fear that is often fueled by media outlets that don’t quite understand China themselves.

Like the 100.000 strong Foundation, we are therefore committed to improving Sino-American relations through education. Teaching Nomad is an education recruitment company that helps teachers find jobs overseas. Our company has made partnerships with a large number of schools abroad, including international and foreign language schools that offer high pay and great benefits for qualified teachers. We take the time to screen schools to determine that they will be good places for teachers to work and have great experiences abroad. Where the 100,000 Strong Foundation seeks to improve the current study abroad climate by providing Chinese and American pupils with great study abroad opportunities, we at Teaching Nomad are committed to improving the global teach abroad climate by providing teachers with jobs in schools they can trust, believe in and enjoy working at. In turn, we will provide schools with committed, excited teachers that will always maintain the highest standards of learning.

Some ask how useful living in a foreign country would be to their lives. In reality, studying or working abroad is vital for people who want to participate in a world in which countries and economies are increasingly interconnected. Currently about 200,000 Chinese students are enrolled in institutions in the United States, according to the State Department, while only 20,000 American students are studying in China. By helping professional American teachers find great Jobs at Chinese schools, we not only hope to enable Chinese students to learn more about our culture, we’re counting on the teacher to take home some of China’s ancient hospitality and deep-rooted kindness when they return to the States, and impart on American students the knowledge and understanding they’ve acquired in China.

By investing in cross-cultural education and deepening our understanding, both the 100,000 Strong Foundation and Teaching Nomad seek to make a long-term commitment to the U.S.-China relationship. A relationship that will be of vital important in the 21st Century.

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By Ginger de Ridder, Account Manager at Teaching Nomad

About our company: Teaching Nomad is an American owned and operated education Recruitment Company based in Shanghai, China. Our goal and purpose is to help great teachers find great teaching jobs. Year round, we have hundreds of teaching job vacancies. Whether your goal is to be an ESL teacher or teach in an international school, we have a teaching job for you. You can browse jobs online at www.teachingnomad.com/job-search for the latest job openings. Teaching Nomad is here to make teaching in China easier, so please feel free to reach out and contact us with any questions or inquiries!

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Staff Retention https://www.teachingnomad.com/blog/news/staff-retention/ Wed, 07 May 2014 06:00:00 +0000 https://teachingnomad.com/news/staff-retention/

You put a lot of work into finding and hiring the best possible staff for your school and now you need to keep them. This article will discuss strategies and benefits of staff retention.

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You put a lot of work into finding and hiring the best possible staff for your school and now you need to keep them. This article will discuss strategies and benefits of staff retention.


PART 2: STAFF RETENTION

“There is nothing more important than your staff”

Staff turnover is one of the most costly expenses for any organization. There are direct financial expenses like the fees associated with hiring a professional to replace lost staff but the less direct costs are often much more damaging. If you lose someone during the school year, the impact on the students cannot be understated. Not to mention the impact on your other staff members who will likely have to pick up extra classes as a result. This situation will make the other staff more likely to consider leaving.

In the teach abroad world, turnover of foreign teachers will naturally always be higher than with domestic staff and that’s ok. However, the top performing organizations will find a way to keep their staff around longer than the rest. Here are a few benefits of having great staff retention.

1. Happy, knowledgeable, productive staff

Remember the last time you had a first day of work? Remember how you didn’t know where to find the things you needed or who to ask for help. Even when you hire a highly experienced teacher for a subject they know perfectly, they don’t know your school and it will take them time to get into a groove.

On the flip side of this, the teachers you retain from year to year are knowledgeable about your school, its policies and systems. This makes them more productive and able to accomplish more on a day to day basis.

Happiness is really the key element to staff retention. A good teacher that enjoys their job and enjoys working together with the team will go out of their way to make the school a better place and contribute to a school they can be proud of.

2. Improved learning environment

This is really what it’s all about, isn’t it? The three elements described above all lead to a better, more productive learning environment for students. If the staff doesn’t have to worry about “staff” issues, then this allows them to focus on creating engaging and effective lessons to challenge their students. Happy teachers who create great lessons will lead to successful students who are excited about learning. Schools can choose to create a positive learning environment of effective teachers staying in the same school for many years or a negative cycle of replacing teachers every year. Which do you think will build your student population?

3. Lower cost of recruitment and HR

Cash flow must be considered in every organization. It shouldn’t be hard for you to calculate your average cost for each hire. Do you run ads and pay in-house staff to recruit or do you pay a recruitment firm? Don’t forget the cost of relocation, visa processing and health exams. On the low end of scale, each new hire must cost you at least 13,000RMB. The expenses are likely much more but let’s use 13,000RMB for an example. If you increased the average life span of a teacher in your school from just 1.3 years to 1.6 years with a staff size of 25, then that would save you 47,000RMB per year! If you could increase it to 1.9, you’d save 79,000RMB per year in direct hiring expenses.


Here are some steps you can take to retain your staff:

1. Compensation: Due to the increasing competition for teachers and China’s yearly inflation, teachers’ salaries are continuing to rise year after year. Don’t overpay, but make sure you’re staying competitive and not losing teachers over a justifiable raise in pay.

2. Trim the tree: Sometimes you have to cut off the dead branches to allow the tree to grow. If you have a negative, dis-engaged staff member, you need to get rid of them even if they are willing to renew their contract. These bad apples will poison your new, excited teachers fast! This creates a negative cycle that must be broken if you want your retention to improve. We’ve literally had teachers tell us, “I don’t understand why all the teachers are complaining, this is the best job I’ve ever had”. Unfortunately, that teacher did not renew his contract because he wanted to get away from the negativity.

3. Have a clear vision for the future: Happy employees need hope for the future and don’t want to be stagnate in an organization that’s not going anywhere. You need to paint a vision for them of where the school is headed and find a way to track the progress. This will help them feel like they are part of something bigger than them themselves.

4. Hire the right people initially: In China’s competitive hiring environment, it can be easy to make an offer to every teacher that looks good on paper. However, you need to make sure that their goals and desires are in line with what you’re offering. If they are in line, it is likely that the teachers you hire will stay beyond 1 or 2 years. This also goes back to Part 1 of this series, which explored the benefits of finishing your hiring in advance in order to have the luxury of time that allows you to be more selective about the candidates that you hire.

5. Provide recognition: In a school environment, we often focus a lot of energy on recognizing students for good work, but don’t forget your staff! It has been said that some people will do more for recognition than they will for pay. You could have an annual company dinner party with awards given out for particular teacher accomplishments throughout the year. Events like these always create bonding between staff members, which goes a long way to building a successful learning environment.

6. Provide personal growth opportunities: Many times, the best staff will choose jobs with personal & professional growth opportunities over the highest paying position. Arranging workshops or conferences will not only make your school a desirable place to work but will improve the quality of staff at the same time.

Many of the suggestions that have been explored here are easy to do, but they are even easier not to do. I suggest to make a personal plan of action and set deadlines for when you will complete the particular aspects of the plan. Remember, a goal is only a dream if it doesn’t have a deadline.

Written By: Brett Isis, Founder & President of Teaching Nomad

Teaching Nomad is an American owned and operated Education Recruitment Company based in Shanghai, China. We work within all levels of education helping great schools find great staff in China. Clients include: Kindergartens, Training schools, International Schools, Foreign Language Schools and Universities. Visit us on-line to learn more about our solutions for schools.

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Teacher Appreciation Party 2014 https://www.teachingnomad.com/blog/news/teacher-appreciation-party-2014/ Tue, 15 Apr 2014 06:00:00 +0000 https://teachingnomad.com/news/teacher-appreciation-party-2014/ tn 2014 flyer

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