China Public Schools
overview
Public positions are reliable and overseen by large agencies, who have been approved by the government. Public schools are a great option for both new and veteran teachers, due to the light schedule and excellent vacation time.
To qualify, applicants must hold a passport and a Bachelor degree (in any discipline) from the US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, or South Africa.
QUALIFICATIONS
A Bachelor Degree in any discipline and a 120 Hour TEFL are required.
Classes/week
Public school teachers teach a maximum of 18-20 (45 minute) classes per week, though most teachers average 12-16 classes
Vacation time/12 month contract
3+ months of vacation (includes national holidays)
Vacation is either fully paid, partially paid or unpaid.
General benefits
Low teaching hours and generous vacation time
Reliable government schools
Weekday schedule, free evenings & weekends
Potential concerns
Slightly lower base salary
Unpaid or partially unpaid periods in the contract
Salary
$1500 - 1950 USD per month
Contract completion bonus
$750 - 1200 USD
Hours at school per week
30-35 hour per week
daily schedule
Monday to Friday, 8:30 am - 12:00 pm & 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm, 2 hour lunch break (with often free meals provided by school)
lesson planning
Teachers create lessons, with guidance
Housing
Either free housing on campus, free shared housing, or a housing allowance of $450 USD
Flight
One way flight to China (reimbursed) or flight allowance
Visa Expense support
Usually not provided
Medical check on arrival
Paid by teacher
Number of Students/class
Usually around 25 to 40 student per class
Start Dates
Usually around 25 to 40 student per class
Medical Insurance
Free (with social insurance)
Housing deposit
2 months rent if you receive allowance
Policy for unmarried couples
Public schools are very open to hiring couples
Partners may work at 2 schools in the same district
Shared apartment
Leanne
Public school teacher
Shenzhen
I work at a public school and teach 18 classes per week, but don't
have office hours. I prepare my own lessons for two grade.
I have one foreign colleague and we both love our classes and our school. Our students are high-level, so we are able to speak quite a bit with them during lessons, and after.
Courtney G.
Public school teacher
Shenzhen
I work in a public primary school teaching 4th, 5th and 6th grade. I teach 10 classes of 40 minutes every week, plus an extra after school English Corner once a week. I have a total of 20 different classes of 50+ students who I see every other week.
Nicole V.
Public school teacher
Shenzhen
The school itself is great! Being a teacher for the first time ever has definitely had some obstacles I needed over come, however everyone at the school is really great and my contact teacher is excellent. I do need to stay at school for office hours, which are 8-5 with 12-2:30 for a lunch/nap. I have 13 classes a week at 40 minutes a class.