Primary NET Scheme in Hong Kong
English Teachers in Hong Kong will typically work at one school.
The expectations of Primary English Teachers in Hong Kong are to maintain innovative teaching activities, assist in the professional development of a school-based curriculum and to work within the community of the school. Primary Schools in Hong Kong will vary in different aspects such as the background of the students and the school culture.
Working Hours
English teachers in primary schools in Hong Kong will teach at either Whole Day schools or Bi-sessional schools. Teachers do not have a choice in their school placement. Whole Day schools run from 08:00-15:30, while Bi-sessional Schools run from 07:30-13:00 and 13:30-18:00.
All NETs are required to work during school hours, after school hours, and occasional weekends to perform duties within or outside schools.
Class Size of Primary Schools in Hong Kong
Class sizes in Hong Kong public schools vary. Teachers can expect to have between 30-37 students per class.
Accommodation in Hong Kong
Apartments in Hong Kong are generally smaller and more expensive than in North America. Rental costs in different districts within Hong Kong vary greatly in price. A monthly cash allowance is given to all NETs, amounting to HK$20,989 per month (approx. $2,705 USD) to assist with living expenses. The housing allowance is determined by calculating the average cost of an 800 sq. foot apartment across all of Hong Kong. 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 include Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year, Easter, and 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 be reimbursed for round-trip airfare to and from Hong Kong once per contract. Teachers traveling with families will also be 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 traveling 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 fluent English speakers. Preference will be given to applicants with experience in teaching English as a second/foreign language.
| Category | Qualifications for PNET Teachers in Hong Kong |
|---|---|
| 1 | (i) a Bachelor’s degree in English, i.e. majoring in English Language, English Literature, English Studies or Linguistics (in which English is the major language studied) or a Modern Language (in which English is the major language studied) from a Hong Kong university or equivalent; and (ii) a recognized teacher training qualification in primary education; and *(iii) a Teaching of English as Foreign Language or a Second Language (TEFL/TESL) qualification at least at the certificate level. |
| 2 | (i) a Bachelor’s degree in any subject from a Hong Kong University or equivalent; and (ii) a recognized teacher training qualification in primary education; and *(iii) a TEFL/TESL qualification at least at the certificate level. |
| NOTE: In the event that sufficient number of candidates meeting the requirements in Category 1 & 2 cannot be recruited, consideration may be given to appoint teachers with the following qualifications: | |
| 3 | (i) a Bachelor’s degree in any subject from a Hong Kong University or equivalent; and (ii) a recognized teacher training qualification; and *(iii) a TEFL/TESL qualification at least at the certificate level. |
| 4 | (i) a Bachelor’s degree in any subject from a Hong Kong University or equivalent; and *(ii) a TEFL/TESL qualification at least at the certificate level. |
| 5 | (i) a recognized teaching certificate obtained after at least 2 years’ full-time study or equivalent; and *(ii) a TEFL/TESL qualification at least at the certificate level. |
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