Press Release - December 19, 2001

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is recruiting native-speaking English teachers (NETs) for primary schools in Hong Kong for the 2002-03 school year commencing on August 16, 2002.

The recruitment drive is to recruit NETs to teach English to Chinese ESL students and assist in teacher and curriculum development in Government and Government-subvented primary schools (equivalent to US grades 1 � 6) as well as schools for students with special educational needs.

Candidates who wish to apply for the NET posts must be native English speakers and should possess:

(i) a bachelor�s degree, preferably majoring in English Language or Linguistics or English Literature or English Studies or a Modern Language; AND/OR
(ii) a recognised teacher training qualification, preferably in Primary Education or Teaching of English as a Foreign or Second Language (TEFL/TESL).

Experience in teaching English as a second/foreign language at primary school level is preferable.

Candidates who do not possess a TEFL/TESL qualification may be considered but they will be required to attend a course in Hong Kong leading to such qualification within the first year of their employment at their own expense.

For appointment in special schools, preference will be given to candidates who have received special education training and/or have experience in teaching students with special educational needs.

The appointment of NETs will be on a two-year contract, subject to renewal after expiry. Subject to satisfactory completion of the contract, the NETs will receive a gratuity of 15% of the total basic salary on completion of the contract.

The salary scale is HK$193,140 to HK$464,340 (approx. CA$38,783 to CA$93,240, based on exchange rate HK$4.98 = CA$1) per annum. A special allowance of HK$13,000 (approx. CA$2,610) per month, free passages and baggage and medical allowances will be provided.

Application forms can be obtained from Placement & Support Section, Education Department, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Room 3208A, 32nd floor, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen�s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong (E-mail: [email protected]). The deadline for application is February 19, 2002.

Enquiries can be directed to the same office by telephone on (852) 2126 5296 or (852) 2126 5297 or by fax on (852) 2123 1239 or (852) 2116 0531. More information is available on the website: http://www.info.gov.hk/ed.