Press Release - November 16, 2001

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

The recruitment is part of a Native-speaking English Teacher (NET) Scheme whereby native English speakers who are qualified English language teachers are employed to teach the subject in secondary schools and schools for students with special educational needs.

The 2002-03 scheme aims to recruit 100 NETs who may be employed by schools directly or through the Education Department of the Government to fill graduate teaching vacancies.

Announcing this today (November 16), a spokesman for the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office said: "Similar to previous schemes, we are launching the 2002-03 recruitment drive in countries to look for native-speaking English teachers. Canada has always been one of the major sources of applications since the scheme first started in 1998-99.

In 1998-99 and the ensuing years, the numbers of Canadian applications received ranged from 134 to 856.

"We are hopeful of a similarly good result this year," the spokesman added.

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 English Literature or English Studies or a Modern Language; and
(ii) a Post-graduate Certificate in Education or equivalent; and
(iii) a Teaching English as a Foreign Language or a Second Language (TEFL/TESL) qualification; and
(iv) at least 1 year�s experience of teaching English at secondary level or above.

The spokesman said that for appointment in special schools, preference would be given to candidates who had special education training and/or 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 total basic salary on completion of the contract.

The salary scale is HK$205,200 to HK$557,820 (approx. CA$41,205 to CA $112,012, based on exchange rate HK$4.98 = CA$1) per annum. Increments will be awarded for recognized post-degree teaching experience. A special allowance of HK$13,000 (approx. CA$2,610) per month, free passages and baggage and medical allowances will be provided.

Application form can be obtained from the 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]). Deadline for application is 22 January 2002.

Enquiries can be directed to the same office on telephone no. (852) 2126 5296 or (852) 2126 5297 or by fax at (852) 2123 1239 or (852) 2116 0531. More information is available on website: http://www.info.gov.hk/ed.