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BC sends teachers to Asia
By Mata Press Service
A Vancouver-based company is looking for hundreds of teachers to begin a class act in Taiwan.
Footprints Recruiting is planning to cash in on the shift by the Taiwanese government towards the use of native English speaking teachers in classrooms around the country.
It expects to send over 1000 teachers to Asia in 2006 and that number is expected to double in 2007.
The company recently signed a deal with the Ministry of Education in Taiwan to provide 50 teachers to public schools around Taiwan.
In addition Footprints will place close to 500 native English speaking teachers in Asia this summer.
Ben Glickman, co-owner of Footprints Recruiting, said Taiwan is the third
Asian Ministry of Education they have brought on board this year.
Asian Ministry of Education they have brought on board this year.
"No other ESL recruitment company in the world can handle
the volume or needs of the various governments in Asia."
the volume or needs of the various governments in Asia."
With the expansion of existing programs the demand for teachers grows every year.
Each month Footprints places approximately 50 teachers in South Korea alone and they
represent only 3% of the market share of teachers legally teaching in Korea.
represent only 3% of the market share of teachers legally teaching in Korea.
Yu-Mei Li, Taiwan Ministry of Education representative says, "Most
Canadian teachers are positive and benefit our schools. Some of their teaching
methods and skills inspire our local teachers to make improvement and
progress."
Canadian teachers are positive and benefit our schools. Some of their teaching
methods and skills inspire our local teachers to make improvement and
progress."
Glickman, told The Asian Pacific Post said the contract with Taiwan is a first for a BC company.
“We are supplying teachers for public schools. They’re for primary and middle schools. Middle schools are for children up to age 12.
“It’s a big step for us in terms of working with a government agency in Taiwan. It’s a broader opportunity to place teachers with greater qualifications. A huge impact on the business. It adds legitimacy to what we do,” he said.
As of today, Glickman has 60 teachers in private language schools in Taiwan.
As many as 38 teachers have applied to take up the 50 new positions available, he said.
Glickman is looking for people who are native English speakers.
“When you say native English speakers, they must come from countries like the US, Canada, England, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.”
Applicants must have a Bachelor in education or teaching experience.
“For these teachers the salary is 1,800 US dollars per month and that’s for those with the basic qualifications. They also need to pass a criminal background check,” he said.
When asked whether Footprints will be able to provide all the teachers
necessary Glickman says, "We've already filled our expectations for public
schools South Korea and China. Taiwan should be an easy placement to fill
considering it's a beautiful, sub-tropical country with an amazing culture.
Local teachers burn out in Canada. They want experience something new so why
not a sabbatical in Taiwan or Asia somewhere? It's actually a great idea for
all experienced teachers with the courage to try something new because it's a
rejuvenating experience."
necessary Glickman says, "We've already filled our expectations for public
schools South Korea and China. Taiwan should be an easy placement to fill
considering it's a beautiful, sub-tropical country with an amazing culture.
Local teachers burn out in Canada. They want experience something new so why
not a sabbatical in Taiwan or Asia somewhere? It's actually a great idea for
all experienced teachers with the courage to try something new because it's a
rejuvenating experience."
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