they use a business model instead of an educational approach. The students are the clients while you are the seller the product. One of the major reasons on why there is a high turnover of teachers is their lack of treatment towards educators. The administration and staff do want you to be on the student's side in case of any potential issues. Usually, students misbehave and treat teachers badly. There were cases where the administration ignored problems coming from previous teachers that had conflicts with student aggressions on campus. Although it can be beneficial for teachers to receive feedback coming from students' submission forms, they can severely impact a teacher's future at this location.
-- Staff wise --
The staff was mostly good, however, there were particular staff members that did intimidate others including myself. The staff is supportive because they know there is a high turnout and they do everything they can to make everyone stay. The ones who are happy have full-time hours and better working conditions than others.
Hours/wages
As for an entry level job, this job pays around 19-21 dollars an hour. For some they might consider it low for San Diego. My problem was the lack of hours given. The hours are extremely low and they would put a large break gap that makes it exhausting to stay there all day. The staff encourages you to use a large break gap to sign up for the gym and do other things, but I prefer to work than spend money. The hours are given to those who have stayed longer which makes it challenging for anyone to stay. There are about 50-60 teachers working there and I find that strange how they can manage so many teachers with a few hours. During the school year, they cut your hours even more due to low enrollment.
-- structure --
Sadly, there isn't structure in this school which makes it challenging. They expect you to use a textbook and make the classroom environment engaging. However, it is impossible from time to time because of the age groups or the student's duration of stay.
- treatment -
Like I explained before, students have more authority over teachers. It is a business not an actual school. There is also favouritism at this school giving out hours which makes it a disadvantage for others.
--additional things --
At this location there is no union. There were improvements made after reaching a deal, but the institution itself needs more changes regarding the teaching position.
From the news I got before leaving is that enrolment was lower than expected and it could be that there will be financial problems in the future.
There is a constant change of staff due to the working conditions and business prospect.
-- advice for future ESL teachers --
1. There are plenty of other schools in San Diego that are much better than this location. I've worked in other places that had better structures in terms of supporting teachers and controlling student behaviour.
2. You can always volunteer to gain experience to see if this is the right job for you.
3. If you still want to experience EF English in San Diego, I recommend to not stay long because of the low hours and low pay. It's not a liveable job.
4. Don't expect career advancements.
5. It's a part time position but cannot be fulltime.
