I just returned from yet another wonderful stay in China this past week, and I get a chance to see it time and time again… China is now the “new” Land of Opportunity for just about anything that you want to embark upon.
Be it business, sports, environment, “green” jobs, energy, education, automobiles, air quality control, etc…. China is where it’s at!
I came across this article http://www.huffingtonpost.com/randy-turner/a-warning-to-young-people_b_3033304.html?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00000592 today in the newspaper in which the writer, Randy Turner, a former English teacher himself, was “discouraging” young teachers from going into the teaching profession, because basically, they wouldn’t be allowed to “teach” a classroom of students, but who instead end up filing the role of a “glorified baby sitter”, dealing with mandates from the politicos, etc. He writes:
“If I were 18 years old and deciding how I want to spend my adult years, the last thing I would want to become is a classroom teacher”
“Classroom teachers, especially those who are just out of college and entering the profession, are more stressed and less valued than at any previous time in our history”
“They have to listen to a long list of politicians who belittle their ability, blame them for every student whose grades do not reach arbitrary standards, and want to take away every fringe benefit they have — everything from the possibility of achieving tenure to receiving a decent pension”
For me personally, the teachers I had along my educational pathway were so invaluable to helping me to learn and develop a “lifelong thirst for learning”. They became tremendous positive role models for me and helped me to envision who I might want to be when I grew up. I miss those day and those kinds of teachers. It’s not the teacher’s fault; it’s the system that so many of them have to operate within.
Here’s something to consider! Before jumping headlong into the teaching system as it is, why not spend the first 3 – 5 years of your teaching career teaching English (and other subjects as well) in China? Sure, those years wouldn’t count towards your “tenure” (that will continue to be defined and redefined through the years), but the “life experiences” that you’ll experience along the way, before you’re burdened down by house payments, car loans, family raising, etc., will be something that you’ll forever remember and cherish as opportunities of a lifetime.
Plus, and here’s the real bonus, you’ll be “actually teaching” a classroom full of students who still, culturally speaking, revere and honor their teachers and leaders, of which you’ll be one! You’ll be able to actually practice your time honored passion and profession of having a classroom of students that you’ll actually be able to teach and not babysit.
I speak from firsthand experience in regards to helping teachers go to China to teach English. This past summer, one of my responsibilities in working with one of the many agencies that I work with in China, was to interview, recruit and place 30 teachers from the USA to various primary/middle/high schools in China. The compensation packages were a 10 month contract that included;
– a round trip economy airplane ticket
– health care insurance
– one “in country” excursion
– very reasonably ($2 – $5) priced meals (usually complimentary on campus)
– fully furnished apartments
– monthly pay between $1,800 – $2,200 (depending on experience)
So young teachers, (also ideal for teachers who decided to take an early retirement package) consider coming to China and having a wonderful experience in teaching English and other subjects to Chinese students. You’ll love the opportunity to be able to do what you’re worked so hard to put together as a career choice… that is teaching, and teaching with the passion and enthusiasm that you still possess.
China is a country “on the move” with a lot of great things going on there. You’ll experience the energy, excitement, positivity of the “China Dream” which is the upward mobility of the whole country and its people.
I spend 9 months a year in China (for the last 3 years) working with a variety of companies and schools such as Tsinghua University, The Great Wall International Sports and Media, The Anhe Group, and several others in helping to create “cultural exchanges” and “being a bridge” between China and the USA.
My work with Tsinghua University consist of recruiting English teachers for their vast network of high schools around mainland China, creating “short term/long tem” cultural exchange programs, sports programs and study abroad opportunities for the Chinese youth. So, if you’re interested in teaching English in China, please contact me at [email protected] and I’d be more than happy to share more information with you.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
[email protected]
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at [email protected] and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
Now I understand more completely what you were telling me today about young teachers. Good article James.
I enjoyed our time together this afternoon. I will be looking forward to your return and to a golf game.
George W