The job of imparting knowledge is not necessarily a one-sided proposition. Take, for example, ESL – a routine that, amongst other things, instructs the instructor in not only comprehensively imparting techniques in the use of the English language, but also in reviewing his/her capacities and limitations as a distributor of such knowledge in either a domestic or foreign setting. Yes, yes ... I know it’s exciting to reside abroad and to learn of other cultures at firsthand; Lord knows, I’ve done enough of that in my own lifetime and still find the proposition most appealing. HOWEVER, even at this late date, I can recall only too well that my original concept of and attitude toward my career as an international ESL instructor may have been lacking a few important essentials … those which could have well prevented my constant peregrinating and occasionally erroneous decision-making regarding the questions of where to go, under which conditions and, above all else, whether to remain under despairing circumstances to take a beating psychologically, as well as financially. I’m not saying my career hasn’t had its triumphant moments. I can well recall some stupendous times in Brazil, México, Germany, Japan, and right here in the USA. But, of course, those grossly unsuccessful choices – twice in China and once in Los Angeles – still weigh heavily on my mind. Contrary to expectation, dear colleagues, I am not going to accuse the schools or agents involved for my total lack of success on those occasions … that would be too bloody convenient. On the contrary, I’ve come to realize – and must confess to you at this time — that my own mistaken expectations can probably account for the major portion of whatever losses I sustained in the past.

There have been numerous accounts in this forum of the same brand of cheating by employers that I was so unfortunate to experience. Yes, I blame them for their skullduggery, but MYSELF for having taken far too much for granted and for not having conducted sufficient inquiry prior to moving over to China lock, stock, and barrel. But that mistake, having been made, should have provided me with more than enough insight to prevent a second episode … and in the very same locus! Theoretically, when one signs a contract he/she should be able to believe its contents – at least, that’s the way it is in the West. And, looking at the situation logically, would it not be natural for one to place faith in his/her employer’s making the teaching staff feel as comfortable as possible throughout the scholastic year, if only to guarantee the consistent effort of same said employees and, likewise, the resultant maintenance of order and satisfaction within the student population? Apparently this thinking is not so popular with many schools which are currently bombarded by scads of teacher applications – including, unfortunately, many representing individuals who are not, by any stretch of the imagination, qualified to consider themselves as teachers. In fact, so many schools presently have such easy access to bodies, they feel they can get away with testing the limits that instructors will tolerate to merely have the opportunity to work in their chosen field. One day, however, the number of available dupes will decrease as China steps up its goals even further in English language education. Some instructors are willing to wait it out for that blessed era, though a growing number – in full support of unionization – are currently beginning a bold attempt to unite in defense of, among other things, strict contract adherence. Whether or not such an ambitious undertaking will prove feasible in The People’s Republic, only time will tell. In any event, it’s at least a start in the right direction. So, despite the fakers and the phonies in the guise of legitimate teachers, from the recent tone of this Forum’s posts, I am truly beginning to believe the majority of my colleagues are upright, well educated, sincere, and highly dedicated to their educational mission abroad. I, for one, pledge my continuing moral support in our common plight.

The Arrogant One