It seems to be there is a new maximum age limit this year for hiring new teachers. It appears that age is 60. That’s pretty dumb-ass where I come from.
China appears to be a country that wants to improve. What are a few of the steps they have taken? One is to lower the age of foreign teachers that they can hire, but to what avail? I could understand if I was taking away a job from a Chinese person. I would be 100% behind this plan. However, if you don’t find a foreigner teacher, you have nothing. A Chinese person cannot do my job. Why keep me out?
It seems that in China people get older at a faster rate than in the West (I am a Canadian). I don’t want to guess why. But I have noticed that many people from the West in their 60’s and 70’s act much younger than your typical Chinese 50 year old.

I have had people ask me if 22 teaching hours is too much for someone my age. (I am 62). That is one dumb question because if I’m applying, then obviously it’s something I believe I can handle.
I would only apply for jobs I feel I could do well. I have been working and living in China for 8 years. I sometimes pause and wonder who are these morons who make these rules. Where I come from (and don’t mistake this for saying I come from a better place but some things are better there such as some things are better here), the better person is supposed to get the job. Being 60 does not mean you can’t walk up stairs and you can communicate with younger people. What kinds of idiots make the rules here?

I’m just blowing off steam. I’m angry and confused. Why does a country take a conscious step to be stupid? The heads of the English Departments in the various provinces appear to be little Hitlers. Who works for whom? If you run an English Department then it’s you job to make sure you try and get the best people you can. You should start thinking about your students and not your little kingdoms.
A white face and a native speaker does not mean you will get a good teacher. A 30 year old teacher is usually inferior to a 60 year old teacher. Some of us “older people” are more open to new ideas and happy to learn new ways of doing things. I don’t think many of us came to China to fool around and go drinking every night.
This country needs to get serious about the quality of people it hires. Get rid of the age limit. Let the best person get the job. It sounds simple.
If you need someone to help you, you can always hire me. I’m logical and have an understanding of China and an idea of what works. Of course just make sure I get hired if you believe I’m best. If the head of Education in your province says, “No, he/she is too old”, you should be prepared to argue. Fight for your students. They are the reason you are supposed to be working. That is to try and provide the best education for them.

Thank you,
Martin King

If you are interest in hiring an excellent person I can be reached at martin.sallco@gmail.com.