That is likely the case. Unsurprisingly, even well intentioned recruiters for good schools in China lack the ability to distinguish between qualified and suspect candidates from overseas. I know of one university college with astonishing success at attracting competent FTs; they use an ex-teacher, now back in her home country to screen resumes and initiate Skype interviews.

I've been in China for over ten years and speak the language. But I cannot recognize Chinese citizens who are 'a little off', while my Chinese friends can spot them right away. FAOs have similar problems recognizing foreign candidates who are going to be trouble.

And yes, Chinese agency recruiters and many private schools could care less as long as their monkeys can dance.

There are myriad tactics to breaking a contract when a foreign teacher finally arrives and is certifiably mad, in the throes of detox, or walks wrapped in the fragrance of San Miguel Pale Pilsen. Original documentation is only the latest ruse.

FAO departments often take a few weeks or months to recognize their defective new non-teacher. Private Schools are rather more efficient in recognizing that their new monkey cannot dance. Rather than being honest ("You are an alcoholic and are unable to read, write, and occasionally even to speak English. You're fired.") even good institutions choose to sweep the FT out of the province with some small-print contract language.

Remember that every 'bad hire' is a reflection on the FAO department's hiring process. I know of one university that 'warehoused' an FT for two semesters, giving him only two hours of teaching a week with a class of non-English majors who didn't understand a mumbled word. He was paid in full throughout the duration of the contract AND given a favorable release letter but, of course, denied a new contract. He was hired by a new university in Sichuan. When he showed up drunk at the airport to meet his new FAO assistant, he promptly fell down the airport escalator and was carried to the hospital. The school put him on a flight back to Chicago the next day. Another contract violation no doubt.

Remember, ultimately it is the students who suffer from these damaged FTs that shouldn't have been hired in the first place.

BUT....

Your suggestion to post schools where FTs have had good experiences is an excellent thought. It rarely happens primarily because it will likely immediately identify the poster.

It will, however, not act to improve the quality of the FTs that apply.