YES, dee ... I fear that what you've said regarding 'intimidation' is quite true. Stiff warnings tend to scare away many of the legitimate players in The Great Game of EFL. Yet, logic would dictate than ANY worthwhile entity in this world is subject to abuse at the hands of a dispassionate minority. After all, this is part of human nature, the perennial struggle of good vs. evil, both of which quantities are at the human option from the get-go. This all boils down to the fact that having chosen to be a teacher is not written in the stars, but is a decision not to be taken too lightly. Nonetheless, we are still dealing with human beings who, irrespective of their fancy titles and good (declared) intentions, can still be the misfits of a society. I fear that weeding out this unsavory element DOES run the risk of weakening the interests of those who are truly qualified, yet, TRUE qualification consists of not only academic facility, but also an understanding of the human element and the necessity for warnings against counterproductive behavior. Maybe that's what is better referred to as 'maturity.'

Finally, a whiner can surely be one gigantic pain in the gluteus maximus, and should be gotten rid of a.s.a.p. The playboy/girl, however, is quite another problem. So long as he/she doesn't demonstrate his/her tendencies in public, AND DOESN'T VICTIMIZE STUDENTS OR STAFF, what the hell CAN you do? We are all entitled to a private life, just so long as it doesn't interfere with the progress of others, as well as injure the reputation of one's employer.

Let me hear your opinions, Dee, and thanks for your reply.

The Arrogant One

> I hope the result you mentioned will actually happen here. China
> really needs people who want to be teachers. No room for the whiners
> and playboys/playgirls.

> Here's hoping it happens!!

> Im just curious though, if you think being more direct and exact in
> contracts will scare away new teachers wnating to come here. When I
> first saw the stuff that is in some of the contracts during my job
> search, it was intimidating. I felt a bit like they don't trust me at
> all, so does that mean they also can't be trusted. My school has had
> to put stupid details like that in contracts, but as a friend said to
> me, that just makes the good teachers feel uncomfortable, when they
> arent the ones who cause problems. The whiner & playboy that we
> have had, both totally disregarded everything in the contract. The
> whiner kept whining til we said good bye...and the playboy kept doing
> whatever it was he did behind closed doors. Sadly.

> I agree with all of your points mentioned. I hope it doesn't sound
> like Im trying to argue. Just wondering if you can give me some
> insight on this side of it.

> Thanks & looking forward to hearing more.