Hello. My name is Jim, an American man working as the foreign vice principal at Alcanta Vocational School, the school in question here. I have been working here for three years, initially as a regular teacher and more recently in my current position. I only recently saw this message from "Anita" (not her real name), and while she is certainly entitled to express her opinions, I thought I would respond to some of her comments and offer my own perspective--take it for what you will.

Her comment that 5 of 6 teachers were quitting is false--she was the only one who left at that time--that is actually how I know who she is. She was actually dismissed from the school because she requested two weeks' leave during the school term to return to the U.S., was not granted permission and was instead advised to wait until the August vacation time, and then bought her tickets with plans to go anyway, which the school decided violated the contract since teachers are expected to be present and teach during the school term. Of the other 5 full-time English teachers working here at that time, two worked until the completion of their contracts later that year, one was dismissed later that year for repeatedly missing class, and two are still working here. None quit--not even Anita.

Regarding her comment that the school has been through 40 teachers in 5 years, I don't know an exact number, but the turnover rate of teachers here is not particularly high. Currently, I and one other teacher have been here for 3 years, another for 2 years, and another for 1 1/2. Two current teachers whose contracts are about to end are renewing them. The school honors the contract and does its best to treat teachers fairly. While I cannot vouch for 100% satisfaction among the teachers, there is certainly not the widespread discontent that this message implies.

Regarding her being penalized for being late for class, yes, teachers are contractually expected to go to class on time--I think that's reasonable. However, teachers are typically not penalized for lateness until the third infraction, so I don't think this was a first occurrence. One could point to photocopy room inconveniences for her lateness, but she also didn't have to wait until mere minutes before her class to go make needed photocopies--that was her own choice.

She is right that student satisfaction is important at Alcanta, but learning is the primary objective, not just "making sure students are happy". The school wants teachers who can teach well, but teachers are rarely fired due to student dissatisfaction in their teaching, and never without previous warnings. A teacher would be approached and advised accordingly (as was Anita) if such an issue as student complaints arose.

Anita says the contract doesn't hold up to anything, but she was the one who broke it, and she wrote this posting when she was angry that the school was letting her go. I cannot say that Alcanta is perfect or even a great school, but as a teacher, from my 9 years teaching in China, I have found the situation here to be the most agreeable and favorable overall of the different schools where I have taught. So keep that in mind, as well as Anita's words, if you are considering working here. Thank you.