Vacancies for English Teacher with the military

by **andyinasia** » Fri Nov 16, 2012 4:41 pm

Teachers have been asking me for months whether a vacancy might come up where I work. Well all that lobbying has paid off and funds have been found for another full-time and part-time position. I'm advertising them here and playing a straight bat - no one's been chosen on the sly and anyone can apply.

The selection panel comprises the Australian Defence Attache - as paymaster (or his representative) and the Major-General who founded the whole English-teaching project which now amounts to 11 centres in various military units and bases. I'll be asked for recommendations and am available to answer any questions (preferably in person or by PM).

Whilst we are based at the National Defence University in Russei Keo, part of the reason for recruiting more staff is to send some of us to other units such as Naval HQ and the Officer Cadet School. You could therefore find yourself in a remote spot in Kompong Speu or Ream naval base near Sihanoukville along with other possible venues.

The pay is substantially higher than the average English-teaching gig, but a lot more is expected of us, particularly for the full-time position. In addition to the 24 hours per week contact time, we are expected to prepare materials to supplement the coursebooks and mark a fair amount of homework - given that we are paid A LOT more than our Cambodian counterparts, the onus is on us to develop the writing skills in particular.

We teach English with a military bias; that is not to say that we need to be military experts - however it does help to pick up some general military knowledge along the way along with a good knowledge of geo-politics. The main criteria for the full-time teacher is competence and experience, and a serious commitment to the job; the part-time facilitator focuses more on developing speaking, listening and reading skills, and could possibly combine the role with another part-time job if he or she is based in the city: that would need to be negotiated with the selection panel.

I'll be at Garage shortly; otherwise, I'll answer queries tomorrow and thereafter.

by **youngwill100** » Fri Nov 16, 2012 6:10 pm

As these seem to be positions within a large organisation, are there proper job descriptions available, together with a list of essential, desirable, and nice-to-have qualifications and experience, plus any other criteria required for the jobs?

by **andyinasia** » Fri Nov 16, 2012 6:22 pm

youngwill100 wrote:As these seem to be positions within a large organisation, are there proper job descriptions available, together with a list of essential, desirable, and nice-to-have qualifications and experience, plus any other criteria required for the jobs?

No.

by **KL&fool** » Fri Nov 16, 2012 7:11 pm

Most people considering this would probably want to know how much dosh they could expect to make.

Any hints?

(Is the Mancunian bloke who is now settled in Oz still involved?)

by **andyinasia** » Fri Nov 16, 2012 7:24 pm

KL&fool wrote:Most people considering this would probably want to know how much dosh they could expect to make.

Any hints?

(Is the Mancunian bloke who is now settled in Oz still involved?)

I don't know that any new incumbent would be paid the same as me, so i don't want to mislead anyone. I won't add to my hint above.

Which Manc? How can someone settled in Oz be involved?

by **KL&fool** » Fri Nov 16, 2012 7:30 pm

There was an Ozzie (but born in Manchester) involved in the programme a few years back. I just wondered whether he was still involved. *

Why shouldn't any new teacher be paid the same as you?

*Edited for clarity

by **andyinasia** » Fri Nov 16, 2012 7:35 pm

KL&fool wrote:There was a Manc who was unashamedly an Oz citizen involved in the programme around 2002/3. I just wondered whether he was still involved. Apparently not. Clearly before your time, but some of your masters might remember.

Why shouldn't any new teacher be paid the same as you?

The pay rates are nothing to do with me; I just don't want to make any assumptions.

by **KL&fool** » Fri Nov 16, 2012 7:38 pm

Fair enough, aia. Just wondering about how much any interested applicants might expect. Good luck. Nothing to do with me. I just don't want to make any assumptions. Brett still involved or has he gone, too?

by **youngwill100** » Fri Nov 16, 2012 7:51 pm

andyinasia wrote:
youngwill100 wrote:As these seem to be positions within a large organisation, are there proper job descriptions available, together with a list of essential, desirable, and nice-to-have qualifications and experience, plus any other criteria required for the jobs?

No.

Lazy and unprofessional considering the Department of Defence are involved. So the candidates will be judged by the 'selection panel' not against a set of objective criteria but just personal preference and a nudge, nudge, wink from you?

by **andyinasia** » Fri Nov 16, 2012 8:06 pm

youngwill100 wrote:
andyinasia wrote:
youngwill100 wrote:As these seem to be positions within a large organisation, are there proper job descriptions available, together with a list of essential, desirable, and nice-to-have qualifications and experience, plus any other criteria required for the jobs?

No.

Lazy and unprofessional considering the Department of Defence are involved. So the candidates will be judged by the 'selection panel' not against a set of objective criteria but just personal preference and a nudge, nudge, wink from you?

No.

I'll respond to queries that are genuine only.

by **vladimir** » Fri Nov 16, 2012 9:28 pm

Monty Python.

So sad.

But true. :-D

by **Milord** » Fri Nov 16, 2012 11:50 pm

Andy, I think you should be commended for sticking your neck out and promoting these jobs. Not for me, but sounds a hell of a lot better than some "schools" there.

by **youngwill100** » Sat Nov 17, 2012 5:03 am

andyinasia wrote:No.

Welcome to Cambodia. Transparency in job applications. Especially those in military, government and diplomatic areas.

It's ok, I'll stop my trolling now

It's just I've rarely seen such a small amount of information for a similar job given:
"The main criteria for the full-time teacher is competence and experience, and a serious commitment to the job"

How about just the basic facts, Andy?

Qualifications required? CELTA, TEFL Certificates, University degree etc

Experience? One year, five years?

Pay range? $10-20 per hour equivalent?

Location? Sihanoukville is mentioned. Is this just possible or likely? Makes a big difference to applicants with a rental in PP.

Languages? Spoken Khmer required? Or desired? Written Khmer? French?

Other experience? Previous roles in NGO or governmental teaching?

Security? Police or other clearance required?

Commitment? Willingness to work extra hours? Undertake extra peripheral activities? Wear a suit? What?

Competence? A few required or desired competencies?

by **OrangeDragon** » Sat Nov 17, 2012 5:50 am

well, based on his OP it seems like there was a group already familiar with his position and seeking to apply... and that he was targeting them. as such, they probably needed little information other than "OK, now there's an opening... here's how you apply."