Review: Manhattan Kids Club, Shenzhen

I worked at the Xiyuan branch of MKC between August 2011 and July 2012.
I was employed as the foreign teacher for KPrep class, which is the very youngest class, with children  aged 2-3years old.

Positive Points about MKC, Xiyuan

My classroom was very large with its own bathroom. Toys and books were provided. I had a computer.

The nanny and classroom assistant assigned to my class were both competent and helpful. I heard good and bad things said by my foreign colleagues about their assistants and nannies, but I had no complaints.

We had a school trip to the park.

The salary was reasonable, around 10,000rmb per month (average for teaching posts in Shenzhen) with a bonus for full attendance and punctuality.

Negative Points about MKC, Xiyuan

The manager of the school, Alyssa Liang, was initially very welcoming and approachable, with excellent English. After the initial meeting, however, we rarely saw her.

The principal of Xiyuan school was Miss Mei, the most incompetent manager I have ever had, by a long shot. She seemed to have no leadership skills whatsoever, never listened to, or supported me, and communicating with her was nearly impossible because her English was so poor.
Although I know my boss is only one part of my job, Miss Mei was one of the main reasons I chose to leave as soon as my contract was up, and never look back.

The job was advertised on Dave's ESL Cafe and stated in the ad that all teaching materials would be provided, and the teachers would have no preparation to do. Although I am not afraid of a little hard work, this seemed to be a good deal for my first teaching job. However, we did have to prepare. The only thing that was prepared was the syllabus, which we were expected to follow to the letter. Many activities were inappropriate for my students, who could barely hold a crayon, but Miss Mei insisted I do them anyway. We had to attend weekly meetings in which we had to submit our preparation for
scrutiny and criticism.

Summary

If you are looking to work at MKC, in Shenzhen or even in China generally, please take this advice.

There are many excellent schools, but if you want to enjoy your time working in China, you want to be treated with genuine respect, and you want the opportunity to make a difference with your teaching, do a thorough jobhunt.

Privately owned schools and training centres might treat you like a commodity. They pay you a lot, so they expect you to be all singing, all dancing to their tune. They might not have permission to employ you, which can lead to some pretty hairy arrest and deportation stories if the government finds out you don't have the right visa.

Government schools don't pay less. In fact, some pay more. You will be surrounded by real, qualified teachers. Its rougher work than babysitting a handful of cherubs in Gucci and Armani clothes, but much freer. In my new school, I am actively encouraged to bring my own ideas to my teaching and the school.

I feel appreciated by many of the staff and students, even those who I don't work with directly. I can't walk down the hall without someone shouting "hello!" in a wonderfully cheery voice.

I hope this review helps people looking for work in Shenzhen, and China in general.
Best of luck in your search for jobs and adventure!

Warmth,
Katy