The education sector in China is a rapidly evolving landscape, with the government implementing various policies to ensure the quality of education. This is especially true for International Qualified Teacher Status (IQTS) teachers who are tasked with educating the future generation. However, these policies often present a number of issues that need to be addressed. In this blog post, we’ll delve into five of these issues and how they impact IQTS teachers in China.
1. Language Policy
Language Proficiency
The Chinese government places a high emphasis on language proficiency for IQTS teachers. This is because the medium of instruction in many schools is Mandarin, the official language of China. Therefore, IQTS teachers are expected to have a good command of the language to effectively communicate with students. However, this poses a challenge for non-native speakers who may struggle with the language barrier.
English Language Teaching
On the flip side, there’s a growing demand for English language teaching in China. The government encourages schools to hire native English speakers or those with a high level of English proficiency. While this creates opportunities for English-speaking IQTS teachers, it also creates a disparity as teachers of other subjects may feel undervalued.
2. Curriculum Changes
Standardisation of Curriculum
The Chinese government has implemented a standardised curriculum across all schools. This means that IQTS teachers are required to follow a specific teaching plan, leaving little room for creativity or flexibility. While this ensures consistency in education, it may stifle the teaching methods of some IQTS teachers who are used to a more flexible curriculum.
Emphasis on STEM Education
There’s also a strong emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in China. IQTS teachers in these fields may find themselves under pressure to deliver high-quality education to meet the government’s expectations. This could lead to stress and burnout, particularly for those who are new to the profession.
3. Teacher Evaluation
Performance-Based Evaluation
IQTS teachers in China are evaluated based on their performance. This includes their ability to improve students’ academic performance, their teaching methods, and their professional development. While this encourages teachers to strive for excellence, it also creates a high-pressure environment that could negatively impact their mental health.
Student Feedback
Student feedback is another key component of teacher evaluation in China. However, this can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it provides valuable insights into a teacher’s effectiveness. On the other hand, it could lead to unfair evaluations if students provide feedback based on personal bias rather than objective assessment.
4. Professional Development
Continual Learning
The Chinese government encourages continual learning for IQTS teachers. This includes attending workshops, seminars, and training programmes. While this promotes professional growth, it also means that teachers have to juggle their teaching responsibilities with their learning commitments, which can be challenging.
Research Opportunities
There are also numerous research opportunities for IQTS teachers in China. These opportunities allow teachers to contribute to the advancement of education in the country. However, they also require a significant time commitment, which could interfere with their teaching duties.
5. Salary and Benefits
Competitive Salary
IQTS teachers in China are generally well-compensated, with a competitive salary and benefits package. This is a positive aspect of the government’s education policy as it attracts high-quality teachers. However, the high cost of living in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai can offset these benefits.
Job Security
Job security is another issue for IQTS teachers in China. While the demand for teachers is high, the job market is also highly competitive. This means that teachers have to constantly prove their worth to maintain their employment status, which can be stressful.
In conclusion, while the Chinese government’s policies in education present numerous opportunities for IQTS teachers, they also pose several challenges. It’s important for teachers to be aware of these issues and to seek support when needed. After all, their role in shaping the future generation is invaluable, and their well-being should be a top priority.
Empower Your Teaching Career with The IQTS at UWE
Understanding the complexities of government policies in China’s education system is just the beginning. If you’re an IQTS teacher facing challenges such as strict qualification requirements, limited career progression, professional isolation, or the need for a deeper understanding of global education systems, The IQTS at UWE is here to support your journey. Our programme is designed to enhance your professional development, increase your job security, and connect you with a global community of educators. Don’t let these issues hold you back. Make Your Next Step towards a more successful and fulfilling teaching career with the iQTS Programme.