Having a chance to finally sit back and recount my experiences teaching kindergarten in China is a therapeutic experience. Finally, I can take a little time to reflect on my teaching years here in the Middle Kingdom.
I’ve spent most of my time in China teaching in kindergartens, and I can say, without doubt, that I have LOVED (almost) every minute of it.
Teaching children, especially very young ones, isn’t for everyone. You must have tons of patience and the right temperament. I found it very useful to be from a large Irish family (with so many nephews around!) I naturally developed the right skills to deal with and bond with little people. I didn’t think of it at the time, but as I arrived in China and started teaching in a kindergarten, I realised that I didn’t have to start from scratch. Being around and relating to children felt natural, and I soon realised I had an inherent knack and desire to educate them. If you share a similar inclination – or think you might – a kindergarten teaching job might be the right gig for you too.
If you’re contemplating a career teaching kindergarten in China, I thought it might help to share my insider’s experience. Getting a little ‘know-how’ can go a long way in helping you understand what you’re about to get yourself into. I’ll get into the ins and outs of kindergarten types in China (yes, there are several!), what an average teaching week looks like, what you are expected to do and, lastly, what you can expect to earn. I hope all this information will help you decide if teaching kindergarten in China is the right career path for you.
Note…if you are indeed cut out for it, you will have an absolute ball!
Here’s what I’ll cover in this guide – feel free to click through the links if there’s a section you want to dive straight into:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Kindergartens in China – how they differ
International kindergartens VS regular kindergartens
Chinese kindergartens VS western kindergartens
What my regular teaching week in China looks like
What does a kindergarten teacher in China usually do?
What I love most about teaching kindergarten in China
Requirements to teach Kindergarten in China
What traits should I have to be a kindergarten teacher?
What kind of salary can I earn as a kindergarten teacher in China?
Kindergartens in China – how they differ
As with all school types in China, kindergartens come in all shapes and sizes. The most prestigious kindergartens are aligned with international schools – they have tremendous resources and are excruciatingly expensive to attend. As a result, the teachers who manage to nab a job in these are typically highly qualified (but not always) and hold either a teaching license or an Early Years degree. They are also handsomely paid.
Then there are privately-owned kindies that offer a local Chinese curriculum or follow an international one. You’ll soon learn that following a specific curriculum will impact your hours, workload, and annual holiday.
Let’s get into more details.
As mentioned above, international kindergartens follow an international program and usually adhere to a global calendar with Christmas and Summer holidays as well as the usual Chinese holidays. To work in an international kindergarten in China, you will need to have some experience. However, you don’t always have to be fully qualified. It really depends on the needs of each institution.
International kindergartens generally have smaller classes so that you can offer every child more support.
Aside from international school kindergartens, you will find government-licensed, private kindergartens in China – like our more familiar small neighbourhood kindies back home. These so-called ‘regular’ kindergartens mostly follow the local Chinese curriculum with English learning as an added focus. They are cheaper to attend, and classes are pretty large – even up to 30 students.
Regular Chinese kindergartens follow the local holiday calendar, which, as you might guess, means less annual leave for teachers. Unlike international kindergarten teachers – who get international and local holiday time – you’d only enjoy the local holiday schedule if you worked in a regular kindergarten.
Requirements and pay can vary wildly between kindergartens. By and large, however, these are still among the most lucrative teaching jobs in China.
Chinese kindergartens VS western kindergartens
There isn’t a single school ‘type’ in China that could vary more from its Western counterpart. There are many ‘surprises’ Chinese kindergartens have in store for potential teachers.
First and foremost, most kindergartens in China comprise full-day programs. None of this ‘you’ll be away from mummy and daddy for just a few hours a day, darling!’ nonsense. In China, kindergarten students arrive at school at 8.30 am (just in time for breakfast!) and often don’t leave until 4.30/5.00 pm.
Now, don’t panic. The good news (for teachers, at least) is that the day is usually broken up by a two-hour lunch break when the children are napping. Bearing all this in mind, kindergarten teachers still churn out a 40-hour week.
Kindergartens in China are certainly not as we know them. In the West, most kindergarten programs are play-based, focusing on holistic development. In other words, they allow children to develop good habits that will build the foundation for their primary schooling in organic and non-structured ways. Then, there’s China, where kindergarten programs are jam-packed with classes. Recently, more emphasis has been placed on holistic development and Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). However, there is little doubt the focus for most remains on traditional learning (for now).
The traditional approach usually combines language classes, math, art, music, physical and general knowledge. This means a busy day for these (very) young students. In addition, many children are also expected to partake in extracurricular classes after the (long) school day is over. Yep, even kindergarten children. These classes may be run by the school or held in separate training centres in the evening. Subjects include dancing and art or additional English-language learning. You will not usually be asked to teach these classes. If you are, and you agree, make sure you’re getting paid for them.
What my regular teaching week in China looks like
Your average teaching day will likely include teaching one English class (under one hour), as well as supervising and teaching other classes like, say, sports or cooking. You’ll also have to watch students during playtime to make sure they are safe and keep themselves out of mischief. Generally, most of your day is spent looking after the children rather than teaching them something. The day might be long, but the workload is not all that intense.
Before I transitioned from kindergarten teacher to kindergarten headmaster (only in China!), I worked as an ESL teacher for a high-end kindergarten in Beijing. My job involved teaching students the very basics of English. I taught English vocabulary through daily activities and repetition, picking the students’ most interesting topics.
I encouraged my students to use as much fluency as possible outside the classroom, constantly asking them questions and getting them to answer. After a few months of this, it was great to see their English language skills improve dramatically. Another big part of English language learning centres around phonics.
Honestly, until I started teaching in kindergarten, I had no idea how to teach young children. With help from friends, a patient girlfriend and YouTube videos, I learned to improve my teaching ability and became an effective kindergarten teacher.
What does a kindergarten teacher in China usually do?
You will learn quickly that teaching English is only one of several jobs you’ll be expected to do while working in a kindergarten in China. As a foreign teacher, in particular, you’ll be asked to do things that go beyond the teaching scope. You’ll have to attend myriad meetings, many of which will be only held in Chinese – you’ll still be expected to show up. Meetings are held about anything and everything. More often than not, you’ll have to attend a meeting to discuss meetings. It’s maddening, but it is just another part of the job. As is being present for recruitment drives – having a foreign teacher on staff is a huge incentive for parents. Headmasters know that and they’ll want you to attend to lure in more recruits.
You will also be asked to talk with parents daily. If you are a homeroom teacher, this will be a core part of your job, but it won’t be as frequent if you are an ESL teacher. Yet you will still be expected to build relationships with parents but in a less formal way. On the bright side, kindergarten teachers are well regarded in Chinese culture, so don’t be surprised if you are revered by some parents and receive presents regularly.
Some teachers are happy to comply with all the extra requirements, while others will simply grin and bear it. Either way (whether you like it or not) it is all part and parcel of teaching in China.
The single biggest bug-bear of teachers would have to be the paperwork. In this regard, it helps to constantly remind yourself that you are going to work (and live) in one of the most bureaucratic countries in the world. You’ll be continuously asked to complete reports. I have always wished they focused more on the content of classes rather than paperwork, but ours was not to wonder why, it would seem.
As a foreign teacher, you will also be asked to dress up and participate in classroom activities. I particularly loved dressing up as Santa, the Easter Bunny and wearing Halloween costumes at work. Not everyone will enjoy this part of the job, but it was a blast and a highlight for me!
What I Love Most About Teaching Kindergarten in China
This is as obvious as it is cliché. It’s definitely the children. Kindergarten teachers can make the most significant impact on a student’s academic life – more than any other teacher type. Kindergarten sets kids up for decades of education. Do it right, and the students will reap the rewards of your hard work for years.
As the first year progresses, you’ll not only notice your students’ physical growth but also witness their improvement in English-language skills. Once you taught them basic words and sounds, you’ll find yourself having short conversations. You also notice the children better comprehend what you’re saying and it is all so gratifying.
As mentioned, those two-hour lunch breaks shorten the day quite a bit and allow you to recharge your batteries. It’s even enough time to put your energy into a different project that isn’t work-related. I spent my time failing to learn Chinese and, primarily, setting up China By Teaching. Time well spent; it would seem!
The type of kindergarten you end up working in will dictate how much time you get off during the year. As noted above, international kindergartens give generous winter and summer holidays. Smaller and/or less prestigious kindergartens might limit your time off to Chinese public holidays and some annual leave.
Requirements to Teach Kindergarten in China
These at the requirements to teach kindergarten in China:
- Bachelor’s Degree (in any subject)
- Be between 22 – 60 years old
- Clear Criminal Background Check
- TEFL Certificate (Must be 120 hours, although you will be exempt if you hold an Education or Early Years degree.)
- Previous experience in a kindergarten (preferred)
While kindergarten teaching experience is preferred, it’s not an absolute requirement. Kindergartens often welcome teachers who demonstrate enthusiasm and care towards children above all else. This is particularly true in the regular type kindergartens.
Traits to be a Kindergarten Teacher
The personal traits you need to possess to be an effective kindergarten teacher are the same the world over – and no different in China.
The most desirable traits include
- Passion
- Patience
- Desire to be a role model
- Empathy
- Creativity
Passion: Undoubtedly, the most important quality you should possess is passion. This quality keeps you motivated when things are not going right in the classroom or school. Passion is fed by the personal sense of accomplishment the teacher feels when witnessing the young learners’ progression throughout the year.
Patience: Kids are so easily distracted, and they can get into all sorts of predicaments. So, when a student’s curiosity leads them to play with paint on the floor, a kindergarten teacher should take the time to explain why they shouldn’t – rather than get visibly annoyed. Patience, grasshopper! They are only little tykes, after all.
Empathy: You must have an inherent like of children and the ability to build relationships with them. You must understand that sometimes a child uses poor behaviour to communicate with you. Not every child is naughty, just because!
Desire to be a role model: As their kindergarten teacher, you are one of the most influential people in your students’ lives outside their immediate family. You will be expected to lead by example, and, most importantly, you should have a deep desire to be a great role model for your students.
Try to do more than just engage with the children and sing them songs. Children are expected to learn much when in your care, which will be your primary responsibility. For all this, kindergarten teachers are paid very well.
The Salary I Can Earn as a Kindergarten Teacher in China
Tier 1 Cities: 20,000 – 26,000 RMB per month (After Tax).
Tier 2 Cities: 18,000 – 22,000 RMB per month (After Tax).
Tier 3 Cities: 14,000 – 20,000 RMB per month (After Tax).
Salaries for kindergartens, even those at international schools (look at those salaries), are not that different. Salaries in kindergartens in Beijing, for example, can range from 20,000 to 27,000 RMB after tax. The major difference between an international kindergarten and regular kindergarten job is the benefits offered. These can result in sizeable differences.
In Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, the salaries are lower, but the cost of living is lower too. At the end of every month, you might just see a much greater saving potential when you work and live in a second/third tier city.
Notwithstanding the considerable salary, I rate the experience of teaching in a kindergarten in China was one of the best things I’ve ever done. Amid the most frustrating times, when meetings were dragging on, when you were being kept in the dark, when things were changed at the last minute, or a parent complained because you didn’t ask their precious child a question in class… it was the smiles and the laughs with the cutest kids in the world that made it all worthwhile.
If you think you have what it takes to be a kindergarten teacher in China and would love to know what kind of opportunities are out there, simply send us your CV and we’ll be in touch.
