Quote:
Originally Posted by Stacmon
I spoke today with another JET spokesperson and I was told that they've decided to extend the number of times a person can renew their contract to 4, meaning they can potentially stay a total of 5 years (it's also in the pamphlets/magazines they gave me).
This has led me to wonder... are they at all flexible with payment during contract renewals? In other words, will they offer you any increased pay or incentive (such as a renewal bonus) to recognize your additional teaching experience?
What have you guys heard about this?
Also, after doing JET for a year or two, do people ever leave to get better pay/benefits in a private school?
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I don't think the pay rate for a JET has changed since the beginning of the program. Now, with the strong yen, it is a very nice pay. The budget for the JET teacher is set in advance, so there is no room for negotiation in terms of payrate (unless something has changed recently). Why would they? there are tons of people who will happily take your place at the original pay.
One things JETs learn quickly is that they are the smallest fish in a very big pond. Westerners often have great ideas on how to fix things, improve systems, make them better, etc. In your position as a JET that is rocking the boat, making trouble, being a loudmouth. I am not saying you are an English-speaking robot, but outside of the confines of your classroom a lot of work-related decisions are made for you. Even the most seemingly innocuous question will require approval of the prefectural board of education. It's a massive bureaucracy...but a good social studies lesson.
Everyone I know goes home after JET. You have to. What happens afterward, I am not sure.