[HUE]

Congratulations on the school, Clive. You must be doing well to start hiring f/t and p/t teachers.

I've done hiring in the past, and now do a lot of training. I've also worked at a few places with full-time staff, as well as the one-day-a-week people. Their expectations are quite different. You have a chance to build loyalty with full-time staff, considering that they are long-term and you have contact with them on a daily basis. Part-timers, if unhappy, tired, or bored--whatever--will just go and find another job; they often view the job as anything but permanent, able to pick up and go wherever and whenever the feeling strikes. Of course, in smaller cities and towns, this may not be 100% true...!

The most important part is the hiring process, I think. Careful screening is important, not only in terms of skills but also compatibility with the school/staff. There's nothing worse than getting someone who ends up calling in sick every few weeks, doesn't care about the job, or doesn't get along with other teachers. It really affects everyone he/she has contact with. Here's a good article from the Teacher Trainer (someone introduced the site here):

http://www.tttjournal.co.uk/uploads/..._Selection.pdf

Once you have the person, set out clear expectations. What are your rules about teaching, sick days, pay, etc.? Also consider what your rules and expectations are in the classroom. It certainly helps if you have clear guidelines that apply to everyone.

I would also consider working towards making that person a better teacher. Job satisfaction comes at the top of the list (or near it) for staying with a company. Most of us have had terrible bosses in this business at one time or another, and yet we stayed because of the students, we could become better teachers, etc. The larger schools are quite content in this approach, setting up a treadmill of inexperienced teachers. Consider monthly meetings, as mentioned here, that also include a training workshop. Encourage feedback and comments, too. You'll end up with a better, more experienced staff who want to stay.

Lastly, at the end of the day, remember that you're the boss. This is something that I've struggled with in the past. Although I value the comments my people make, try to help them whenever possible (and even go out of my way to do so most times), there are always hard decisions with which they may disagree. It was hard to make the switch from coworker and colleague to supervisor.

But perhaps the best advice is to watch a few episodes as "The Office," and learn what not to do.

Good luck with the school and hiring!

Chris Cotter
www.headsupenglish.com