english as a second language teacher

instructor

technicien réseau

hospitality manager

e-commerce specialist

VanWest College

A generally good school in most respects but quite disorganized with the curriculum and teacher communications. A much higher workload than they let on, with a huge amount of unpaid take-home work. Programs overall were good but in-house material was of very poor quality and never vetted by anyone until new teachers come in and notice all the errors. (Even then management resisted making neessary changes) Curriuculum was always in flux and the curric developer never answered emails, phone calls nor ever updated the material once. Support staff were fantastic but overworked and tired all the time.  So much frustration and confusion resulted in just trying to fix the course syllabi, exam anamolies, and the sub-par supplemental material mistakes across two campuses, never mind doing all the usual take-home essay and test corrections -  you end up making less than minum wage.

Teaching and reception staff friendly. Manager very disorganized and secretive. Not a school, is a business. Teacher's lose job's for poor reason's. Good luck if you choose to work here. I saw someone fired because a student didn't like her. Also, marks are not really important for student advancement, they push student's through to the next level even if they do not meet proper educational requirements. It's about money, not a proper ESL education and cultural experience. Student textbook's are not updated frequently enough, end up being dated and teacher's are either not listened to or they are not provided with much opportunity to provide input regarding this matter. I could go on, however I think that is enough.

It’s not the worst place to work but also not the best. Wouldn’t recommend if you’re looking for networking, upward movement, fast paced or engaging work. A lot of pushing papers and grunt work.
As for the work environment, it’s  shockingly casual and not a lot of effort/care is given to improving stuff. If you’re looking for status quo basic ESL type situation, this place is a good fit. Just beware of changes in hours/pay that comes along with a lot of these private schools. 

Great people with amazing skills and experience who are lead by inappropriate and unprofessional management. Culture is full of toxic gossips which are effecting current and former employees. Favouritism is very much present; talking behind your back; management is more focused on employee’s personal life than their professional development. 

Private education sector on international students have some issues. VanWest is no different. Unfortunately, a lot of turnover happened due to power struggles at top level. A lot of toxic management examples can be experienced. I would say only consider if you are a junior. As the floor is kept slippery it might create chances for juniors.

- Staff are supportive and have good team work
- Management always support us
- Friendly working environment
- Regular meeting for reviewing the works
- Good communication system in school

What is the best part of working at the company?
Hardworking and friendly staff.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Toxic management and no payment for overtime hours

Was briefly employed as a substitute instructor and would have welcomed the opportunity to remain on as the work environment, students, staff, and management were wonderful. Unfortunately, I moved out of province and could not continue to work at VanWest.

Do not care about your own time, make you work long hours including weekends & holidays.  Management needs training on how to appropriately speak with employees.  Would not recommend to work if you can't handle stress and high work load.

I like Van West. Their base pay is higher than most other language schools in the area. Most of the staff is really nice but there are one or two teachers who come off as snoopy and gossipy. Management has been great and materials are also very good

Top Job Titles	Average salary
English as a second language teacher 1 salary reported	$22.00 per hour
Instructor 5 salaries reported	$29.00 per hour
Technicien réseau 1 salary reported	$38.25 per hour
Hospitality manager 3 salaries reported	$31.00 per hour
E-commerce specialist 3 salaries reported	$30.00 per hour

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