Shanghai, a dynamic city where East meets West, offers an exceptional cultural fusion for global educators. The K–12 boarding school, Shanghai Vanke Bilingual School (VKBS), builds on the legacy of the International Bilingual C Program at Fudan Vanke Experimental Private School, established in 2006. Housed in the former Vanke Shanghai Center, VKBS was designed with the highest standards of school architecture. The school, along with its parent school and organization, rests in the southwest section of the city, in the Minhang District, and a short walk from the metro with easy access to the city center in 30 minutes.
Shanghai’s rich culture includes music, shopping, bar, and restaurant scene that can easily compete with any large city, such as New York, LA, London, or Paris. From high rise glass and steel modern luxury buildings to smaller dwellings and villas, a wide variety of accommodation choices awaits teachers. Approximately half of VKBS teachers choose to live in the city center while the other half choose to live close to school. The cost of public transportation is very reasonable. Shanghai is also a very green city, with parks throughout, conducive to running, jogging or cycling.
Accredited in China and by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, VKBS’s program combines the Chinese National Curriculum with aspects of the International and General Certificate of Secondary Education, the UK Early Years and A Levels, the U.S. Common Core. t present, 1,295 predominantly Chinese students are enrolled. About 59% of the teaching staff are Chinese. The school celebrates diversity with a strong mix of Chinese and expat teachers working together as one united team to create a better learning experience for students.
VKBS’s rigorous bilingual curriculum is designed for students to reach high academic standards, using critical thinking and creativity while skillfully communicating in two languages. The school’s website says that test results have shown that by Grade 6, VKBS students have acquired near-native fluency in both English and Chinese, and by Grade 9. Additionally, VKBS implements a STEAM program, which integrates science, technology, engineering, art, and math. The school also offers music, dance, drama, and fine arts as well as running and rowing programs for physical education.
VKBS hires experienced teachers of diverse profiles, and they will consider outstanding overseas teaching professionals without certification. Candidates need not hold their academic degree in the subject they will be teaching. As per government regulations, those up to the age of 60 may obtain a work visa.
The benefits package for those teaching abroad includes a non-taxed salary and allowances for moving, housing, and annual airfare. VKBS extends 100% tuition-free enrollment for one dependent. Other benefits for international teaching staff include breakfast, lunch, and coffee bar use, and free membership to the staff sports clubs. Worldwide health insurance—except for the U.S.—is fully covered and includes dental, life, long-term disability, and emergency evacuation.
Professional development (PD) opportunities are provided in three ways; a mentor program and peer learning for teachers studying for their PGCE or master’s degree; regularly scheduled PD, either staff-driven or held by external experts; and a PD allowance when applicable.
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