Education

The Education Ordinance of Hong Kong stipulates that any person who teaches in a school has to be either a registered teacher (RT) or a permitted teacher (PT).

For university degree holders who have not undergone specific teacher certification, acquiring PT status is the quickest way to become qualified to teach in kindergartens, primary and secondary schools. Private schools offering non-formal curricula may have some exemptions subject to their compliance with conditions specified by the Education Bureau.

To become a PT in a school providing primary/secondary or post-secondary education, the first step is to be employed by the school. The school supervisor must then file the appropriate form to seek permission to employ you as a PT. Upon approval, a permit to teach will be issued. The permit is deemed invalid if the PT ceases to be employed in the school specified in the permit.

A person who holds teacher qualification (e.g. a local Teacher’s Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma/Certificate in Education) and is a Hong Kong citizen (for non-Hong Kong citizen, a valid employment visa from the Hong Kong SAR Government and documentary proof of teacher employment are required) may apply to the Education Bureau for registration as a RT.

In general, the higher the level a teacher is required to teach at, the higher the qualifications he or she has to possess. In addition, the teacher has to produce documentary proof that he or she is capable of teaching the subject(s) he or she is required to teach; if you wish to teach in university, for example, a Master’s degree is the minimum academic qualification.

Positions / Job Titles Offered         

                               

Certificated Master / Mistress (CM)

Typical Job Nature/ Job Duties

  • Mainly deployed as teachers in primary schools, secondary schools, Practical Education Centre, special education classes (primary or secondary schools), teacher-librarian (primary, secondary schools or Practical Education Centre)

General Requirements         

  • A certificate in Primary Education or a certificate in Secondary Education from the Hong Kong Institute of Education, obtained after a 2-year or 3-year full-time training course with an appropriate elective subject, or equivalent or
  • A certificate according a qualified teacher status after satisfactory completion of Non-graduate Teacher Qualification Assessment Scheme; and
  • Grade E or above in Chinese Language and English language (Syllabus B) in the HKCEE, or equivalent

 

Assistant Education Officer (Graduate) (AEO)

Typical Job Nature/ Job Duties

  • Administration of schools
  • Registration of schools and teachers
  • Public relations
  • Administration of the Academic Aptitude Tests
  • Adult education services
  • Advisory services to students undertaking further education overseas
  • Allocation of school places
  • Education research
  • Development of educational information systems

 General Requirements         

  • A Hong Kong degree and a Postgraduate Diploma/Certificate in Education, or equivalent;
  • Grade E or above in Chinese language and English language (syllabus B) in the HKCEE, or equivalent; and
  • Three years’ relevant post-degree experience

 

Graduate Posts in Primary Schools

Typical Job Nature/ Job Duties

  • To perform duties similar to their counterparts in the corresponding ranks of the CM grade.
  • To play a leading role in promoting the initiatives in primary schools including: School-based Management; Effective Curriculum Initiatives; School Administration and Management System; and Whole School Approach to Guidance

General Requirements

  • A local first degree and teacher training in primary education, or equivalent qualification, while serving teachers should possess a recognised local first degree or equivalent qualification.
  • For candidates holding non-local academic qualifications, schools should refer relevant documents and transcripts to the respective Senior School Development Officers for onward transmission to the Qualifications Section of the Civil Service Bureau for assessment as to whether they meet the entry requirements for primary graduate teaching posts.

 

Related Associations/Useful Links

Hong Kong Education Bureau, HKSAR http://www.edb.gov.hk

                

 (Sources from The CUHK Careers Guide 2012)