Overall, very solid school. Good facilities. Package works out to being very close to WAB and ISB

1. I read that they have a new salary structure that "rewards professional excellence and loyalty". What does this mean? Is salary also based on years of experience? I have 16 years.

The most they will give you credit for is 7 years, which would be around 33k rmb per month (plus 8500 rmb housing) and 10% gratuity at the end of every year.

2. How good is their health insurance plan and can we see our own doctors when we come back to the US on visits?

The health care is great in Beiing, but I do not believe it covers the US (which is not all that unusual).

3. What is the climate like in the elementary school? Current attitudes towards the director and ES principal and amongst the staff?

Reports are mixed: Admin: Runs hot and cold. Hard to know where you stand. Plays favorites (Unless you are in the right group or clique).

Too many meetings, too many initiatives which haven't been fully thought out (which could be said about almost any big school I suppose).

4. I'm hearing rumblings about potential political changes that could impact safety and general quality of life. What do you know about this? I am a single female.

The only rumbling we have heard is about the new expat social insurance tax which could be around 1000 rmb per month. Schools are fighting it and saying we should get most of it back when we leave China (although no mechanism is in place for this yet).

5. Anything else I need to know to know if I'd like to work and live there? Anything you can tell me that would give me an advantage in an interview?

Housing for 1st year (and most teachers) is across the street and is generally good to very good.

You have an advantage if you are from the UK, NZ or Australia or even Canadian.

Have some knowledge of PYP or at least be able to talk about inquiry based learning, collaboration, etc.