American School of Pachuca Mexico

Skip on Tue, 26th Jun 2007 9:11 pm 



The school has a long history and is facing stiff competition, but it is working hard to do better every day. A school like this could just watch things slide and rest on it laurels as the only bilingual school in the area, but it has chosen to push forward. There are a few rough spots, but there is lots of hope here too.

Chantal on Thu, 28th Jun 2007 2:05 pm 



I am currently going through the interview process with this school…could you give me some more insight about your experiences…

Thanks,
Chantal

Skip on Fri, 29th Jun 2007 10:06 pm 



It is a decent school with lots of pros and plenty of cons. Overall the experience is what you make of it. The administration is trying hard to make the place all it can be, and the teachers are hardworking and professional. The students are mostly eager to learn, but as a private school catering to the well off, there are some self entitled kids of course. The school is in the process of getting accreditation so it is working hard to meet high standards, and this can only mean things will get even better. I have never worked at a perfect school and this school is not perfect, but it realizes it has strong and weak points and is working hard to constantly get better. If you go down understanding it is a different culture, with different priorities, and you do not take your role as a teacher so seriously that youget bothered by small inconveniences, it can be a great place to work and you will learn and grow a lot. But if you want the US system and expect US priorities and resources, skip Mexico altogether and stay in the US!

Jess on Mon, 2nd Jul 2007 2:57 pm 



Working at this school is certainly not for everyone and if you don’t form a love for the city and friendships you probably won’t even stay a year. This school experiences high turnover many teachers not even finishing out the year some leaving within months of their arrival. The school is controled by the parents and there are no consequences or disapline for the children. The facilities are o.k. and improving and the pay is reasonable. This school like a lot of Mexico operates by the theory that if you have money you can pretty much do whatever they want and they do!

Scott on Tue, 3rd Jul 2007 9:30 pm 



I totally disagree with the last post. I have been at the school two years and of the 28 foreign teachers here this year, almost half will stay another year. 5 foreign teachers have been here more than 2 years, one 6 years and another 9 years! This is very comparable (probably much better in fact) to other schools that employ foreign teachers around the world, and things are getting even better with higher salaries and better housing. The control of the school is in the hands of the administration, and while parents have influence, this is not a bad thing. They are mostly involved in a constructive way. And they certainly do not control anything. When there is any discipline problem, students face consequences, and a new discipline code that is point based is going into effect next year. Even with that said, the only teachers who have discipline problems are the ones who don´t even try to understand the culture they work in or come unprepared to class with dry and uninevntive lessons that leave second language learners bored and antsy. The school, like any, is not perfect but it has amazing potential and is progressing in many areas.

Chantal on Sun, 8th Jul 2007 4:09 pm 



I am curious about the state of politics in Pachuca. Would you say that it is a safe place for Foreigners? What are the accommodations like that the school provides?

Skip on Mon, 16th Jul 2007 10:46 am 



Pachuca is a clean safe city. Politics are not an issue. It is quiet and relatively crime-free. There are occasional thefts of course, but that is about all.

I have been in 2 different places provided by the school. The first was so-so. It would have been fine for a recent college graduate. It was big and clean, but a bit run-down. 2 bedrooms, so so furniture, etc. I then chose to look for my own place, and the school pays the bulk of the rent for where I live now. It is cleaner, newer, a bit smaller, and more than adequate and I pay about 800 pesos a month out of my salary while the school pays 1500. If you decide to change where you live and find your own place, the school pays 1500 pesos per teacher for housing per month as a living stipend, so even if you donñt like what they give you…you can find something else.

Most of the housing is ok though. Depends on what your needs are.

Ana on Fri, 1st Feb 2008 10:37 pm 



I taught there recently. I am an experienced classroom teacher with lots of experience with Mexico and the Mexican culture. I have heard the excuse before about teachers who leave not being professional or not understanding the culture. This is simply not true. I am working at another school in Mexico now, and I absolutely love it. And to be honest, even the administrators at other schools (including the one I am at now) know and are embarrassed to discuss the situation at ASP.

That being said, if you have no experience as a teacher and would like to teach in a foreign country for a year, you will make lots of friends and can learn issues that all teachers must learn regarding lesson planning, discipline, parent meetings, and extracurricular activities. You will also enjoy Pachuca itself. It’s a wonderful town and perfect for a first experience in Mexico.

If you are an experienced educator, you should not consider this school in my professional opinion. For many classes, there are either outdated or worse, no textbooks, as was the case in middle school English. ESL is not supposed to be taught, but rather Language Arts. Despite your level of creativity, when one must teach six classes a day with two grade levels and one or two novels (of which, there are not enough for every student), you will find that students find the material unimportant and therefore become disruptive. One solution is copying, but as is true in most schools in Mexico, you have to ask for the copies three days in advance, and at ASP in particular, it was policy to only make two copies per child per week maximum.

In addition, I know that things are improving with the “new” discipline code, but it will take time for its full effects to be felt, if the administration decides to continue with it (in previous years the code was thrown out). The very fact that there is a “new” discipline code and that teachers, once again are being blamed for student behavior, is an indication that in the past discipline was seriously out of control and things are still not that great in that area. Moreover, teachers who have students at the school have complained that their children often receive harsher punishments than the children of wealthy parents.

The school is seeking accreditation from SACS, but has been doing so for several years. It is not currently accredited by any agency outside SEP.

There are many issues to teaching, and especially teaching in Mexico. In this case, you will find several positives and negatives at ASP. My recommendation for “newbies” is to come on down and enjoy it. My recommendation for experienced teachers is to pass it by and try elsewhere, because most experienced classroom teachers have not been happy here.

Pipper on Thu, 6th Mar 2008 2:44 pm 



The school has made great progress over the last few years. Teacher rotation is down by 50% during the school year (it should be zero, but things do come up and people do have to go home), salaries are up 12% on average over the last year, housing is better, discipline is notably better, morale is notably better, SACS accreditation is on course, and most importantly things feel like they are moving ahead.

There are lots of challenges, and I would disagree that this place is good for young teachers. I think the place is excellent for teachers who have had 2-3 years of international teaching experience, and are ready to be given 100% say over what they do in their classrooms. This is a school (like most Mexican schools) where kids will challenge and debate you. You have to make classes lively and dynamic or forget it. A new teacher, with no experience, would have a 50-50 chance here. A teacher with a year or two under their belt would actually be able to thrive and learn a lot here. Older teachers, seasoned pros, don´t really belong here unless they are really modern thinkers and proactive educators. Older folks get tired too easily, and expect things to be a certain way. One thing about ASP…it never stops challenging or surprising and I have learned more here than in the 6 years before when I was teaching in other places.

I will stay another couple of years here because I think this school is on the cusp of really coming into its own. Resources are improving, facilities are improving, and this school has awesome potential. When teachers cut and run mid-year like the person above, they do themselves and the kids here a huge disservice. That´s where the school´s problems come from, people with inflated egos and or expectations who see American School in the name and expect it to be an international school. It is not. Its a cozy, hometown bilingual school with lots of room for improvement and creativity for people who are looking for more than just another day at the whiteboard with a Mexican twist. If coming to Mexico for a year long vacation, go elsewhere. If coming to Mexico to make an impact and progress professionally and personally while also making some good friends and getting a great chance to experience real Mexico, Pachuca and ASP can´t be beat.

By the way, just to counter one point - the most successful and well liked teacher here is a seasoned professional who has been here 11 years and just signed on for a twefth, so who knows?

Debbie Basarba on Sat, 8th Mar 2008 5:23 am 



I am interested in a recent post to teach at Pachuco for 2008/2009. I have a hubby and three kids that would be coming along with me if I were to take a position, are there other teachers with families or are the teachers singletons? I am wondering how to find out if this is a safe, good place to take my kids and if there are schools there (this one?) that my kids could attend. Any help appreciated!

Tonio on Mon, 10th Mar 2008 8:47 pm 



Pachuca is very safe, but three kids on the salary here is tough. The salary is competitive with most other schools in Mexico, but I would not advise bringing three kids down on one teacher{s income of 13,000 pesos or so a month.

Andrew King on Mon, 10th Mar 2008 10:05 pm 



I am interest in a recent post to teach at Pachuco for 2008/2009. Please inform me, if the living quarters are affordable, reasonable, and safe. In additional, please tell me about your experience at American School of Pachuca. Also, please recommend if you need fluency in the Spanish language.
Thank you- Andrew King- Email: andrewwesley@yahoo.com

Tania on Tue, 11th Mar 2008 5:47 pm 



I am currently applyng to this school. How long after i’ve submitted an application should i expect a response. I have excellent qualifications (professionally/academically) but also have Mexican citizenship. Is there any way to contact someone directly?

Jackie on Fri, 14th Mar 2008 10:56 pm 



I applied to work in the preschool. Does anyone have any comments or anything I should be concerned about? I have ten years experience teaching in Canada and none in a foreign country.

tonio on Wed, 19th Mar 2008 3:51 pm 



Housing is safe and clean, though modest and sparsely furnished. But it is fine. The school seems to be getting better and better every day. It ihas rough patches, but it feels like things are progressing. As for contact from the school, you won´t be contacted if you are not short-listed.

tonio on Thu, 20th Mar 2008 12:29 pm 



Also, Spanish is helpful but not essential. There are lots of people at school who are bilingual wgo are more than willing to help. Wages have gone up about 20% on average here the last 2 years. Retention of teachers during the school year is up to about 80% whereas last year it was about 60%. And retention from one academic year to the next is up from 35% two years ago to 65% this year (meaning nearly 7 of ten teachers are coming back next year). This all shows people are more satisfied with the working conditions and more people are staying around longer, which means the school is doing lots of things right.

Marlies on Thu, 20th Mar 2008 11:14 pm 



Hi,
I am currently in the process of applying for a job here. What is living like with the salary they provide? Also, I just graduated from college, and this would be my first time living abroad alone. Is it easy to meet people? Is there a close community at the school? Any other information that you could tell me about what it’s like living in Pachuca and what the school is like would be wonderful. Thanks

Sandy on Fri, 21st Mar 2008 3:24 pm 



The salaryis ok, kidn of depends on your background. The school pays about 9,500 monthly for people just starting ($950 US) out like yourself. If you have debt, it would be tough to live on that. But remember, you´ll have no rent payment or other major expenses - just food and transportationa nd whatever you do on weekends. So without debt, it is perfectly fine. More experienced teachers or folks with a MA get more…as much as 12 or even 14,000 a month. All depends on how many years you have taught and what kind of degree and certification you have. 12 or 14 a month is pretty comfortable in Pachuca…unless you are paying off major debts!

Teachers get along well at the school and it is a pretty young group…mostly people a few years out of school. Lots of evening activities together and even travel together some on weekends. And Pachuca is nice, clean and friendly….not many tourists or foreigners. It isn´t like being in a beach town or a large city, but lots of the teachers here like it that way. We can always get on a bus and go somewhere for a long weekend…

Ernesto on Tue, 29th Apr 2008 2:14 am 



Hello again everyone!
I was offered a job teaching preschool at the American School of Pachuca. I am wondering what people’s prior experiences have been like. How is the support for teachers? What were the positives and negatives of your experience? Was the school honest in their representation? And I would love to find out about your experience living in Pachuca and Mexico in general. I am really excited about this opportunity and want to learn as much as possible from someone who has already experienced this. Thanks

J on Tue, 29th Apr 2008 2:16 am 



I am in middle school here. The school is fine. It all depends what you are looking for. If you are an engaging teacher, love kids, and come down to work not just bitch, get drunk every weeknight, and go to the beach with the negative groups here, it is really not bad at all. I have my kids respect, I am coming back next year, and I use the discipline code in my class so I am not sure what ernesto is talking about. Pachuca is nice, my colleagues are nice, and I am allowed to teach how I want to teach. As a professional, that suits me fine. Again, depends what you are looking for.

Ernesto on Wed, 30th Apr 2008 2:53 pm 



Rico can talk all he wants about “a small group of teachers” but the fact is the vast vast majority of teachers are not returning and the amin reason is student discipline. Academically it isn´t even a real school. Teachers are told to change grades because parents feel their child deserves better.

As far as J saying he or she uses the discipline code. There is no discipline code. There is no attendance policy there are no academic standards. There are virtually no text books. But there are a lot of rich kids who get away with murder because they are mediocre soccer players.

The school wasn´t even able to make the first payroll this year. Teachers were told to come back later in the day and they still didn´t have it.

They will never get SACs approval.

J on Sun, 4th May 2008 4:26 pm 



Not sure what planet Ernesto is living on. He is clearly angry about something. In fact, I am pretty sure I know who he is and he is coming back next year….so odd he is saying how many aren´t coming back.

Of my closest colleagues in middle school here, 5 of 8 are returning. I assume they are telling me the truth. I also have a good friend in pre-school, and all 5 foreigners are coming back! Of others I am not sure, but I know several who are supposed to be returning and the school is aying more than half will come back, more than ever before. So I have no idea where Ernesto gets his numbers. Probably he is trying to scare new teachers awyay to save his job, as I know he has been moved out of his class for next year and will be on probation for poor classroom management.

The discipline code is posted and I have it in my desk too. All kids and parents have it. It is being enforced. And it is working, except perhaps for Ernesto who does have the 6th graders and theyare a difficult year- but the real issue is his complete lack of classroom management skills and terribly prepared pessons. Kids are just bored with it.

Teh payroll was paid the very next day by the way. They did not make it the first day, ok. Every other pay has been on time or early. The school has no money problems in terms of making payroll so to act like it does is just dishonest. And by the way, the latest SACS rep to come down said it was very likely the school will be accredited in April 2009. He was very impressed with all the progress.

Don´t let ONE lousy teacher who has had a rough year make a bad impression. If you look over the bulk of the comments above, most teachers recognize lots of good things are happening here. Sure there are challenges, but mostly it is a good place to be. Never seen a school that didn´t have issues.

Pop on Mon, 5th May 2008 8:48 am 



Been at school a long time. Its a good place to work if you put your students first and do what it takes. If you expect being a teacher anywhere to be easy forget it, but to complain about discipline because kids talk a lot in class is kind of shameful. Compared to any city school in the US this place and these kids are a cake walk. And if classes are fun and interesting, the kids stay more focused. Funny how that works!

Traci on Thu, 22nd May 2008 12:43 pm 



Interesting comments by everyone. I have been hired by ASP to teach 6th grade and am very excited about coming. I am very thankful for all the comments so that I can read through them myself and come up with my own conclusions. Here they are:

Is the discipline problem only talking? How are they being disrespectful? Are they telling you to “f” off (or the “CH” word)? Are they stabbing you with a knife, like what happened to a teacher in Elgin, Illinois (which is a suburb, by the way)? Are there metal detectors everywhere? Do the girls wear almost nothing, making male and felmale teachers uncomfortable? Do the boys were their pants at their knees give you a birds eye view of their boxers? So the soccer players get special treatment. How is that any different than the special treatment offered to all the sports “stars” of the American middle and high schools? There are plenty of students here, at my current school in Illinois that get that special treatment.

I taught for two years in Hawaii and that was ten times worse than anything you have described in Pachuca. If only all I had to deal with was talking and disrespect!!! Lock downs at least two times a week because of fights and the mobs of kids that rush to see it. The “F” word every 5 seconds walking down the halls. NON-existant parental involvement. Being surrounded by a mob of 12 high school students who didn’t like the look on my face as I was passing them to go to the library. (The VP did intervene, thank goodness.) None of those students were reprimanded by the way.

Perspective and positive attitude are everything. I love a room full of kids that will talk. Just give them something interesting to talk about. I teach ESL in Illinois right now and most of my students are Mexican. We get into the best conversations about their culture, politics, immigrant rights, etc. If culturally they love to talk, create lesson plans that get them talking. Furthermore, if you have classroom management and earn the respect of the students in your classroom, nothing else really matters.

Scotty on Fri, 23rd May 2008 9:16 pm 



That´s right on Traci! The few teachers who constantly complain here, and there are just a few, harp constantly on the same issue - discipline and respect. Well sorry, but respect is something we have to earn. Teachers earn it by showing they care for every student, not just the ones who speak English perfectly or raise their hand every time. Tachers earn it by preparing dynamic and interactive lessons, not walking into class after yet another night of boozing and telling kids to open their texts and read aloud. I can walk around the school and see which teachers care about thei kids and being a professional, because their students are sitting up, listening, engaged and learning. On the other hand, walk by a teacher like Ernesto´s class and it is total chaos. Why? Because kids these days are smart - they demand a teacher who knows what teaching in 2008 is, not someone who is looking for an extended vacation in MEX. The school has no serious discipline issues - except those caused by a few unengaged and detached teachers who come to school to sit at their desks and shout and collect thier paycheck. Fotunately that is just a handful - most of my colleagues are great teachers who are committed and care.

ASP is fine. And gettig better. And a teacher like Traci is exactly the kind of teacher that will thriva at the school. Ernesto is obviously the kind of teacher who would not.

Dave on Sat, 7th Jun 2008 1:05 pm 



I have been at the school under a year and intend, like many coleagues to come back. It is a friendly place to work, but with some problems very much like other private schools. Parents are over involved, somtimes not knowing where to focus their concerns, and a portion of the kids are over entitled. But if you are looking for a private school without these minor issues, you are not gonna find many.

A school is an organic institution. It has good and bad days like people do as it is comprised primarily of people. This school has amazing people - from staff to admin to kids and parents. There are some negative elements too, but the good far outweighs the bad. I´ll be here next year to keep heling the school get better and better, and I hope anyone who is thinking of coming will join me and a lot of my colleagues who will be staying.

If you do come, come with realistic expectations. Being a teacher is not easy! ANYWHERE! Here included. Looking for a Mexico beach vacation - go elsewhere! Looking for a school where you are let alone to teach and where things are progressing every day, come on down to Pachuca.

Alison on Sun, 8th Jun 2008 4:40 pm 



I was primary principal a year ago for a year, and things were ok at the school then. From what I hear from teachers who worked with me, they have gotten much better. Pay is better, housing is better, discipline is better, teachers are doing fewer hours per week, assitants are better, resources are better. All of this due to SACS accreditation being prepared for. The visit is in April 2009.

I think the school is a good first or second experience for someone looking to teach abroad. There are frustrations, but there are great things too. People are friendly, school has nice enough facilities, most kids are just fine some are great, and Pachuca is pretty clean and very safe. Climate is nice, work hours are reasonable, never have to put in weekends or stay past 4…doctor right on campus for any medical needs. Mexico City is 90 minutes away and the beaches 4 hours…all easily accessible and cheap to get to by bus.

For a year or two, ASP is an overall pretty decent place to be if you come down understanding what many comments have said - that no school is perfect. You´ll have to work hard, but you´ll earn a decent living and have ample free time. Colleagues get along well. Plenty to see and do. And you´ll learn a lot about flexibility and adapting to teaching abroad.

Those are my two pesos worth!

PonchoVilla on Sat, 28th Jun 2008 10:43 am 



I have been at ASP for many years. We have never gone without an elementary principal for more than a month that I remember so I am not sure what Kate is referring to. Pachuca is, I agree, farly average but it is safe and clean and comfortable. And it is close to lots of great places to spend the weekend. That some of the kids are spoiled here should be no surprise - it is a private school that charges $400 a month. Has anyone ever been to a private school without spoiled kids? But that said, most of our kids are great. And as Traci said, if discipline is a problem for some, it never has been for me. Perhaps those who can´t handle a class of 20 or 22 need to check their lesson plans and look in the mirror?

The sources of negative comments are teachers who are leaving because they couldn´t handle it - or were asked to leave because of incompetence. It is amazing that people can claim to be authorities and then attempt to discredit positive comments by others claiming to know that they are not teachers. That is convenient. But if there are no good things to say about ASP, then why do we have 3 foreign teachers who have each been here 5 years or more? Why do we have another 10 coming back for a second year? Why has the school successfully operated for nearly 90 years and always been able to attract quality foriegn staff? Why are the school´s national standardized test scores in the top 10% of the country? Why is the school poised to be accredited by SACS? (The Vice President of SACS just came and commended the school publicly for its tremendous improvements over the past 2 years.)

Sour grapes are just that. People are 10 times more likely to complain than to say positive things. So filter all this negativity carefully, prospective colleague. The positive comments are far more substantial, based in fact and easily visible if you come visit, while the negative stuff is almost all unsubstantiated BS. The track record of the school over 90 years speaks for itself. I have never understood why the unprepared foreigners who attempt to call themselves teachers (many without experience or a teaching degree) who fail at it when they come here feel they have to blame the school for their faults. We have one teacher (he actually has a B.Ed.) who was called in for hitting a kid on the head. Where in the world is that ok? He and his wife head up the negativity team here, but luckily they´ll be leaving. (They stayed two years though - can it be that bad?).

Just accept it. Many people are not cut out to be teachers in their home countries let alone abroad. They go abroad to live it up, travel, and they teach to make ends meet. These are the ones who usually have the most problems - because they do not invest the time and enegery necessary to be a realy teacher and to have a real impact on the students and the school. So they fail, and then place blame elsewhere to fel better about their failures. Fortunately, over the last 2 years the number of high quality teachers here has increased due to SACS requirements, as has pay and benefits, and as a result the school is a better place than when I arrived years ago. And it looks better and better every day. Thankfully, the end of the academic year brings every school a chance to flush the toilet and bring in new people with positive attitudes. The negative folks are headed out, a better, more qualified group is on its way in. And while the people who failed to meet their own expectations look for ways to make themselves feel better and try to drag down those of us who are proud of our work and our school, I am happy to say all we have to do is look at the results, validated by numbers and outside sources, to see clearly that ASP, while not a perfect place, is a good place to be.

PonchoVilla on Sat, 28th Jun 2008 10:56 am 



And by the way, the fact that many people posting here feel so strongly one way or another about the school really does show that picking a place to work and a field to work in is not a science. It either clicks or it doesn´t, no matter what field. I would argue that the folks who are so bitter made the worng choice - but lots of people here made the right choice and are happy. So if you are thinking about coming down, evalaute yourself and what you are looking for first. Make sure you like being with kids, spoiled or not. Make sure you like preparing dynamic, creative lessons. Make sure you like standing in front of a class. Make sure you like writing and grading exams. Make sure you like the challenge of a bilingual system where langauge abilities are widely disparate. Make sure you like Mexico. Make sure you are prepared to live where most people don´t speak English. Make sure you are able to accept and appreciate a culture radically different from your own - where people are not always in a hurry and a smile and hello in the morning are often more important than getting to class on time, where football is so important that classes get cancelled sometimes, where getting copies make take a while longer, etc. It´s not for everyone, but it is not the school´s fault that some people make the wrong choice for the wrong reasons. When I look around at my colleagues who are staying for a second or 4th or 10th year, they are the ones who understood what teaching is, and what being a teacher is all about, and came to Mexico to teach first and to flit about the country drinking beer with their buddies only when it was appropriate. If holiday in Mexico is what you are after, ASP ain´t for you. If a bilingual school where you will learn and grow professionally while dealing with the challenges of being a teacher in a foreign land where priorities are different is what you are after, then ASP might be a place you´ll really love.

oskyros on Sat, 28th Jun 2008 3:24 pm 



I have two friends working at ASP, though I am not there. They both seem happy. They make more than me, teach less hours, get their visas taken care of, have houses provided (which I do not since I am at a language school), have great vacations, regular incomes paid on time, good hours, and more. Sure they have days when the kids get to them, but most days they seem pretty satisfied with what they are up to.

Perhaps those complaining should look at some reviews of Korea or Thailand (or even Interlingua where I am in Mexico City). 35-40 periods a week with split shifts where you wokr 7 to 11 then again 4 to 9. Pay late. 40 or more students in some classes (sometimes 50) in public schools and 30 or more in private schools. No text books. No copy machine. No desk. No bonuses. No health insurance. No one who speaks English in the management. All owners looking for that extra profit margin instead of putting kids first.

Putting things in perspective, ASP seems alright. I applied but I don´t have a degree so I couldn´t work there. I would certainly be better off there than where I am, as would thousands of underpaid overworked English teachers all over the world who are barely scraping by while the owner of their school or language center gets filthy rich off of them. Give me ASP over that any day - even if the kids may be a bit spoiled, the parents occasionally difficult to work with, and the admin doesn´t immediately sovle every problem. At least the kids are there to learn, the parents are involved instead of just looking for a babysitting service, and the admin does what it can.

MS on Sat, 28th Jun 2008 3:38 pm 



I agree with Pancho…very much. I have been here a year and will be back next year. It hasn´t been a cakewalk, but I compare it to other places I have worked and I think I have learned more here than anywhere as to how to be a better teacher. I won´t e here forever either, but I find myself adapting more and more as each month goes by and I also find the school making lots of good changes to support teachers. No one has ever lied to me, my pay is deposited on time, I am allowed to tutor after school in my own classroom for a good bit of extra income, and I have met lots of great people.

In my opinion, it is pretty much a place you will love or hate. Those who hate it will be the ones who want constant certainty, are attracted to great order, and believe that their class and their needs are more important than almost anything else in a students life or how a school is operated. Here, school means teaching and normal classes, but it also means fun, festivals, soccer, and a little bit of chaos every day.

Lots of us find it refreshing to be in a less than predictable place, where things are always happening, and to be trusted as professionals (unless we lose that by acting unprofessionally of course) and be given great freedom in the classroom to teach how we want(with many interruptions but you learn to live with them).

If you want a manual telling you what you have to teach every day, or kids who behave like robots, or a school that operates like a well-oiled machine, ASP won´t be for you. But if you want a place where you´ll have lots of fun and great kids, smart colleagues, and learn a lot about teaching in another culture while also living in a pleasant city where your salary will afford you a pretty decent lifestyle, ASP is a pretty nice place to be for a year or two.

oscar on Mon, 30th Jun 2008 12:35 pm 



Hey the school pays half of my M.Ed., gives me a good salary compared to most other schools in Mexico (except those in the DF perhaps), gives me a decent house and good insurance, and I get 12 weeks of paid holiday and a couple of bonuses each year. So the kids are somewhat demanding, yes. But that is what I am getting paid for - to make classes interesting enough that kids tune in and learn. Now for some I guess that is too much to ask, for me it is exactly what I signed up for!

tinytimteacher on Mon, 21st Jul 2008 1:46 pm 



I have been here just a short time and feel the school is a good place to work. Though every school has problems, this one included, the admin has valued my experience and ideas and has treated me well. I am a qualified teacher and have taught in many countries and the facilities, pay and benefits here are certainly on par with the better schools I have seen. There are far far worse, and all you have to do is read the reviews of other schools in Thailand, Costa Rica and other places to see how they scam people. Here the pay is fair and on time, the work load is reasonable, the kids are kids - demanding but generally good, and the place is comfortable and clean. They provided me a house with 3 BR´s, they paid my airfare down, they bought me lots of goodies for my place for when I arrived, they offer a M.Ed. from an acredited US school and will pay half the cost, etc. All in all, I´d give the place a B. Some areas need improvement, but generally things are pretty good.

TeacherinPachuca on Sun, 7th Sep 2008 2:13 pm 



So far, the academic year 08-09 shows this school´s work and investments have paid great dividends. th eteaching staff is more experienced and more qualified that ever, leading to greatly improved student behaviour and a much better teaching and learning environment. Not a teacher has left in the first 6 weeks (first time in 5 years), complaints are minimal, parents and students are very positive, and things are generally going very well. Accreditition has served its purpose here, moving this school towards excellence and arming it with the tools and resources to see constant and visible improvement.

Miss on Sun, 21st Sep 2008 2:14 pm 



I also agree with Ponchovilla.
The school has been supportive and super helpful for my family and I, during some really tough times. The salaries are higher than avarage, and the working enviroment is calm and open-minded. A big problem I see is that the FS want to be completely catered to and accept none or little personal resposability. As stated before-if you are looking for springbreak type of living in Mexico—look elsewhere, the ones that are here making a difference don’t need all the bitter negativity! Teaching isn’t based on income, spoiled or not, challenge yourself to be the teacher that makes a difference. Kudos to all that are here, and the school. ASOP, Pachuca, Mexico, ect…… is what YOU make it!

FunnyHow on Fri, 14th Nov 2008 5:39 pm 



Things have sure quieted down on this thread! Funny how when things are going right, people can´t throw stones anymore.

Bitter jaded teachers gone. 4 months into the new academic year. No major issues. Discipline improved. Salaries improved. Retention nearly 100%. Accreditation on course. Enrollment up almost 3% this year for the first time in 10 years, showing renewed faith in the school.

Naysayers had their run, but they were wrong. The changes that were in store were made, and things are far better. A long way to go, but we are confident we will get there without all the whiners we used to have around here.

PRC on Wed, 26th Nov 2008 2:45 am 



I have promised the principal of this school that I will notify authorities of his verbal abuse online and have kept the files (emails and direct chats) to submit to any certification board. However, since I am unsure of proprieties at this website, I’m reluctant to post the correspondence here.

I had written to question requisite qualifications on the basis of education electives taken in graduate school and was met with a barrage of insults, which viciously attacked my credentials, my personality, my age, and my general personhood.
He even went so far as to call me an “. . . idiot who makes less money than [his] father does selling toilet paper to restaurants.”

I don’t understand why nothing is mentioned here of his character, since a search online led to unscrupulous reports of his leadership in Thailand. There are traces to his connections with abuse documented there. Maybe he was just having a bad day (?)….

I want to know how this school gets along without textbooks, unless other resources are available. What sort of input are provided students, and why is it that this school advertises its Americanness when students are not given adequate resources?

Final question is this: Why aren’t people discussing school dynamics? From what I have observed from my exchange with the principal, there must be issues of anger management to address.

Ernesto on Sat, 29th Nov 2008 2:17 pm 



Ah, I see the directors are still posing as happy teachers.

Ernesto on Sat, 29th Nov 2008 2:40 pm 



And STILL no certification. School has been around 100 years and can’t get certified. Amazing.

miss on Mon, 1st Dec 2008 9:54 pm 



FunnyHow-I couldn’t agree with you more…things just keep getting better. Now, when you go into the teachers room, it is a place of work and quiet conversation, not a pit of complainers with no idea how to pick their battles, lead by the two head complainers!!!!!
Congrats ASP & I look forward to many more!

FunnyHow on Tue, 2nd Dec 2008 5:12 pm 



School is certified, by ASOMEX and SEP, more than 95% of all the schools in Mexico can say. Now going for third certification through SACs,, which will come in April!

Again, facts please Ernesto! Duh…you still upset about something honey?

FunnyHow on Tue, 2nd Dec 2008 6:09 pm 



Oh, sorry! The school is also a certified member of the Tri-Association of American Schools in Mexico, Central America and South America…..hmmm…3 certifications and one more on the way! Keep looking for ways to criticize Ernesto, because certainly the school has its flaws like any school, but lets choose our battles wisely and factually ok?

ernesto on Tue, 16th Dec 2008 9:59 pm 



“We ARE certified! Yeah, that’s the ticket.” Lovely new spin.

You know as well as I that SACs is what I’m talking about.

Braggs on Thu, 18th Dec 2008 2:20 pm 



The comments are interesting, but tend to be a bit one-sided either pro or con. A few have a balanced perspective, which is needed if you plan to work internationally.

One thing you need to understand is that the kids may be somewhat unruly and disrespectful, but nothing compared to the average US middle or high school. Most parents are supportive, especially if you are doing the job as a teacher.

The unfortunate thing is that some teachers with very little experience are thrown into the classroom without enough training or orientation. That isn’t because the administration is insensitive, they just tend to be otherwise occupied. Meanwhile, a teacher may be floundering and no one knows until a problem surfaces.

Pachuca is a nice town, safe and friendly. The school administration tends to be supportive, but sometimes they hire people who really shouldn’t be in education at all, and that becomes difficult to work with on a daily basis.

Most people are trying hard to do a good job, and the professional competence of the teachers is much better than it used to be. The students are also better behaved, but like all students, they can be a challenge. Teachers who are unable to face that challenge, shouldn’t be in the teaching profession.

ASP is a nice place to work, people are friendly and will work with you if you don’t take the “I want it like the US, and I want it now” approach to everything. People from the north need to understand that Mexican culture moves more slowly, but it doesn’t mean they are inferior or incapable, just different.

FunnyHow on Fri, 19th Dec 2008 8:14 pm 



The school has never actually had a site visit from SACS nor seriously engaged in the process of seeking accreditation until 2.5 years ago, and the site visit is set for April. So, Ernest, again you should check your facts. Do you have an M.D.? Hmmm…why not???? Is it because you never sought it?? Hard to be accredited till you formally ask to be and enter the official process, which we did in June of 2006. Also not terribly relevant to accreditation that our fully, triply accredited school has been around 100 years since SACS has been around about 30…and we just approached them formally in 2006.

Sour grapes Ernesto..

Fernando on Sat, 21st Feb 2009 8:00 pm 



Nazi librarian…really over the edge…no tact…should work in a medical library not with kids. She is a classic case in lack of self confidence…power hungry seeking to impose her will on others, even 6 year olds, to feel content. Really a shame she is on staff now…one of the very few remaining bad apples. But she won´t last….

Mary Indy on Wed, 4th Mar 2009 12:18 pm 



After reading all the comments above, I’d like to make some corrections. There are no longer 3 teachers who are permanent teachers that started out as foreign staff. Two have quit due to poor relations with the administration. So for the pros and cons:

Pros: Pachuca is a nice city if you can tolerate the exhaust fumes. Honestly, I got accustom to it. Some people do not. Pachuca is in a great location and the public transportation is terrific. In general, I have never met friendlier people. Yes, the American School has been around for almost 100 years. I’m not sure if that’s good or bad. The Spanish speaking permanent teachers are very supportive. If you speak Spanish and can communicate with them, it will be to your advantage. The Spanish speaking teacher who I worked with for the past two years could not have been more helpful. Philosophy is quite different though.

The Spanish speaking teachers give inflated grades, in general, because of several reasons. One is because there are no teacher unions and they do not want to be fired. The parents are very present in the school community. This also has pros and cons. The foreign staff tend to give realistic grades but the grading system is not like that in the US so much direction on the part of the administration needs to be given. This leads to the cons………

the administration……….
From my point of view, this is the crux of the major, serious, problem at ASP. In the US, administrators cannot even matriculate into a “Masters of Administration” program until they have at least 2 years teaching experience. At ASP, administrators are hired on the basis of their bilingual ability, not their teacher admin. experience. New teachers come to ASP and instead of experienced administrators giving them the needed support to get them off on the right foot, new teachers are instead led by inexperienced administrators who inadvertently confuse the teachers. When teachers ask respectable questions, instead of getting appropriate answers, they are directed to fill out massive quantities of inappropriate forms that do not necessarily lead to encouraging new teachers to be great teachers. Instead, disrespect starts from the getgo……..

Housing is another problem. Everyone wants to live in basic housing that has a comfortable bed, a living room sofa and appliances in the kitchen that work. No one expects to get a microwave but teachers do expect to have working showers with hot water every day. The person at the school that is in charge of housing does not speak English. Instead of the correct person being hired at the school for this position, an English speaking liason has to communicate with the administration over regular occurring incidences. You know the story about what happens when you play telephone? (By the time your information gets passed on to the correct person, you’ll be lucky if the correct information does get passed on.) In order to get help with a problem in less than a week….yes, that even means if you might consider your problem an emergency, someone else certainly won’t.

From an experienced teachers point of view, some new teachers have issues that would happen in any US or Canadian school. New teachers do not realize how difficult it is the first year. Much time planning lessons is needed. No one in any school anywhere will hand you a lesson plan book with all the needed materials. Speaking of materials, resources are a minimum at the school so be prepared to do much research yourself on your own time or you will certainly not succeed……..

Mary Indy on Wed, 4th Mar 2009 5:48 pm 



After reading all the comments above, I’d like to make some corrections. There are no longer 3 teachers who are permanent teachers that started out as foreign staff. Two have quit due to poor relations with the administration. So for the pros and cons:

Pros: Pachuca is a nice city if you can tolerate the exhaust fumes. Honestly, I got accustom to it. Some people do not. Pachuca is in a great location and the public transportation is terrific. In general, I have never met friendlier people. Yes, the American School has been around for almost 100 years. I’m not sure if that’s good or bad. The Spanish speaking permanent teachers are very supportive. If you speak Spanish and can communicate with them, it will be to your advantage. The Spanish speaking teacher who I worked with for the past two years could not have been more helpful. Philosophy is quite different though.

The Spanish speaking teachers give inflated grades, in general, because of several reasons. One is because there are no teacher unions and they do not want to be fired. The parents are very present in the school community. They interfere A LOT. The administration takes the side of the parent (assuming the parent is complaining about the teacher). The foreign staff tend to give realistic grades but the grading system is not like that in the US so much direction on the part of the administration needs to be given BEFORE grades are due. This leads to the cons………

the administration……….
From my point of view, this is the crux of the major, serious, problem at ASP. In the US, administrators cannot even matriculate into a “Masters of Administration” program until they have at least 2 years teaching experience. At ASP, administrators are hired on the basis of their bilingual ability, not their teacher admin. experience. New teachers come to ASP expecting a supportive administration that will provide guidance and instead of experienced administrators giving them this needed support to get them off on the right foot, new teachers are instead led by inexperienced administrators who inadvertently confuse the teachers. When teachers ask respectable questions, instead of getting appropriate answers, they are directed to fill out massive quantities of inappropriate forms that do not necessarily lead to encouraging new teachers to be even great teachers. Instead, disrespect starts from the getgo……..

Housing is another problem. Everyone wants to live in basic housing that has a comfortable bed, a living room sofa and appliances in the kitchen that work. No one expects to get a microwave but teachers do expect to have working showers with hot water every day. The person at the school that is in charge of housing does not speak English. Instead of the correct person being hired at the school for this position, an English speaking liason has to communicate with the administration over regular occurring incidences. You know the story about what happens when you play telephone? (By the time your information gets passed on to the correct person, you’ll be lucky if the correct information does get passed on.) In order to get help with a problem in less than a week….yes, that even means if you might consider your problem an emergency, someone else certainly won’t.

From an experienced teachers point of view, some new teachers have issues that would happen in any US or Canadian school. New teachers do not realize how difficult it is the first year. Much time planning lessons is needed. No one in any school anywhere will hand you a lesson plan book with all the needed materials. Speaking of materials, resources are a minimum at the school so be prepared to do much research yourself on your own time or you will certainly not succeed……..

NotSoFast on Sun, 8th Mar 2009 6:12 pm 



Mary Indy your comments must be about another school:

YOU SAY: In the US, administrators cannot even matriculate into a “Masters of Administration” program until they have at least 2 years teaching experience. At ASP, administrators are hired on the basis of their bilingual ability, not their teacher admin. experience.

The pre-school dirctor now has 8 years of teaching experience and several years experience as a vice-principal in the US plus a admin certificate and many master´s courses in educational admin, and she does not speak Spanish!

The primary director has 5 years teaching experience and nearly 20 years of admin. experience and is completing a M.S. in educational admin, and is bilingual in Spanish and English. He was Vice-principal at the school before. The Vice-principal is a bilingual Mexican with a M.Ed., 6 years teaching experience and 8 years of admin. experience.

The secondary director has many years of teaching experience and is a bilingual Mexican. She has a Master´s in admin and has been principal for 7 years. Her Vice-principal has more than 15 years of teaching experience, is not bilingual, and has a Principal´s certificate from Canada.

SOOOOO…your comments are all way off! Many administrators are not even bilingual, all have significant teaching experience, and nearly all have been at this school in admin for a while.

I don´t get why people post such completely false information here.

NotSoFast on Sun, 8th Mar 2009 6:16 pm 



Oh, and also…

YOU SAY: No one expects to get a microwave but teachers do expect to have working showers with hot water every day.

Maybe Mexico isn´t the place for these people. Water shortages are common here and even the fanciest of homes have a few days a year when there is no water. Teachers who can´t learn how to light a boiler and have to have someone from the school come help them put a match to a pilot light every 4 weeks when the wind blows the flame out or the gas runs out because the teacher did not fill the tank also don´t belong here. The school cannot take care of everyone´s morning showers, sorry! Some things people who leave the comforts of their own country need to be ready for, and others they need to learn! Lighting a pilot or understanding that the city water system suffers occasional outages is really not the administration´s problem.

RealityCheck on Sun, 8th Mar 2009 6:29 pm 



I also wonder why there continues to be teachers who have such strong feelings about this school that they feel it necessary to write false information to deter people who would likely enjoy their experience here from coming down.

There were never 3 permanent teachers in the first place. No foreign teacher is permanent. There were 3 long-term teachers (10, 6 and 4 years) and one left this year after missing so much work without calling in or notifying in any way that the school had to assign a co-teacher to his pre-school class. Another will leave at the end of this year because he does not meet the new requirements t teach at the school which are based on accreditation standards. He has no education background.

There are several others who plan to stay next year making it their third year. And according to the latest information, more than 70% of current teachers plan to return next year, meaning the school will be hiring far fewer new teachers than ever before. That is up from less than 40% 2 years ago. So things must be going ok…hot showers every day or not.

Mary Indy on Sun, 15th Mar 2009 4:01 pm 



Obviously “NoSoFast and “RealityCheck” perhaps the same person (?) never took a college class in Philosophy 101. He never learned the difference between “Truth” and “Reality” so when he stated “I dont get why people post such completely false information here” it seems he is trying to sound like the gospel instead of being honest with himself or perhaps he is simply ignorant to the difference between truth and reality. I won’t try to mislead you that I can read minds….

He stated very specific true information about the Pre-School director. She is BRAND NEW and came after I wrote the comment that was intended for her predecessor. The new Pre-School director has been in her working role since the end of Jan. - beginning of February. It is now only March, one month later and she is the most qualified director there (even though her background is not preschoolers and she is not billingual) and I certainly wish her the best of luck and hope she makes a very positive impact on the school.

NotSoFast said that “the primary director has 5 years teaching experience and nearly 20 years of admin. experience and is completing a M.S. in educational admin…” He MAY indeed have 5 years teaching experience (not in the US or Canada where teachers have to have a state certification) but only taught a few months at ASP, 6th grade, before abandoning his class. If he does have 20 years in admin., what was his field in since he is presently working on getting his MS in ed. admin. NOW? He should not mislead a reader to think his 20 years in admin. was in education based on US or Canadian educational administrative requirements. His background in law is nice but how relevant? It’s not for me to be so presumptuous as to guess. The Vice Principal in primary is great and the biggest hope for the school in the future.

The secondary director may certainly have many years teaching experience in Mexico. If she has a masters in administration then why is she taking classes to lead up to a Masters in Admin. now? I know for a fact that she is not taking the classes voluntarily. It is a SACS requirement. The Vice Principal in the secondary school is terrific and also one of the biggest assets that the school has to offer. The only problem with him is that he does not want be working with the new recruits in mid-August when new teachers need the guidance from someone of his stature. (He does not start until the students due).

NotSoFast said “SOOOOOOOO….your comments are all way off! Many administrators are not even bilingual, all have …………and all have been at this school in admin for a while”

Hmmm, let’s count 3 level directors, 2 vice principals = 5 people. 2/5 are not billingual. 2/5 constitutes “MANY administrators are not even bilingual…”

This should give you some insight into NotSoFast’s point of view….sounds like a lawyer?????

And …..RealityCheck obviously has been living in a nice place with a comfortable sofa, working appliances and running water most of the time. That’s nice. My point was very simply that new prospective teachers ought to be informed that they shouldn’t expect to walk into living arrangements that include what he may have. Want to take a count as to how many teachers have comfortable sofas? Refrigerators that are bigger than a college dorm frig? Shades on their windows that aren’t broken. Mattresses that are acceptable? Yes, they ought to know how to light a gas pilot light because some do blow out from the wind but obviously no one showed them how to light them, duh………

Hmmm on Fri, 20th Mar 2009 2:01 pm 



Now we get the truth! 3 out of 5 administrators, according to this commentator, are GRRRRRRRREAAAAAAAAAATTTT! Wow…that is very different from a post a week ago saying administrators were the biggest problem!

Now, fact check, the secondary principal IS NOT required to take the M.S. course she is in. She already has a Master´s plus 7 years of admin experience (each year counts as 3 M.S. credits in educ admin as well under accred guidelines so this administrator is about to be triply qualified), and for local hires accreditation requirements say that is perfectly fine. She is, in fact, taking it because she wants to and it is being provided at a very low cost by an extremely generous professional development program. Truth? Reality?

Primary principal “abandoned” his class by being promoted? Hmmm…perception? Truth? Reality? Being offered more responsibility to be more involved with and make a bigger positive impact on the school is abandonment? Oh, and to terminology, August through December as a 6th grade teacher is 5 months, not a “few.” Oh and the 20 years of educational admin. experience were in the US….but why does it really matter when we are talking about a bilingual school in Mexico that is a far cry from any US school, and always will be just by virtue of its unique culture, location and history?

The teaching staff, except perhaps you, is largely far more qualified (an average of 5 years of teaching experience and more than half with a Master´s in eduction) and seemingly more satisfied now too, though with limited resources there is work to do.

Helping teachers adapt to a new environment is part of any foreign teaching experience and any administrator´s responsibility. So perhaps not wanting to do that is not the best attitude to have. Further, having someone who has taught in various countries on the admin, in the mix with those who have only a background in the US or CAN, might be a good thing, you think?

Let´s go back to the comments about admin being hired because they are bilingual. Which? Who? Not a single current administrator was hired for that reason. They were hired for experience, educational background, commitment to the school, and vision, or some combination of the above. And by any measure, 40% of admin staff not being bilingual would be many.

Oh, and the school picks up all teachers at the airport, takes them to their housing, SHOWS them how to light their boiler, and provides them with about $2500 pesos worth of groceries, new sheets, pillows, etc. Add to that among the highest salaries of any non-urban bilingual school in Mexico, a great professional development program through the M.S., all health costs covered, a good year end bonus, a nice bonus at Christmas and Easter, more than 6 weeks of paid holidays during the school year and 6 more at summer, a teaching load of between 24 and 28 45-min. periods per week in classes of 16 to 22 kids, $600 for travel, free internte campus-wide, $40 a month per teacher to spend on classroom materials at your discretion, and things aren´t really all so bad.

If you don´t like your shades, new ones cost about $5 per window in Pachuca - and will be installed for free by the school. A new mattress is about $85, and the school already bought you new sheets and a mattress cover when you arrived. Invest a little bit of your own money in your own happiness and stop griping. And take care of what is in your housing so that things don´t get destroyed for the next teacher who comes along, so maybe (hard to imagine not) she will have a better attitude than you!

Hmmm on Fri, 20th Mar 2009 2:24 pm 



Or even better, move along already.

Find a school that gives you a fancy condo on the beach or something (there may be a few around if you look hard enough)…but make sure BEFORE YOU TAKE THE JOB (duh!) that your fridge is big enough for you and your sofa is soft enough for your sensitive bottom. Interviewing 101…ask what you need to know BEFORE you take the job!

Griping here doesn´t do anyone any good, and if you don´t like where you are or what you are doing, don´t you think it is time for a change? Seems as if it would be good for you, your colleagues, the students, and the school.

AndyandAnn on Fri, 20th Mar 2009 6:18 pm 



We would like to chime in on some of the comments made above:

1. Housing is ok, not excellent. We are teachers in conservative traditional Mexico, not kings or CEO´s, so what do you expect. The furniture yes leaves a lot to be desired, but hey, the house and furniture are free. For a little money you can easily upgrade, the school lets you find your own place and covers rent if not happy with what they provide, and if you stick with the school a while, in your second year or even earlier you can often upgrade furnishings or housing. Loyalty means a lot here, as does patient, kind persistence. Waltzing in as if better free furniture is an entitlement won´t get you very far.

2. We can all easily take potshots at each of the admin., as we are sure they can take potshots at us. What´s the point? But the truth is, they all do bring something to the team. For example, not sure how anyone can say that than a person who has far more experience teaching English as a Foreign Language than any other admin., has lived in and studied extensively in Latin America, speaks the language, created and managed a bilingual English program for 3 years, and is half way through a M.S. in admin., is not qualified or was hired just for bilingual skills. The truth is it doesn´t matter much - as long as they have the best interests of the school in mind, and are generally hard working, committed and loyal, they can all add something valuable to the team. Together, the reality is that even with their flaws they are a pretty string team that has move the school forward tremendously and we should give them credit for that, not take cheap shots.

3. As teachers, we should applaud anyone who is furthering their education, no matter what the motive or why the timing. Questioning why anyone is enrolled in a Master´s really is unbecoming of an educator.

4. Teachers here do not have easy jobs, and there is a lot of bureaucracy and paperwork, but that is part of working in Mexico. Those who succeed will focus on what is wonderful about their experience here, not sit around and complain. But that is generally true anywhere.

Curt on Sat, 21st Mar 2009 12:52 pm 



At the risk of dignifying comments that don´t really deserve to be, I´d like to make a quick personal response to some of the attacks/sniping of this single disgruntled teacher, who I doubt is even on my staff in primary or knows me or my work very well:

1. I am certainly qualified for my position, though I am not saying I am the perfect administrator and I have never met one yet. Also, remember it was not me who made the hiring decision that put me here. The general director hired me for the spot, based on more than 2 years of working together. In fact, this was not even what I asked to do! But that´s another story.

Being an admin. is much more than just supporting teachers, though that is clearly among the most important duties. At the same time however, we have to deal with lots of other constituencies (parents, students, other departments, etc.)and pressures (legal issues, financial issues, etc.) and balance it all, so perhaps you should take your perfectly teacher-shaded glasses off before you begin to look at whether someone has the requisite skills, experience and capacity to serve as a senior administrator. I deal well with parents and students, for example, in large part due to having lived and worked in Mexico for 3 years and having studied Latin American Studies in college and (sorry you think it is irrelevant) speaking Spanish fluently. Not everyone needs to fit a certain mold, particularly when we are not in the US or Can, which is why even SACS makes exceptions for people who do not have the traditional profile but offer something important to a school.

As for the law degree, lawyers are leaders in many fields and the degree teaches you analysis, advocacy, negotiation, writing skills, organization, and more….none of which are bad qualities to have learned in this environment.

And my educational admin. experience was for 10 years in law school administration in the US, working with student community service, study abroad and extra-curricular programs and career counseling. Not bad areas to have knowledge in for this position. The second ten years were in educational non-profit admin (5+ yrs.) and in creating and managing a bilingual English program with 25 foreign teachers and 1000 students (4 yrs.). Again, not a bad fit for what I do here.

2. I do have a fairly decent house, now in my 3rd year here. But I found it on my own, I pay something out of my salary every month for it, and I bought the new persians and my mattress with my own money rather than complain. The sofas are from the school, semi-comfortable but made better by covering them with pillows and big Mexican blankets. I also have more seniority, and that is kind of how life works. Teachers who stay a second year inevitably get nicer places…a third year, even nicer. The school values dedicated, loyal, non-whiny employees and rewards will come for those who do their work and stay positive.

3. If you have housing concerns, take off your mask and come see me. We will take care of what we can, assuming you can be patient and polite. I have solved teachers housing problems at 3 in the morning, on Saturdays and Sundays, in the middle of work days, etc. I am always available to help make your housing situation better - from coming to light your gas to getting you a new mattress if possible. In fact, I have been responsible for 3 mattresses this year and we put new persians in more than half our properties, not to mention I got two people full-sized refrigerators. Again, and it may be hard for you, but it is all about being polite and steady as you request things, and understanding that we do have financial constraints and other things to take care of.

youKnowwho on Mon, 23rd Mar 2009 10:36 am 



Wow, regardless of how you feel about ASP, these comments are completely inappropriate and unethical. A school administrator should not have multiple identities (Scott, notsofast, funnyhow, and who knows how many others) representing himself as a teacher. Anybody who has ever met this administrator knows who he is. Specifically bashing teachers is inappropriate for an administrator and even more absurd when talking about long time teachers. A teacher working at ASP for 4 or 6 years was clearly a valuable commodity to the school, so why criticize them now? Anyway, such extreme praise for any school kinda lacks credibility, don’t you think? It’s unnecessary to personally attack somebody with an opposing view point. This site makes the school seem like a viper pit when I always thought 1 of it’s redeeming qualities was a good social network. For my part, I think Mary Indy is pretty right on, but of course everybody is going to have a slightly different experience. From what I can tell, the administration and too much parental influence have always been the main complaints. The students in the higher grades can be problematic but are nothing compared to public schools back home. Some people love it, others not so much.

Mary Indy on Mon, 23rd Mar 2009 12:38 pm 



A few misquoted remarks were made above that I would like to clarify. I never said that I thought that there were 3 great administrators. I said one brand new one has potential but it is too soon to tell. Two are definitely very respectable.

I suppose the primary level director sounds defensive above because he has been out, ill, for 8-10 weeks of the school year. As he stated above, he does deal well with parents and students, for example, in large part due to having lived and worked in Mexico for 3 years. Interesting comment. How can he do that not being around???????

That brings up the comment I’d like to respond to about the school doctor. “All health costs are covered.” When I first signed a contract with the school, I enquired about the specific health insurance plan. I was never told that it is not a health insurance plan but a doctor on the school campus. I don’t know his qualifications but I would not suggest a new person come to Pachuca and expect the same thing that a US or Canadian health plan covers. I did have one bad experience with the school doctor because he perscribed a medication that conflicted with a perscription I was taking and I did tell him about it. I do suggest that this is not a school for anyone with reoccurring health problems that might need a higher level of care. Yes, the doctor at the school is fine for a stomach bug or a simple cold.

As far as $40 a month for teaching materials is simply incorrect. Teachers receiver 200 pesos which is equivalent today to US $14.

Lovtching on Tue, 31st Mar 2009 8:05 am 



Hello! I have read all your comments as I have recently been hired to teach at ASP. I was told I would have a contract in 2 days. That was 2 weeks ago and haven’t heard from the school since. Just wondering if this is business as usual in Mexico or a problem at the school or an administration problem. I also now wonder if teachers receive salaries on time. Please help, as I do want to teach at ASP and do not understand lack of followthrough by admin toward prospective employees.
Thank you!
Lovtching

Americana on Wed, 1st Apr 2009 4:13 pm 



I heard the principal, Curt Crossley died. Can anyone confirm this?

godutch on Mon, 20th Apr 2009 10:56 pm 



Correct me if I am wrong…but I just heard that Curt Crossley, the primary level director, died on the 24th March 2009

Maybe that’s why you have heard nothing from the school regarding your contract.

Perhaps someone else can confirm this?

godutch on Mon, 20th Apr 2009 11:06 pm 



Correct me if I am wrong…but I just heard that Curt Crossley, the primary level director, died on the 24th March 2009

Maybe that’s why you have heard nothing from the school regarding your contract.

Perhaps someone else can confirm this?

godutch on Tue, 21st Apr 2009 5:30 am 



Curt Crossley the primary school director apparently died on Tuesday 24th March, hence no response to your contract details Lovtching.

I tried to post this information once already today and the moderators decided not to publish my posting.

Check this link which includes comments about Curt’s demise from his cousin Lindsey Freer. http://mexicanfever.blogspot.c...../label/ASP

Tell us what you're thinking...
and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!