Maple Leaf Education IPO and expansion job vacancies

Not only am I the proud owner of 6,000 shares of 01317, aka Maple Leaf Education Systems on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange after a few phone calls to my E*Trade account manager, and moving some money around, but will continue to buy 4,000 shares a month through the remainder of this years contract. It began public trading officially on Friday, November 28th, and my buy went through at 2.96 HKD on December 1st. It's currently trading at 3.01, and will continue to watch it grow.

And next, My strategic Director announced 12 new teacher positions available for ESL teachers with March 1st start dates all over China. and an unprecedented 60 ESL positions with a Fall 2015 start.

My quick Pro's/Con's list:
Pro's: Incredible salary with only 2 years teaching experience, I teach 3-70 minute classes five times a week (BIG difference from last year teaching only 20-40 minute classes once a week). Class size of 30 or less, compares to last year 60 in each class, meeting only once a week. Incredible health insurance coverage through MSHAsia. Incredible ESL department Deputy Director, amazing international English team, knowledgeable and friendly, and well-experienced Chinese Grammar and Foundation Arts teachers, Housing included in contract (FREE heat in winter-Although I felt like I was freezing to death in October-I'm a southern California boy), and we live a block from the beach in a resort community.

Con's: They require me to teach a morning homeroom from 7:40 am to 8:00 am (last year all my classes began at 10:00 am-Noon, and 2:00 pm-5:00 pm-20 minute break between each class and a two hour lunch). They asked me to volunteer to teach an after school drama class from 3:40-4:40, 5:00. 6:00... It wouldn't have been so bad if the same students showed up each day for practice. Jinshitan is a holiday resort, its busy in the summer, deathly quiet in the winter. KaiFaQu is a 30 minute light rail train ride with Makro, IKEA, Sams Club and Metro (School gives you a FREE Metro card). the Qing Gui (light rail train costs 8 RMB or 1.25 USD). Dalian is an hour train ride with Starbucks, Papa Johns, Burger King, Western steak houses and a much better "city life" than Jinshitan has to offer. SO great weekend fun is not so far away.

Any questions? Just ask!

Here's the link to check it out yourself:

http://www.mapleleafschools.com/employment/esl-teacher-current-vacancies.php

Current Vacancies ESL Teacher

Maple Leaf Educational Systems – China is seeking qualified ESL teachers for positions at nine schools in cities in the People’s Republic of China. Our system is growing rapidly and we expect to have approximately 12 ESL teaching positions available for the second semester of the 2014/15 academic year, which begins March 1, 2015 and approximately 60 new positions available for the 2015/16 academic year, staring September 1, 2015.

We are hiring teachers to work in our high school programs in Dalian, Wuhan, Tianjin, Chongqing, Zhenjiang, Shanghai and Luoyang and in our elementary and middle school programs in these cities and also in Inner Mongolia-Ordos, Pingdingshan, Huayuan Area Tianjin. Our high school ESL programs are preparing students for the fully English taught BC high school program and our elementary and middle schools are introducing English to students who plan to go onto our high schools. Our students are second language learners in many cases learning English as for the first time.

Our BC certified high schools provide academically motivated students an educational program to prepare them for entrance to western universities.

Maple Leaf Schools offers our ESL teachers an opportunity to grow professionally and personally with like-minded colleagues in a culturally rich environment. Our motto, Presenting a World of Opportunity, applies equally to our students and our ESL teachers. We provide our ESL teachers a competitive salary and benefits package including paid holidays, medical coverage and yearly travel to and from China. The annual salary for ESL teachers ranges from $21,600USD to $30,000USD, based on years of experience.

Ideal candidates possess a passion for education and a commitment to student success. We seek ESL teachers eager to embrace cultural differences, able to adapt easily to change and challenges and work cooperatively with diplomacy, professionalism and humour.

If you are interested in joining our Maple Leaf team please provide the following:

• Brief cover letter
• Resume that shows full work history – including all teaching experience with start and end dates (month/year) and names of employers/schools, clearly indicating a minimum of two years of classroom teaching experience
• Copy of ESL Teacher Training Certification, verifying a minimum of 100 hours of coursework and practicum from an accredited ESL training institution – TESL, TEFL, CELTA, etc.
• Copy of university graduation diploma (proof of degree)

Additional details will be requested through the hiring process, including:

• Copy of passport valid for a minimum of one year from the date of hire
• Copy of clean criminal record check dated within the last 12 months
• Letters of employment verification related to previous teaching positions – signed, dated and produced on school/company letterhead
• Digital photo
• Copy of clear medical check is also required for some locations

Forward your application package to:
Dawn Sutherland
Director, Strategic Support
MLES Educational Services Canada Ltd.
400-601 West Broadway
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V5G 4C2
Tel: 604-675-6910
Fax: 604-675-6911
Email: dawn.sutherland@mapleleafschools.com

Chinese work visa regulations prevent us from hiring teachers who will turn 60 before August 15, 2017.

China Maple Leaf Educational Systems IPO

5 Investment Points To Note On China Maple Leaf Educational Systems IPO CORPORATE DIGEST | 28 NOVEMBER 2014 By: Louis Kent Lee ARTICLES (118)PROFILE It is hard not to have a soft spot for recession proof businesses. Education, for instance, is one of the examples. Because of the importance and how highly regarded education is in our society, it is interesting to look at companies with direct exposure to such industry. While looking across the highly talked about Shanghai-Hong Kong connect. We identified a company that is poised to ride on the macro outlook of the education industry, and the rising income of the middle class in China. China Maple Leaf Educational Systems (CMLES) is the largest international high school operator in China. It is listed on 28th November at HK$2.88, with an initial indicative price range for its initial public offering at HK$2.23 – HK$3.07, with some 334 million shares being offered. There are 5 main investment points that drew our attention to CMLES. 1. Largest Market Share According to Frost & Sullivan (F&S), CMLES as of 2013/2014 commands the largest market share in the international high school market (9 percent), and 7.6 percent market share in the international school market in China. Referencing to the pie charts below, you’d have noticed that CMLES’ market share in both the international high school and international segment morphs that of its closest competitors. This is largely due to its unique offering of dual curriculum and diploma that is highly recognised in China, and internationally. 2. Further Growth Expected In Private and International Education Landscape F&S reported that the PRC international school market registered a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 23 percent over 2009 – 2013, with total revenue growing from RMB8 billion to RMB18.4 billion during the same period. The total number of students enrolled also reflected a CAGR of approximately 18.6 percent from 2009 – 2013 to reach 156,500 students. F&S also quoted the strong intention of Chinese parents to send their children to study abroad. With the rising income levels seen in China’s middle class, and the one child policy which will see a lot more spending by grandparents and parents on that one child, parents are increasingly choosing to send their children to international schools where diplomas earned from such establishments can provide direct routes to ivy league universities in the United states (US), Canada or even the United Kingdom (UK). It is expected that the international school market in China is likely to sustain its double-digit CAGR of 11.8 percent over 2013 – 2017. 3. Unique Curriculum, Recognition Of Diplomas In China and Internationally Due to CMLES’ unique dual – curriculum education offering, students of CMLES will be under a British Columbia (BC) certified education program from Grade 10 (K-10) onwards. Upon graduation, the students will receive dual diplomas which are recognised in China, and also in major universities in countries such as US, UK and Canada. Most Chinese parents these days want to send their children overseas for their universities education, and with the BC accredited program in their diplomas, students of CMLES can now do so. This is endorsed even further with CMLES’ memorandum of understanding with over 50 reputable overseas universities. F&S also noted that CMLES boasts a high transition rate of approximately 50 percent student count admitted into the top 100 universities in the world, which is the highest ratio among the top five international schools in China in the 2012/2013 school year. 4. Room For Higher Tuition Fees, Raising Eventual Profits Decking CMLES’ current tuition fees against its peers, it is evident that CMLES’ fees are the lowest among its international peers. As CMLES’ stand point is to provide affordable quality education, it is largely popular and affordable to the rising middle class in China. In China, tuition fees hike by education providers would require approvals to be given by the authorities prior to the fee hike. In fact, CMLES was given the option to raise its tuition fees in Shanghai to RMB100,000 a year, but at that point, CMLES only adjusted it to around RMB70,000 a year. This clearly shows more room for CMLES to raise tuition fees. Currently, CMLES commands an average good gross profit margin of some 45 percent and average adjusted earnings before interest and tax of some 38.8 percent for FY11 – FY13. Sensitivity analysis shows that (p198) a 3 percent – 6 percent increase to its tuition fees would have resulted in a RMB11.8 million – RMB35.5 million increase in its profit position for FY13. FY13’s profit for the year stood at RMB33.2 million. This represents a potential addition to net profit between 35.5 percent to 106.9 percent. CMLES’ current gearing looks high on the onset at 65.8 percent, primarily due to its small equity base. However, using a net debt approach, CMLES reflects a net cash position for CMLES, primarily due to its sizable cash pile of RMB409.3 million, reflecting some 22.4 percent of total assets. 5. Experienced Board Members, Strong Value Chain Pipeline Two main board members that stuck our attention which we think is of utmost importance to endorsing board value would be Mr Sherman Jen and Mr James William Beeke. Most notably in October 2014, Jen; Co-chief executive officer, chairman, controlling shareholder and founder of CMLES received the Chinese Government Friendship Award from Mr Li Keqiang, PRC’s Premier, and two Vice Premiers. That award was the highest honour awarded by the Chinese Government to foreign experts for their outstanding contributions to the modernised development of China. We see such endorsement a positive catalyst as strong recognition and ties with the government bodies are key essential hooks to secure a good robust standing in the education industry. Mr James Beeke, director, vice president and BC program superintendent of CMLES is key to the overseeing of CMLES’ operation of the BC program in CMLES, which has gotten a lot of recognition for in the international arena. His prior employment experience in BC’s provincial government as deputy inspector, and inspector for BC provincial government’s Ministry of Education is invaluable to knowing how to best structure CMLES’ BC program to bridge a well-recognised affiliation to Canada, and internationally as well. As seen from the diagram below, you would’ve noticed that the fundamental education system in China includes three years of preschool, nine years of compulsory education at elementary and middle school, and three years of high school. CMLES’ strategy of attracting students at an early age has allowed it to retain these students within its education value chain pipeline as these students progress through their education. For school years 2010 – 2013; CMLES has a retention rate of over 70 percent of its students from elementary schools enrolled into their middles schools, and over 70 percent retention rate of students from middle schools enrolled into their high schools. The high retention rates enable CMLES to constantly get recurring revenue from a solid base, without having to spend too much on marketing to recruit students externally. Conclusion Moving forward, the international school market is poised for further growth based on the encouraging education industry outlook, and the willingness of rising middle income class to spend more on quality education. We feel that CMLES’ unique offering and recognition in the international school arena will continue to help sustain its market share. The plans of CMLES to increase utilisation rates from its current schools and raising tuition fees which have been traditionally low are also key points that will see positive impact in its top and bottom line. Also, its plans to expand its school network in China and abroad through forms of cooperation is likely to see it grabbing market share and further morphing its largest peers. CMLES was 195 times oversubscribed and at HK$2.88 a share, this indicates forward PE of some 20.1 times.

Source:

http://www.sharesinv.com/articles/2014/11/28/china-maple-leaf-edication/

When teaching turns to business

As an international educator, I have been blessed with the ability to freely travel the globe. I have the right "all-American" look, the desired education and certification, the freedom to not be geographically restrictive, and after ten years of traveling... I may have found that one place I have been looking for. Although in daily denial, based on the hardships endured, which is common for any international teaching gig. There is an element of time, quite different for each individual. But deep down inside, I may actually "like" it here.

After teaching a year at a government high school in a "small city" of 600,000 people, being among one of less than a dozen people who could actually carry on a conversation in English, I was seeking a less-populated, more "western" environment. and I may have found that "perfect place" in Northern China.

Notwithstanding that I am, and forever will be that "spoiled California boy," combined with the fact that my students insist that I am not really an adult (discussing baby, child, children, youth, teen-agers, middle-aged and the old and elderly), they consider me a "big boy."

While they don't really know who Peter Pan is, and haven't been exposed to much western culture, because of previous, and current government restrictions, and as most of their conversations revolve around Basketball and the NBA, conversation is limited. It is my job to adapt current teaching modalities to include current "eye-opening" and "there's a whole new world out there" philosophies.

For that task, preparing interesting lesson plans can often be challenging to teach the topic, while providing current relevant information that may interest them. Every "Fun Friday" I have a 10 question EXAM (Specifically used for the importance of the grade, or "Mark" as they call it). "High Marks" or "Full Marks" is what they want the teacher to "Give" them. But they have not yet mastered the fact that it is NOT the teacher that is giving them their score, so it is up to me to collaborate with my peers and ask for assistance to teach the students that we do not give them their mark... They learn, or they don.t learn. The assignments, papers, speeches, presentations, group work, quizzes, tests and exams, are all on them... Even my Chinese counter parts didn't quite understand my request.

Be that as it may, "Fun Friday" exams are followed by a movie segment (in order to do my grading in class, so that I don't have to do work outside of school). They get their grades before the end of the class. The entire point of this mindless babbling today is that I showed the boys Disney's Teen Beach Movie, which is chock full of dialogue, exciting time shifts, amazing clothing styles, and above all the songs.

The only song that the students here know is One Directions "One Thing." and it hurts my ears to hear it. I like the, no, I love the song. But their pronunciation, and God forbid they use a microphone, just pains me to eternity. So What can I do about it? Teach them to sing.

I read a book a long, long time ago saying you can’t teach a pig to sing, it is impossible and it annoys the pig. Well, these boys need to be a little annoyed right now. They have one thing and one thing only on their mind... And it's not girls!

Computer games. Walking in the hallway, not watching where they are going, in class, before class, during class, after class. On their laptops, tablets, iPads, iPad mini's and phones of all shapes and sizes. "LOL" is the most common game.

After completing Disney's Teen Beach Movie in three weeks time, They asked for more. So I think I will go backwards first and show the High School Musical series from the beginning. Its relevant to their environment, and age group.

When teaching turns to business. The school I currently work for was just listed for ipo on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and I look forward to joining in on the growth of the curriculum and company.

Here is the link to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange to see the current value of the Maple Leaf Education System stock price:

http://www.hkex.com.hk/eng/invest/company/quote_page_e.asp?WidCoID=1317&WidCoAbbName=&Month=1&langcode=e

I was fortunate to buy low, 45 days after the Initial Public Offering, and have enjoyed the steady rise and growth, as my own growth in the company becomes more permanent and stable. Buying at 1.95 HKD, with a value of 2.80 HKD as of publishing today, and owning a substantial amount of shares, as I try and re-invest my salary into the company growth... I can only hope that an education stock such as this company, can only maintain its healthy gain.

Sad thing is, E-trade is eliminating its global market as of June 12, 2015, I will be forced to liquidate and sell all of my shares, fee-free from E-trade, as it is them closing that leg of their business, and will be forced to re-purchase at a higher price. Working my way around this as an American citizen, working in China, trading with an American company on the Hong Kong market, I anticipate my ease of transition a bit worrisome. Billionaires do this type of thing everyday. There must be a simple way for me to do it. I will find a way. 

An intriguing book that opens up possibilities.

“It is almost everyone’s dream to travel, to see the world and explore other cultures, add in the idea of actually making money while doing it and that dream quickly turns into a sweet fantasy; but what if it’s not? What if you really can make money, even make a living while traveling? George Michael Babineau has done it and he explains how in “TEFL Teach and Travel: How to Travel the world and make the most money living abroad.”
That last part is key – how to make the MOST money. For a US citizen living abroad, its’ actually quite easy – if you know the tips and the tricks. The money that you can save while teaching English as a foreign language is massive; rent, healthcare, transportation –the list goes on. There are a few caveats though, and Babineau explains them up front. Your birthplace must be 1 of the 6 countries where English is the native language, you must have a BA degree in something and you must have a clean record, clean check up and a TEFL diploma. If that’s you, then you are in luck. George Michael Babineau has the 411 on the countries that will pay you the most to work there legally, and which countries to stay away from.
An intriguing book that opens up possibilities.
”

SoCalBookGal wrote this review 7 hours ago.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OVA77YM

Another amazing FIVE star review

5.0 out of 5 stars Detailed information and surprisingly interesting.... November 9, 2014

By Ranger

Verified Purchase

Wow! I didn't expect a book on TEFL certification to be as interesting as this one. George Babineau, the writer, is an American teaching English in the Chinese town of Fu'an, where he's been for the last 3 years. Here, he reveals every single thing about his interesting job.

First, knowing well that his readers are more interested in the financial aspect more than anything else, George explains how the math of teaching English in a foreign country adds up – you may make $2000 a month teaching English in China, save $1500 of it, with no more than $500 in expenses a month. Of course, things are a lot cheaper in China than in the US.

Then George explains everything about getting there – the TEFL certification, how to apply for it, how to get it, how to face the interview process, how to adjust to life in a foreign country, and he even writes about the useful word games you may make use of to teach your young students English.

One word for the book – COMPREHENSIVE! And the writing is terrific too.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OVA77YM

YaY! 2nd FIVE STAR review today!

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Good 
November 7, 2014
By Helen C.
Verified Purchase
This was a really informative book which packs a plethora of knowledge for anyone considering a lifestyle of teaching and working in other countries as well as how to win the best teaching contracts and more. I was definitely impressed with how well researched and extensive the information here is, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is thinking about teaching abroad. Highly recommended.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OVA77YM

Writing your personal journey

Everyone is on their own personal journey. My journey is different than yours. We are all unique. But I choose to go through this journey, often wondering if the grass is really greener on the other side. And without hesitation, I am free to make the often dramatic lifestyle change that most people would quiver and cringe at the thought. I've never known stability, and perhaps that's a subconscious fear I have. To never become complacent, and be free to move onto my next new adventure. Sometimes not first seeking new employment, and ending up down in the dumps, hoping my friends will pick me up.

Teaching English is a fickle job, as there are limitless opportunities around the globe, and as equally as limitless salary and responsibility levels, and types of educational institutions. Once you hold that TEFL diploma,  university degree or not, you can write your own ticket, and create your own path around the globe. Every country is looking for quality people to teach a quality program. Some offer text books, others teach with tablets. Again, the spectrum of technology is as diverse as the teaching styles are.

The basic motivation is the students academic and social outcomes. Can you motivate, educate, and inspire children to communicate in a foreign language. Your first step is the TEFL-C certification.

http://www.tefl-c.com/  is currently offering a coupon code to receive 10 percent off tuition, and feel free to share this code with your friends. But it is only valid until December 31st, 2014: gbabineauLuK5mm2e

Only you can make the decision to be the world traveler you always wanted to be.

In order to enroll in the course, please use the coupon code: gbabineauLuK5mm2e

Welcome to TEFL-C International

Prepared in association with Teachers College, Columbia University in the City of New York, TEFL-C's teacher certification programs in Teaching English as a Foreign Language to Children represent the finest in specialized preparation programs for teachers of English working with children aged three to twelve in countries or regions in which English is not a commonly spoken language.

TEFL-C offers three levels of certification (I recommend the advanced certification, as it is the most internationally recognized course):

• TEFL-C Basic Certificate (60 hours)–Designed to give teachers a solid understanding of salient educational theories and approaches that relate to teaching English to young learners and to provide them with practical ideas for applying theoretical learnings to classroom teaching.
• TEFL-C Practical Certificate (60 hours)–Designed for teachers who have already studied educational theories and approaches related to children's language teaching and learning, but who are seeking to improve their practical classroom delivery knowledge and skills.
• TEFL-C Advanced Certificate (120 hours)–Essentially comprised of both our Basic and Practical courses, the TEFL-C Advanced Certificate is designed for teachers who are just entering the field of teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) to children or those who would like to refresh and improve their theoretical knowledge and practical delivery skills.