Teaching English at a Public School in China

Teaching at a public school in China offers a very different rhythm from the hustle of private language centers or the prestige of international schools. These government-run institutions tend to follow a traditional school calendar, with consistent hours, national holidays off, and a strong focus on spoken English. While the salaries are usually lower than in private or international schools, the work-life balance is often much better — especially for those who value their weekends, want time to travel, or simply enjoy a slower pace.

Public school jobs are especially appealing to newer teachers or those who want to immerse themselves in a local Chinese community. Instead of catering to elite families or wealthy students, public schools serve a broader mix — giving you the chance to teach a wide range of learners, from eager elementary students to curious high schoolers.

For many teachers, it’s not just a job — it’s an introduction to China’s education system, culture, and everyday life. The experience can be as rewarding personally as it is professionally, especially if you’re open to learning as much as you teach.

🧑‍🏫 1. What Teaching at a Public School Looks Like

A typical public school teaching schedule in China runs from Monday to Friday, with classes usually held in the mornings and early afternoons. Most teachers have weekends and national holidays off, giving you plenty of time to explore the country, take on side projects, or just enjoy your downtime — something that’s often harder to find in private institutions or cram schools.

Classes tend to be large, often ranging from 30 to 50 students. While that might sound overwhelming at first, the expectations are usually more relaxed. You’re not expected to deliver intensive academic instruction. Instead, your role centers on improving students’ confidence with spoken English, introducing cultural topics, and encouraging participation through fun and engaging activities.

Many schools will provide a basic curriculum or topic outline, but you’ll often have freedom in how you design and deliver your lessons. This makes public schools an excellent choice for teachers who enjoy creativity and want a lighter teaching load — especially if you’re new to the classroom and still finding your style.

📋 2. Qualifications and Hiring Requirements

To legally teach at a public school in China, you’ll need to meet the requirements for a Z visa — the standard work visa for foreign teachers. This includes having a bachelor’s degree (in any subject), a 120-hour TEFL or TESOL certificate, and holding a passport from one of the seven countries China officially recognizes as native English-speaking: the U.S., U.K., Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa.

While previous teaching experience is definitely a plus, it’s not always required. Public school positions are often seen as entry-level roles in China’s TEFL system, making them accessible for new teachers who are qualified, flexible, and enthusiastic.

In addition to academic qualifications, you’ll also need to pass a criminal background check, undergo a medical exam, and have your degree authenticated before you can be issued a visa. The process can be paperwork-heavy, but schools and recruiters usually help guide you through it step-by-step. Once approved, you’ll be on your way to a legal, stable job with plenty of free time and the chance to immerse yourself in real Chinese classroom life.

💰 3. Salary and Benefits at Public Schools

Teaching at a public school in China usually comes with a modest but steady compensation package. Monthly salaries typically range from ¥8,000 to ¥16,000, depending on the location, your qualifications, and whether you’re teaching at a primary, middle, or high school. Tier-1 cities like Beijing and Shanghai tend to offer higher pay, but even smaller cities can be financially comfortable due to a lower cost of living.

One of the biggest perks of public school jobs is the benefits. Most schools provide free housing or a monthly housing allowance, along with flight reimbursements (either at the end of the contract or as a one-time bonus). You'll also get paid national holidays and summer/winter breaks — a huge plus for teachers who want time to travel or recharge. Health insurance is typically included as part of your contract.

Although public school salaries are usually lower than what international or private schools offer, the workload is also lighter. Teachers often have fewer teaching hours, more prep time, and less pressure from parents or administrators. This balance makes public schools an appealing option for educators who value free time, cultural immersion, and a stable daily rhythm over chasing top-tier pay.

📚 4. Curriculum and Teaching Materials

Public schools in China usually provide teachers with a set curriculum or textbook, which helps give structure and direction to your lessons. However, you're not expected to follow it word-for-word. In fact, most schools encourage foreign teachers to bring their own creativity into the classroom. Your role is often less about delivering rigorous academic content and more about making English fun, engaging, and practical — especially through games, songs, discussions, and role-plays.

You’ll likely be teaching oral English, which means your focus is on pronunciation, vocabulary, and conversational skills rather than grammar rules or writing assignments. Since many students already attend evening classes or tutoring for more academic instruction, your job is to get them talking and feeling confident in a relaxed environment.

One of the perks of teaching in a public school is the limited workload outside of class. Teachers are rarely responsible for marking large amounts of homework or exams. Instead, your energy goes into lesson planning and classroom interaction. This setup makes it ideal for teachers who want a lighter workload and more time to explore local culture or focus on personal development outside school hours.

🕰️ 5. Schedule and Workload

One of the most appealing aspects of teaching at public schools in China is the structured schedule. Most teachers work between 16 to 20 classroom hours per week, with a few additional hours set aside for meetings, office hours, or school events. The pace is generally slower and more predictable than at private language centers or cram schools.

Classes typically run Monday through Friday, usually in the mornings and early afternoons, leaving your evenings free. Weekends are consistently off, giving you plenty of time to rest, explore, or plan short getaways. For teachers who value routine and personal time, this setup is a major advantage.

Public schools also follow the national academic calendar, which means generous breaks during the summer and winter holidays, along with time off for Chinese New Year and other public holidays. Many teachers use this downtime to travel within China or Southeast Asia, making the job a great match for those looking to combine teaching with broader adventures.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 6. Student Demographics and Classroom Culture

In Chinese public schools, your students will typically range from young primary learners to high school teenagers, depending on your specific placement. Most schools match teachers to a consistent age group, which helps you tailor your teaching style and build rapport over time.

Students are generally respectful, well-behaved, and disciplined — but they may be quite shy, especially when it comes to speaking English. Many are used to lecture-based, test-heavy instruction, so introducing games, storytelling, or interactive activities may feel unfamiliar at first. That said, they often warm up quickly with a patient and encouraging teacher.

As a foreign teacher, you’re not just there to drill vocabulary — you’re a window into another world. Students (and often their families) see you as a cultural representative, so they’re curious about your background, customs, and experiences. If you’re open to sharing your culture and making English fun and relevant, you’ll quickly become a highlight of their school day.

🗺️ 7. Where Public School Jobs Are Available

Public school teaching jobs in China are widely available, thanks to national initiatives aimed at improving English education across the country. Various local education bureaus recruit foreign teachers to fill roles in both major cities and smaller towns.

Urban schools in places like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Hangzhou typically offer better facilities, stronger administrative support, and access to modern teaching materials. These schools also tend to have more experienced Chinese English teachers, making collaboration smoother. However, competition for city placements can be higher, and the cost of living may eat into your salary more quickly.

In contrast, rural placements — whether in smaller towns or more remote regions — often come with a lower cost of living and a chance for authentic cultural immersion. While resources may be limited, these positions can be incredibly rewarding for teachers who value close-knit communities and meaningful local connections. If you're open-minded and adaptable, rural schools offer a chance to experience a side of China most foreigners never see.

✅ 8. Pros and Cons of Public School Teaching

Pros:

• Short hours and reliable schedule: Most public school teachers work under 20 hours per week, with weekends and national holidays off — a rarity in the TEFL world.
• Paid vacations: Public school roles typically come with long summer and winter breaks, ideal for travel or rest.
• Low-pressure environment: Compared to cram schools or international programs, the classroom expectations are more relaxed, and there’s less emphasis on standardized test prep.
• Supportive framework: Many positions are part of organized programs that assist with onboarding, visa paperwork, housing, and local orientation — helpful for first-time teachers.

Cons:

• Lower base salary: Public school pay is generally modest, especially compared to international or private school jobs, though cost of living often balances this out.
• Large class sizes: Teaching 30–50 students at a time can be intimidating, especially with varying levels of English proficiency.
• Limited teaching resources: Some schools provide minimal materials or outdated textbooks, so creativity and flexibility are key.
• Location flexibility may be limited: If you go through a government program, your city or school assignment may not be fully negotiable.

Public schools offer one of the most balanced and stable ways to teach in China, especially if you’re looking for cultural immersion and solid work-life balance — but they’re not for everyone.

🎯 Final Thoughts: Is Public School Teaching in China Right for You?

Teaching at a public school in China is a strong fit for TEFL-certified teachers who value routine, cultural immersion, and a manageable workload. It’s especially appealing to first-time teachers or those seeking a slower pace of life compared to the hustle of private language centers or elite international schools.

If you’re comfortable working with large groups, open to adapting your lessons with limited resources, and excited about living within a local community, public school roles can be deeply fulfilling. You won’t get the highest salary in China, but the trade-off is a more balanced lifestyle and plenty of time to explore the country.

For the right personality — flexible, culturally curious, and genuinely interested in education — public schools offer not just a job, but an opportunity to connect meaningfully with students and experience everyday life in China.