ACLID

What is ACLID?

ACLID is the only association dedicated exclusively to private language schools in the region of Castilla y León (Asociación Castellano-Leonesa de Idiomas). The purpose of the association is to guarantee a quality private language education, with a commitment to professionalism and honesty. The association encourages a spirit of cooperation and commitment among its members.

All member schools are governed by a Code of Conduct and they strive to set high standards and maintain a commitment to superior quality, not only in connection with their students but also with their staff. School owners and directors meet and communicate regularly, sharing information and perspectives and keeping abreast of all issues relevant to the sector.

As a member of FECEI, the National Federation, ACLID takes part in the collective labour agreement negotiations and is recognised as the legal and legitimate interlocutor with the official entities and Government bodies.

Why work for an ACLID school?

ACLID was founded in 1983 and currently boasts more than 100 teachers working at member schools. These schools are among the most prestigious in the towns and cities of Castilla y León. ACLID itself is also a member of a national regulatory organization FECEI (The Spanish Federation of Language Schools) and members sign the Junta de Castilla y León's (the regional government) consumer arbitration agreement. All this means that an ACLID school belongs to the main professional (and only specialist) organisation in Castilla y León, and, therefore, is able to offer a guarantee of quality not always found elsewhere in the region.

TEACHING
What is a typical teaching timetable?

The Spanish working day is divided for many into two by a long lunch, which is the largest meal of the day for Spanish people. Most people work or study in the mornings to early afternoon: Government jobs finish at 3, secondary schools and most primary schools at 2 or 3, so the main part of the teaching day in ACLID schools will be outside these hours, in the afternoons to evenings. Expect your main contact (teaching) hours to be between the hours of 4pm and 9 or 10pm. There may, however, be some morning classes in the school as well as classes off the school premises. Some member schools teach a lot off-site and teachers may have timetables built around business classes. You should consult each school.

What age and level will I be expected to teach?

Expect the majority of learners to be young learners and teenagers with a lesser percentage being adults. However, some schools teach mainly business English which means a higher percentage of adults, while other schools specialise in classes backing up school curriculum. Again do enquire with the specific ACLID school you are interested in. The Cambridge ESOL exams and the Trinity College exams are well-known in Spain and you may be expected to teach towards these. ACLID schools have experience in preparing their learners for these exams and will be able to provide ample support.

Do I have to speak Spanish to work as an English teacher in Spain?

Generally speaking ACLID schools prefer the communicative approach to language teaching, which involves immersion in the target language. It is perfectly possible to teach English without recourse to Spanish. However, Spanish is a considerable benefit for settling in and making living in Castilla y León. A good knowledge of Spanish will also help you understand why learners are making certain errors and so provide more effective correction.

What is a typical academic year in Andalusia?

A typical academic year would run from late September or the beginning of October until towards the end of June. An ACLID school may also run summer courses during the months of July, August and September. Some schools also run their own courses in Britain or Ireland in the summer, or may have a tradition of providing teachers for summer courses run by other organisations.

Will I receive any teacher training?

ACLID schools wish to have highly trained teachers, and so not only do they search for teachers who have already received quality training, but also they look to provide ongoing training. For some schools this may involve a specific training period before the school year begins; and then during the year schools offer a variety of training support both in situ and elsewhere.

What holidays will I get?

An ACLID school will give you all those holidays stipulated under Spanish law which include Christmas and Easter, and national and local holidays. You should ask the particular ACLID school for a calendar.

LEGALITIES
What documentation will I need in Spain?

Residence permits are not required for EU nationals but the ACLID school for which you intend to work will help you with the paperwork to apply for a Foreigner's Identity Number (NIE). You need to apply for this if you plan to stay in Spain for a period exceeding three months. Your passport number can be used until you receive a NIE. It is advisable to have this identity number for any official transaction in Spain, such as buying a car, opening a bank account or preparing your tax returns (in May/June). You will need to carry a copy of this number (or your passport) with you at all times as Spanish law states that it is an offence not to be able to identify yourself to a police officer if required to do so. You will also be required to apply for a social security number before you begin work for your company. It is also advisable to register in the town's census and to notify the tax office of your address once you have a NIE. It is a difficult and lengthy process to obtain work permits for nationals of countries outside the European Union, and you should ask the individual ACLID school if they are willing to consider non-EU applicants.

Will I have to sign a contract?

Spanish labour legislation is comprehensive and there is a specific agreement (convenio) for the sector. You will be expected to sign a contract on starting work in an ACLID school. According to the convenio a full-time job involves up to 34 hours a week, although your contact hours are likely to be fewer. Consult in each case how many contact hours are expected, and what hours are assumed for preparation time, training and so on.

By law the contract you sign must be in Spanish although the ACLID school you are signing the contract with will be more than willing to help with any doubts you may have concerning its contents.

When and how do I get paid?

According to the law binding private language schools, an ACLID school promises to pay teachers within or before the first five days of the following month. The amount will be paid in euros and you will have to sign your pay slip (nómina) on receipt of your salary. Your pay slip will include a breakdown of the tax and social security you are obliged by Spanish law to pay.

Do I have to pay tax?

Tax deductions vary substantially depending on the amount on your pay slip, the duration of the contract and the time of year you sign up. Your employer does not set the rate: the amount deducted is calculated by a specific program supplied by the Inland Revenue (Hacienda). The rate (typically between 2% and 12%) depends on your earning profile and your personal circumstances, (for example, whether you have children). Between May and June you can submit your tax returns for the previous calendar year through the local tax office (local hacienda office). Again your ACLID school will be more than willing to explain what you need to do in more detail. If all your earnings are from one source only over the year and don't exceed a specific amount you do not present a tax return. Compulsory employee social security deductions are approximately 6%.

WELFARE
How can I find accommodation?

The ACLID school you apply to may help you find a flat and settle in as quickly as possible. Most people in towns and cities in Spain live in flats and prices vary from place to place. It is often cheaper and more common to share a flat. You will probably have to pay a deposit when you first move in which is normally the same amount as a month's or two months' rent, so bear this in mind when deciding how much money you will need when you first arrive in Spain. The earlier you arrive, the more choice of accommodation you will have, as other teachers and students will also be looking for accommodation at the beginning of the academic year. When flat-hunting, do also enquire what is covered by the rent as, very often, the water, electricity or community charges may not be included.

Is Spanish easy to learn?

As with any language this depends on your level of commitment. One positive thing about learning Spanish is that the words are pronounced the way they are written which is more than can be said for English! It is possible to have a good basic working vocabulary within a few weeks.

How can I open a bank account?

Foreigners can open temporary accounts until they get their tax identification number (NIF). Once they have a NIF they can open a normal account. Many banks offer free accounts for clients who receive their wages directly into their account. You should find out if your school offers this option.

Can I drive in Spain with my current driving licence?

If your driving licence has been issued by a member country of the European Union, then you can drive in Spain using your current driving licence for up to six months after you have entered the country. After that time you should exchange your licence for a Spanish licence. The minimum age to drive in Spain is 18. If you are below this age and hold a driving licence you cannot drive in Spain. There is also a points system in which points are taken away from a total of twelve (for experienced drivers) for any infraction of the law.

What are the arrangements for health provision?

Teachers are signed up to the National Health Service (Seguridad Social) on start of contract and assigned a GP in their local health centre as soon as possible. However, if you are from a European Union member country, you automatically have the right to receive medical attention at any time in Spain. Dental treatment in Spain is not covered by the National Health Service. Teachers are also covered for work-related injuries which occur at or on the way to work by a private insurer (your school holds this policy). If you become ill while under contract you should go to your doctor or an emergency room.

Check with your school about their policy on 'bajas'- this is the official term for sick leave - it may have repercussions on your salary.

CASTILLA Y LEÓN
What is the weather like?

Castilla y León can be extremely cold in winter, let there be no mistake! Temperatures begin to head down after mid-October and there can be snow even well into March. However, the cold is offset by the likelihood of clear blue skies and bright sunshine, and rainfall, while not that infrequent during the winter months, tends to be sporadic rather than constant. It is not uncommon for an early spring day to start with temperatures at freezing point but for the temperatures to go up 15 or 20 degrees during the daylight hours. Once spring arrives, the region's temperatures gradually edge up, and by June, sitting outside is an almost constant rather than occasional option.

Food

Castilla y León is famous for its hearty cuisine which revolves around lots of fresh meat, pulses, and, perhaps surprisingly since we are so far inland, plenty of fish too. The region is famous for its wines and cheeses as well. However, the area is not always particularly vegetarian-friendly for eating out; in contrast the quality of vegetables and fruit is impressive and shopping in local markets is an experience to look forward to. The whole process of eating is taken seriously in Spain and it in most of the region you will pleased to hear that bars will give you a free tapa with your drink during the day. The range of tapas is huge: anything from a slice of Spanish omelette, a couple of prawns, a small dish of paella or meat stew, to, and this is for the more adventurous, tripe in spicy sauce or meaty pork scratchings. ¡Buen provecho!

 

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