A South African Teacher in the Hell That Is Westview Cambodian International School
Throwaway account and AI for the usual reasons
This is a formal notice to all educators to avoid Westview in Phnom Penh. Nobody deserves the punishment of working here.
The institution recently secured both CIS and WASC accreditation. Historically, these designations carried significant prestige, but if a school of this calibre can attain them, they appear entirely meaningless. The administration must have lied about everything, as the entire operation functions under false pretences.
The previous director was a Canadian who was highly incompetent, so he got the boot and is apparently working at Sreenidhi International School in India now. His replacement managed to get the accreditation, by lying (see above).
They used to employ many Filipino teachers, but they were treated so poorly that they left and they warned everyone back home.
The school runs an AP program, which is obviously US curriculum so they would prefer American teachers, but many teachers this year were South Africans. It seems the school cannot attract American teachers, so they are hiring basically anyone.
It is certainly feasible for non-Americans to successfully lead AP courses. However, it requires a dedicated effort to master the specific historical and cultural nuances inherent especially in subjects such as English and History. It takes additional time, which wouldn't be a problem if it felt like the work was worth it. Such an undertaking is only viable when the institution provides a supportive environment and the learners demonstrate a commitment to their studies.
Westview cannot manage that.
Furthermore, the institution focuses heavily on its public image through social media highlights of its sports programs. There is no genuine academic rigour, so they should just become a sports academy.
Disciplinary issues are particularly prevalent within the middle school. Students act with impunity, including instances of physical aggression toward staff members. In one noted incident, an educator was struck in the face with a ball intentionally. Such actions frequently go unaddressed, because the school prefers to cater to the parents of these terrible children, especially the parents who work in the government. Then they lie about what they're doing.
A recent case involved a temporary educator who joined for a trial period. Upon observing the lack of professional structure, she left. There were subsequent difficulties in ensuring she received her proper remuneration because they tried to get out of paying her.
The Cambodian staff is essentially useless because they don't do anything to help foreign teachers as their main function is to change grades for students.
The institution is frequently recruiting due to an exceptionally high turnover rate. Even for those seeking urgent placement, the risks associated with this school are not worth it.
Stay away.