Martin Zander (Owner/Teacher, Smith’s School of English - Fukushima)
There are standard operating hours for all Smith’s school of English franchises. My school does not follow those standard hours. In fact the maximum operating hours for all Smith’s English school franchises total 51 hours per week. The standard maximum scheduled hours are from 1:00pm till 10:00pm Monday to Friday and 1:00pm till 7:00pm Saturday. We don’t work Sundays nor public holidays and shut down for summer, winter and new year’s breaks.
Now, having said all this, my school is only open 32 hours. My income is still very nice thank you very much and so we have to ask how does this all work? Its simple whilst I am closed the Smith’s head office is still open. The Staff at head office continue taking calls to my school, lesson bookings, student enquiries, new student trial lessons, student lesson cancellations to mention just a few tasks all keep going even when I rest. In short Smith’s keeps working while I drink coffee. You can work as much or little (within reason) as you like at Smith’s. Some of the things I hear from fellow English teachers in Japan make me sure this point is not clear to all. I hope it is now. Oh and just to be sure if you do want to run your school more than the maximum 51 hours per week (not sure why anyone would) I am certain Smith’s will support that request.
Thank you. Martin Zander. Smith’s Franchise owner.