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No responses yet..When to contact them?

by JD

Jan 16, 2011

Should I email, snail mail, call or just wait?

Thomas, I took your advice and had my wife apply to counselor only jobs with a suggestion that they could use me (science or sub). As it stands we have applied to 21 schools total. Some Tier I (6ish), Tier II (8ish) and a few no names. Maybe 3 or so left before I'm completly done.

A...See More

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Dave -> JD My experience is that it's either feast or famine, either the schools are very responsive and want to move fast or ther's nothing from them (your lucky to get a "no thank you" response). You also should understand that in most asian cultures (asian managed schools) you dont hear "no" directly. If you dont hear from them they dont want you at that t...See More

Jan 18, 2011

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Dave -> Thomas There was a guy named Joel I met in Thailand who did exactly what you said instead of going to the fair (and paying) he emailed the schools and arranged for them (the ones that were interested) to come to HIM. He met them at a pub/bar (which is where I met him). He had about 4 interviews while I was there. BRILLIANT idea, no waiting in line, and no...See More

Jan 18, 2011

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NEW ZEALAND??

by potential immigrant

Jan 21, 2011

Hi everybody! Is there anyone here who knows anything about teaching in New Zealand?

My husband and I are interested in immigrating there. I've seen on various websites that primary school teachers are considered a future growth industry in NZ. We are going to start giving it serious thought in another year or so (we have some things here ...See More

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more info from OP Thanks to both of you for being so helpful! Thomas, thanks especially for that website link. I will have a look this weekend, especially the huge thread you mention. Dave, thanks for asking those questions about their school system. I know absolutely nothing about it, so I need to start learning!

Some more information- keep in mind this is...See MoreThanks to both of you for being so helpful! Thomas, thanks especially for that website link. I will have a look this weekend, especially the huge thread you mention. Dave, thanks for asking those questions about their school system. I know absolutely nothing about it, so I need to start learning!

Some more information- keep in mind this is just an emerging plan! We have played around with the point system and get around 160 points which appears pretty good without knowing anymore about it. My husband's job is with an American company, but he has the option to settle in a few places in the next few years and NZ is one of them. So we can easily immigrate there, but he would still be working for an American company. Since we'd like to actually move there long-term, what our rough plan is would be for him to get us there and start earning while I look for employment from someone who would sponser me- either in education or in health care. Then when he retires from the American company, we could stay in NZ on my status. That's the rough plan anyway- obviously we have a lot of research to do. We aren't in any hurry though so I think it could happen.

My question was more general, however. I was simply wondering if there are teaching jobs available- if the market is open. I know that the sorts of schools that people have to work in when they get started aren't the best. It's the same way here in the US and after teaching in American inner city ghettos, I can't imagine that NZ could be worse, especially outside of Auckland. I just wanted to know generally if there are teaching jobs available or if the so-called NZ teaching shortage is a myth like the American teaching shortage is.

My certification is still valid. It's been quite a while since I taught, but as I will not be in a hurry to seek work right away, I thought I could volunteer for a while and do appropriate trainings to transfer to the NZ system and then network for a job that way over a year or two. But if there are no jobs at all, well then better to focus on the health care industry!

Thanks again and I'm sorry my questions are so general in nature. We are only just starting to do research and the two leads that you guys have given me (the website and the info about their school system) give me a good place to start!

On 1/23/11, Dave -> Thomas wrote: > Sorry its been a busy week and realize I should have been more detailed. > The points needed to qualify for self sponsorship of a working visa are > very high. I assumed that since both of them worked, and had jobs that > they "needed" too and based on that assumption I concluded that at least > one of them would need sponsorship. > > On 1/22/11, D. Thomas wrote: >> Then I'm not sure where you were going with that. IF they could get >> approved to emigrate THEN they more than likely could get jobs in one >> of the municipal schools where the shortages are. That would kind of >> be the whole point. Like I said, TES had a ton of info. on this. >> >> On 1/21/11, Dave -> Thomas wrote: >>> Thanks Thomas I got that they were interested in officially >>> emigrating to NZ. >>> >>> On 1/21/11, D. Thomas wrote: >>>> Dave, I think they are actually talking about officially >>>> emigrating to NZ, in which case the procedures and potential >>>> challenges would be very different. If successsful, then yes >>>> there are public schools/areas that have teaching shortages >>>> (usually outside of the large cities). >>>> >>>> There are websites that you can enter your information into and >>>> see how many points you guys would score. Your points will >>>> determine how easy or hard it would be for you to get permission >>>> to emigrate. It would also show you areas you are week in and >>>> things you could do to improve your score. >>>> >>>> Also, on TES, the UK version of T-net, there is a huge thread >>>> about this very subject. Some of the info. will be different >>>> since many posters would be coming from the UK, but it could be >>>> useful. >>>> >>>> [link removed].

Jan 23, 2011

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Dave Well that makes it a lot easier to answer. Yes there are real openings that I would describe as a shortage. It is not media hype, the vacancies are there.

On 1/23/11, more info from OP wrote: > Thanks to both of you for being so helpful! Thomas, > thanks especially for > that website link. I will have a look this weekend, > es...See MoreWell that makes it a lot easier to answer. Yes there are real openings that I would describe as a shortage. It is not media hype, the vacancies are there.

On 1/23/11, more info from OP wrote: > Thanks to both of you for being so helpful! Thomas, > thanks especially for > that website link. I will have a look this weekend, > especially the huge thread you mention. Dave, thanks > for asking those questions about their school system. I > know absolutely nothing about it, so I need to start > learning! > > Some more information- keep in mind this is just an > emerging plan! We have played around with the point > system and get around 160 points which appears pretty > good without knowing anymore about it. My husband's job > is with an American company, but he has the option to > settle in a few places in the next few years and NZ is > one of them. So we can easily immigrate there, but he > would still be working for an American company. Since > we'd like to actually move there long-term, what our > rough plan is would be for him to get us there and > start earning while I look for employment from someone > who would sponser me- either in education or in health > care. Then when he retires from the American company, > we could stay in NZ on my status. That's the rough plan > anyway- obviously we have a lot of research to do. We > aren't in any hurry though so I think it could happen. > > My question was more general, however. I was simply > wondering if there are teaching jobs available- if the > market is open. I know that the sorts of schools that > people have to work in when they get started aren't the > best. It's the same way here in the US and after > teaching in American inner city ghettos, I can't > imagine that NZ could be worse, especially outside of > Auckland. I just wanted to know generally if there are > teaching jobs available or if the so-called NZ teaching > shortage is a myth like the American teaching shortage > is. > > My certification is still valid. It's been quite a > while since I taught, but as I will not be in a hurry > to seek work right away, I thought I could volunteer > for a while and do appropriate trainings to transfer to > the NZ system and then network for a job that way over > a year or two. But if there are no jobs at all, well > then better to focus on the health care industry! > > Thanks again and I'm sorry my questions are so general > in nature. We are only just starting to do research and > the two leads that you guys have given me (the website > and the info about their school system) give me a good > place to start! > >> On 1/23/11, Dave -> Thomas wrote: Sorry its been a >> busy week and realize I should have been more >> detailed. The points needed to qualify for self >> sponsorship of a working visa are very high. I >> assumed that since both of them worked, and had jobs >> that they "needed" too and based on that >> assumption I concluded that at least one of them >> would need sponsorship. >> >> On 1/22/11, D. Thomas wrote: >>> Then I'm not sure where you were going with that. >>> IF they could get approved to emigrate THEN they >>> more than likely could get jobs in one of the >>> municipal schools where the shortages are. That >>> would kind of be the whole point. Like I said, TES >>> had a ton of info. on this. >>> >>>> On 1/21/11, Dave -> Thomas wrote: Thanks Thomas I >>>> got that they were interested in officially >>>> emigrating to NZ. >>>> >>>> On 1/21/11, D. Thomas wrote: >>>>> Dave, I think they are actually talking about >>>>> officially emigrating to NZ, in which case the >>>>> procedures and potential challenges would be >>>>> very different. If successsful, then yes there >>>>> are public schools/areas that have teaching >>>>> shortages (usually outside of the large >>>>> cities). >>>>> >>>>> There are websites that you can enter your >>>>> information into and see how many points you >>>>> guys would score. Your points will determine >>>>> how easy or hard it would be for you to get >>>>> permission to emigrate. It would also show you >>>>> areas you are week in and things you could do >>>>> to improve your score. >>>>> >>>>> Also, on TES, the UK version of T-net, there is >>>>> a huge thread about this very subject. Some of >>>>> the info. will be different since many posters >>>>> would be coming from the UK, but it could be >>>>> useful. >>>>> >>>>> [link removed].

Jan 23, 2011

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To NZ seeker

by Mary

Jan 21, 2011

Welcome to the chatboard. Please understand that some of the posts to which you are resonding are several months old and the person who posted the original message may or may not be reading the chatboard messages anymore. I hope you stay with us for a long time and look forward to reading more of your posts.

Sincerely, Mary (School Psychol...See More

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hi Mary Hi Mary,

Yes I saw that they were old. But people are frequently looking for jobs in Korea so I thought my comments could be helpful to people who come here looking for info about that. As for the poster who was looking for the job in Chennai, I'd really like to hear about his/her current experience since I just left India recently. I was ...See More

Jan 23, 2011

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Mary I was the one who posted the question about chennai, because the director had responded to my letter of intent and CV. He asked if I would be interest in interviewing via Skype. I am still trying to sell my house and after reading reviews on International Schools Review, I graciously turned down the interview.

On 1/23/11, hi Mary wrote: &g...See More

Jan 23, 2011

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Free tuition

by Randall

Jan 22, 2011

In my search for the choice jobs teaching overseas, I came across a school that would give 4 (four) dependents "tuition free". This certainly a school I want to look into. Problem is I did not save the name of the school much less the e-mail address. Does anyone know of International Schools who give 4 dependents tuition free as part of the benefit...See More

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D. Thomas Hmmm. That is a generous practice to have as a published policy. I've seen schools grant 4 spaces on an individual basis for a teaching couple that they really wanted, but it is a bit unusual.

I'll take a look and see if I find anything matching that description.

On 1/22/11, Randall wrote: > In my search for the choice jobs tea...See More

Jan 22, 2011

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Dave -> Randall WOW thats pretty generous especially if the position was advertised that way. It's very unusual for for tuition waivers to be granted for a single working parent. It's more common with 2 working parents that the school really wants (the other being that in most countries such a large apartment would be prohibitivly expensive or not really available...See More

Jan 23, 2011

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St. Maarten - Caribbean International Academy

by sara

Jan 23, 2011

Has anyone worked at the Caribbean International Academy? What are the working conditions like? Is it hard to get a teaching position in an International school in the Caribbean?

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Dave -> Sara Never worked there but my friend Larry works at the International School in the Bahamas. He started there this year. Loves it though he says its like Hawaii, and the whole island life gets tiring very quickly. There also isn't a lot of culture (his degree is in anthropology) its not like living in Japan (where he was teaching last year). It was as ...See More

Jan 23, 2011

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Singapore

by SDC in Lynwood

Jan 23, 2011

Hi, My husband my have a job opportunity in Singapore. I have a SP.Ed credential and am recently a NBCT. Does anyone know about teaching/volunteering opportunities that exit in this country. Does anyone know how special education is conducted over there? Thank you for you time.

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D. Thomas No problem. Davapore actually sounded funnier and less snarky in my head then it did on the screen. I'm the first one to say that int'l schools don't offer real SPED services. If they did I'd have a lot more jobs and parts of the world open to me as my son could get into more schools. Still, we're getting smarter about figuring out how to find arra...See MoreNo problem. Davapore actually sounded funnier and less snarky in my head then it did on the screen. I'm the first one to say that int'l schools don't offer real SPED services. If they did I'd have a lot more jobs and parts of the world open to me as my son could get into more schools. Still, we're getting smarter about figuring out how to find arrangements for him in more places, so after a few years in Beijing, I know I won't have problems finding a job. My wife is getting IB experience and I'm actually running a school that uses the ENC (sort of). Go figure.

On 1/25/11, Dave -> Thomas wrote: > Genesis and Dover Court Prep do have special education, and they do count. > There are 18 IBO schools, the DOS school (Singapore American School) and > COBIS (UK Ministry of Education) does not list an accredited "British" > school in Singapore, though Dover offers a typical UK curriculum. Of those > 18 IB schools none of them offer Special Education programs and only 2 of > them offer learning resource. SAS doent offer Special ed. So not including > the Genesis school, as they are solely a special education school there > are 3 general education schools that provide special education. So out of > 20 schools only 15% of the schools provide any service at all. I'm sorry > thats hardly (in my opinion) how I would describe a country that embraces > special education. > > We keep bumping heads on this and let me suggest that we simply have > different standards for our expectations. I dont consider learning > resource truly special education (hence why we call it special ed lite). > I'm sorry, I value your opinion and consider you a friend. Yes special > education exists in Singapore, and there is a school for them but thats > because the other schools dont want to deal with special ed. So yes Dover > prep is a general educations school that offers full special ed services. > One school in 20.... > > I will say in all honesty though I didnt know Dover Prep had special ed, > though I was familiar with it, and I had no clue the Genesis school even > existed. Your right though, we just travel in different circles and so > have different knowledge basis to draw on. > > and experience. On 1/24/11, D. Thomas wrote: >> No offense, but in Davapore maybe you are still completely right. In >> Singapore, however, there are many private special education schools >> that teach in English (like I showed in the link) and that hire >> foreigners. This is actually fairly unique compared to the rest of the >> world, due to the language of instruction and the sheer number/size of >> the schools. >> >> Also, there is the Genesis School (private special needs school run by >> expat) AND Dover Court Prep.(which is a general education >> international/private school). They have actual self-contained special >> education classes. In their school. I know because I applied to teach >> one of them. >> >> Which part of that are you denying is true? Or are you saying that >> those don't count for some reason? >> >> You are right in that the majority of international schools in >> Singapore (like most of the world) do not offer anything beyond >> learning support (SPED-lite). >> >> On 1/24/11, Dave -> Thomas wrote: >>> Sorry Thomas I think were both right, though I wasn't specific. >>> There are special education schools in Singapore. In my experience >>> every country/major city has a special needs schools, I should have >>> made that point. In my post though I was largely referring to >>> special education programs inside general education >>> international/private schools, of which no offense, there really >>> aren't any as I stated in my original response. >>> >>> >>> On 1/24/11, D. Thomas wrote: >>>> Actually that turns out not to be the case. You may not have run >>>> in those circles, Dave, but there are a number of special >>>> education schools in Singapore run by voluntary welfare >>>> organizations. The Pathlight School in particular is supposed to >>>> be a large (500 students) and excellent school for high- >>>> functioning students with Autism. >>>> >>>> [link removed].

Jan 25, 2011

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Dave -> Thomas The Davapore joke is so common it doesn't even register on my laugh-o-meter anymore, but I'll give you laugh for effort. (HaHa).

I'm glad changes are happening, In some ways I'm a bit jealous your actually changing things, pushing the envelope. I have to admit in my experience going on 5 years overseas, I've gotten further and further awa...See MoreThe Davapore joke is so common it doesn't even register on my laugh-o-meter anymore, but I'll give you laugh for effort. (HaHa).

I'm glad changes are happening, In some ways I'm a bit jealous your actually changing things, pushing the envelope. I have to admit in my experience going on 5 years overseas, I've gotten further and further away from Special ed exposure (I am certified). Either the schools just dont have it or it's all they have and I've never taught or even been to a special ed school. Maybe thats why I don't really consider learning resource special ed. I've probabley had special ed students who would qualify for services but they were so high functioning that I wouldn't know unless someone told me. My experience with learning resource usually involves a student who is going through adjustment issue (they miss there friends back home and are depressed) or recovering from an injury (a student with a broken leg in a cast and uses crutches) but those are always short term accommodations.

On 1/25/11, D. Thomas wrote: > No problem. Davapore actually sounded funnier and less > snarky in my head > then it did on the screen. I'm the first one to say > that int'l schools don't offer real SPED services. If > they did I'd have a lot more jobs and parts of the > world open to me as my son could get into more schools. > Still, we're getting smarter about figuring out how to > find arrangements for him in more places, so after a > few years in Beijing, I know I won't have problems > finding a job. My wife is getting IB experience and I'm > actually running a school that uses the ENC (sort of). > Go figure. > >> > >> On 1/25/11, Dave -> Thomas wrote: Genesis and Dover >> Court Prep do have special education, and they do >> count. There are 18 IBO schools, the DOS school >> (Singapore American School) and COBIS (UK Ministry of >> Education) does not list an accredited >> "British" school in Singapore, though Dover >> offers a typical UK curriculum. Of those 18 IB >> schools none of them offer Special Education programs >> and only 2 of them offer learning resource. SAS doent >> offer Special ed. So not including the Genesis >> school, as they are solely a special education school >> there are 3 general education schools that provide >> special education. So out of 20 schools only 15% of >> the schools provide any service at all. I'm sorry >> thats hardly (in my opinion) how I would describe a >> country that embraces special education. >> >> We keep bumping heads on this and let me suggest that >> we simply have different standards for our >> expectations. I dont consider learning resource truly >> special education (hence why we call it special ed >> lite). I'm sorry, I value your opinion and consider >> you a friend. Yes special education exists in >> Singapore, and there is a school for them but thats >> because the other schools dont want to deal with >> special ed. So yes Dover prep is a general educations >> school that offers full special ed services. One >> school in 20.... >> >> I will say in all honesty though I didnt know Dover >> Prep had special ed, though I was familiar with it, >> and I had no clue the Genesis school even existed. >> Your right though, we just travel in different >> circles and so have different knowledge basis to draw >> on. >> >> and experience. On 1/24/11, D. Thomas wrote: >>> No offense, but in Davapore maybe you are still >>> completely right. In Singapore, however, there are >>> many private special education schools that teach >>> in English (like I showed in the link) and that >>> hire foreigners. This is actually fairly unique >>> compared to the rest of the world, due to the >>> language of instruction and the sheer number/size >>> of the schools. >>> >>> Also, there is the Genesis School (private special >>> needs school run by expat) AND Dover Court >>> Prep.(which is a general education >>> international/private school). They have actual >>> self-contained special education classes. In their >>> school. I know because I applied to teach one of >>> them. >>> >>> Which part of that are you denying is true? Or are >>> you saying that those don't count for some reason? >>> >>> You are right in that the majority of international >>> schools in Singapore (like most of the world) do >>> not offer anything beyond learning support >>> (SPED-lite). >>> >>>> On 1/24/11, Dave -> Thomas wrote: Sorry Thomas I >>>> think were both right, though I wasn't specific. >>>> There are special education schools in Singapore. >>>> In my experience every country/major city has a >>>> special needs schools, I should have made that >>>> point. In my post though I was largely referring >>>> to special education programs inside general >>>> education international/private schools, of which >>>> no offense, there really aren't any as I stated >>>> in my original response. >>>> >>>> >>>> On 1/24/11, D. Thomas wrote: >>>>> Actually that turns out not to be the case. You >>>>> may not have run in those circles, Dave, but >>>>> there are a number of special education schools >>>>> in Singapore run by voluntary welfare >>>>> organizations. The Pathlight School in >>>>> particular is supposed to be a large (500 >>>>> students) and excellent school for high- >>>>> functioning students with Autism. >>>>> >>>>> [link removed].

Jan 25, 2011

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One interview requested...

by JD

Jan 24, 2011

Thanks guys, with your advice I have one interview scheduled after hours and hopefully more to come. Looks like a good school, SCIS at Pudong. Now, any interview advice? Specifically IB keywords or places to get quick and dirty IB lessons.

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D. Thomas This one is more helpful:

[link removed]

I've never taught IB so can't really speak to it. I did find the debate interesting. My wife is teaching the early years version and like anything, some of it sounds good, some of it sounds like you are reaching and stretching to fit everything into your model. In thinking about it with the...See More

Jan 24, 2011

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Dave It can be tiresome, but it also makes planing easy since its the same template for everything. IB is a very, very structured program. Most of the teachers that complain are those that are highly ethnocentric, they think their "home" system (and these are mainly western teachers) are superior.

There are things I don't like about IB though....See More

Jan 25, 2011

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Chinese New Year and Mid Term Break?

by Bret S.

Jan 24, 2011

Hi everyone, I'm looking for a teaching position in Asia (and I don't want to teach english language). I prefer Japan, but China and other parts of asia are fine. So is the chinese new year considered the mid term or semester break in Asia? Does a lot or any hiring happen over the break? What's the best way to get such a last minute position?
...See More

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Bret S. Thanks, is there any hiring done though for the rest of this year over the holiday? I'm really looking for a job now...

On 1/24/11, D. Thomas wrote: > Within international schools in China, we have 10 days off > which is falling in the middle of our 2nd term. > > Many things close down completely. I'm sure some schools will &g...See More

Jan 25, 2011

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Dave -> Brett Well there is hiring sometimes a school wants to use the holiday as a way to get rid of a teacher or a teacher just quits. It happens, but you'd have to be ready to leave now to be considered, especially with a country that you needed more then a tourist visa to get into, as most embassies abroad close as well. Travel would also be expensive as thi...See More

Jan 25, 2011

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Egypt

by JD

Jan 28, 2011

Anyone have friends in Egypt? Looks like it is getting a little scary over there.

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Dave No but I was there once (not for teaching though).

On 1/28/11, JD wrote: > Anyone have friends in Egypt? Looks like it is getting a > little scary over there.

Jan 28, 2011

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D. Thomas Yes, we were in Alex for a year and really enjoyed it. We have friends there still but haven't gotten ahold of them yet.

It was very surrealistic to see the worst of the protests outside of the hotel where our favorite restaurant was (on the roof). The Egyptian people deserve better that what they have been getting for the last 20 years. <...See More

Jan 29, 2011

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interviews

by anon

Jan 28, 2011

Hi Everyone,

I am attending a recruiting fair this weekend - and have interviews scheduled for a number of schools. If anyone has any information related to the working environment in any of the schools, feel free to share! I never thought I would be seriously looking at schools in so many different geographic regions.

Internation...See More

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anon Well, so far, . . . I was offered the Raha position, another interview with the London school and am getting an offer from one of the other schools. I certainly read any reviews of schools through a careful lens. My first teaching position was in northern Canada - the power often went out, the facilities were wonderful, but there were few resources...See MoreWell, so far, . . . I was offered the Raha position, another interview with the London school and am getting an offer from one of the other schools. I certainly read any reviews of schools through a careful lens. My first teaching position was in northern Canada - the power often went out, the facilities were wonderful, but there were few resources, lots of surprises, sometimes the water running out of the tap would be brown, or we would be under a boil water advisory for weeks, or I'd run out of oil, and have to heat my place using the stove elements, and one green pepper cost 8.00! But I learned to just go with the flow. My other colleagues from the south hated the experience and if they were to post anything about the school, it would likely be negative. On the other hand, I loved the experience and wouldn't trade it for anything. I am looking for an adventure. I want to wake up in the morning and feel lucky to be living where I am, and just absorb everything around me. Thanks for all of your thoughts and input.

On 1/30/11, D. Thomas wrote: > Actually it's free to write a review. I'm sure some admin do write > glowing reviews to offset the negatives (and others just have very > different perceptions or expectations). > >> Anon wrote: >> I should have clarified that one of my main reasons for taking >> the London job is that despite mediocre reviews, its in Europe >> and you'll get a work visa, and that once being "local" you can >> use in the future to find a better school and position. That and >> there isnt really anything thats bad about the school, as I said >> they are a very old school both physically and in mentality. >> >> On 1/30/11, Dave wrote: >>> I read that too, my experience has been that anyone with a >>> review on ISR are almost all some shade of negative. I >>> wonder though about the one or two glowing reviews among a >>> bunch of negative ones. Do the schools pay for membership >>> just to write a good review about themselves??? >>> >>> On 1/30/11, D. Thomas wrote: >>>> FYI. Some very mediocre reviews for London on ISR: Poor >>>> to fair resources, >>>> not a great building (old and rundown) , no sports >>>> facilities, very obviously a for profit venture, some >>>> disputes over salaries. Nothing that would be a deal >>>> breaker but some things to think about. >>>> >>>>> On 1/29/11, Dave -> Anon wrote: Yeah its still true, >>>>> you have to understand the admins your interviewing >>>>> with are very good at the "up sale". They >>>>> weren't selected and sent for their ability to turn >>>>> candidates off to their school. Remember principals >>>>> are employees too, they most likely report to a >>>>> board/owner or head master who is going to be very >>>>> much from the local culture. Even if your principal >>>>> is international your likely to have some >>>>> Vice/Assistant principals who are from the local >>>>> culture. (This does not apply in general if you >>>>> talking about one of the "american" >>>>> schools). That's why a lot of those horror stories >>>>> are there, if the teachers had a clue it was going to >>>>> be bad at the beginning they would have never gone >>>>> and had the horror experience. Everything sounds >>>>> great until you get there or your first pay check >>>>> comes thats when the problems start. >>>>> >>>>> Anyone in education who's been to a job fair knows >>>>> that the admin at the job fair (all smiles, all >>>>> positive, telling you how great everything is) seldom >>>>> compares to the reality. What did you really think >>>>> they'd sit you down, tell you they have problems >>>>> paying salaries on time, you'l be working 12+ hours a >>>>> day, your coworkers will plot and whisper against >>>>> you, and the kids are all spoiled brats, and they >>>>> themselves are an ego maniac? Interviews are never >>>>> realistic.... I'm sure you presented your "best >>>>> side" what makes you think they wouldn't do the >>>>> same? >>>>> >>>>> If the International School of London in Surrey >>>>> offers you a contract take it. International School >>>>> in Malaysia, I'd take if you didn't have anything >>>>> better on offer, or down the line. The others I'd >>>>> pass (unless were talking dessert money and a 6 >>>>> figure salary), but thats my opinion. >>>>> >>>>> On 1/29/11, anon wrote: >>>>>> Is that true when the administrators are >>>>>> international (Canadian, American, British, >>>>>> Australian, etc.)? Quite frankly, after each >>>>>> interview - I felt like I would love to take the >>>>>> position! The administrators from every school were >>>>>> quite convincing. >>>>>> >>>>>> On 1/29/11, Dave wrote: >>>>>>> I know I'm going to kick myself for this but >>>>>>> really the reason why I believe there are so many >>>>>>> horror stories in the middle east is because of >>>>>>> the differences in cultural expectations. Middle >>>>>>> eastern Admins just expect to be able to treat >>>>>>> foreign faculty as they would local faculty. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On 1/29/11, D. Thomas wrote: >>>>>>>> You really should invest in the $25 to join >>>>>>>> International School Review. There are a large >>>>>>>> number of horror schools in the middle east >>>>>>>> especially and you need to be able to do >>>>>>>> serious research before accepting a position. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> On 1/28/11, Dave -> Anon wrote: The >>>>>>>>> International School of London in Surrey is a >>>>>>>>> very nice school. They are very and act >>>>>>>>> rather elitest, very "old school". >>>>>>>>> You might want to check the wikipedia link on >>>>>>>>> the British School model of education, just >>>>>>>>> knowing IGCSE, A level, O levels, etc will >>>>>>>>> help you navigate the interview better. They >>>>>>>>> have a very traditional curriculum, and >>>>>>>>> approach to classroom management. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Sunway International School in Malaysia is >>>>>>>>> nice but you will work your butt off, so they >>>>>>>>> look for candidates that express a strong >>>>>>>>> commitment to "doing what ever it >>>>>>>>> takes". >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> I would advise against the middle eastern >>>>>>>>> schools unless your keeping them as a safety >>>>>>>>> school. Really they are starving for teachers >>>>>>>>> there and unless your landing a 6 figure >>>>>>>>> salary I wouldn't do it, though I was >>>>>>>>> surprised there was a Casablanca school in >>>>>>>>> Morocco (someone cashed in on the marketing >>>>>>>>> angle on that one). Middle east schools just >>>>>>>>> aren't any fun in my opinion. You have to go >>>>>>>>> for the job and the money. If they are IB >>>>>>>>> schools let me know the grade and subject and >>>>>>>>> I can get you the course guides, they are >>>>>>>>> about 80 pages long each and I can email them >>>>>>>>> to you. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> On 1/28/11, anon wrote: >>>>>>>>>> Hi Everyone, >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> I am attending a recruiting fair this >>>>>>>>>> weekend - and have interviews scheduled for >>>>>>>>>> a number of schools. If anyone has any >>>>>>>>>> information related to the working >>>>>>>>>> environment in any of the schools, feel >>>>>>>>>> free to share! I never thought I would be >>>>>>>>>> seriously looking at schools in so many >>>>>>>>>> different geographic regions. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> International School of London in Surrey >>>>>>>>>> American School Foundation of Monterrey >>>>>>>>>> Raha International School in Abu Dhabi >>>>>>>>>> Casablanca American School in Morocco >>>>>>>>>> American International School in Kuwait >>>>>>>>>> Sunway International School in Malaysia

Jan 31, 2011

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Dave -> Anon Well if you want "adventure" then the middle east will provide that. Personally, I'm a bit more of a hedonist. I want to be surrounded by beauty (including woman) and a vibrant city thats fun (good wine, and food).... I've always believed that while teaching is my favorite job, its still a job. Tthen again how much is Abu Dhabi paying you?)
...See MoreWell if you want "adventure" then the middle east will provide that. Personally, I'm a bit more of a hedonist. I want to be surrounded by beauty (including woman) and a vibrant city thats fun (good wine, and food).... I've always believed that while teaching is my favorite job, its still a job. Tthen again how much is Abu Dhabi paying you?)

I'd hold out for the London school. You sound like the type of person though who would enjoy Malaysia, so that should be your number 2 choice. I'd decline the Rha position, really you should pass, really, really pass. Seriously jobs in the Middle East and South Korea are always available.

On 1/31/11, anon wrote: > Well, so far, . . . I was offered the Raha position, another > interview with the London school and am getting an offer from one of > the other schools. I certainly read any reviews of schools through a > careful lens. My first teaching position was in northern Canada - > the power often went out, the facilities were wonderful, but there > were few resources, lots of surprises, sometimes the water running > out of the tap would be brown, or we would be under a boil water > advisory for weeks, or I'd run out of oil, and have to heat my place > using the stove elements, and one green pepper cost 8.00! But I > learned to just go with the flow. My other colleagues from the south > hated the experience and if they were to post anything about the > school, it would likely be negative. On the other hand, I loved the > experience and wouldn't trade it for anything. I am looking for an > adventure. I want to wake up in the morning and feel lucky to be > living where I am, and just absorb everything around me. Thanks for > all of your thoughts and input. > > On 1/30/11, D. Thomas wrote: >> Actually it's free to write a review. I'm sure some admin do write >> glowing reviews to offset the negatives (and others just have very >> different perceptions or expectations). >> >>> Anon wrote: >>> I should have clarified that one of my main reasons for taking >>> the London job is that despite mediocre reviews, its in Europe >>> and you'll get a work visa, and that once being "local" you can >>> use in the future to find a better school and position. That and >>> there isnt really anything thats bad about the school, as I said >>> they are a very old school both physically and in mentality. >>> >>> On 1/30/11, Dave wrote: >>>> I read that too, my experience has been that anyone with a >>>> review on ISR are almost all some shade of negative. I >>>> wonder though about the one or two glowing reviews among a >>>> bunch of negative ones. Do the schools pay for membership >>>> just to write a good review about themselves??? >>>> >>>> On 1/30/11, D. Thomas wrote: >>>>> FYI. Some very mediocre reviews for London on ISR: Poor >>>>> to fair resources, >>>>> not a great building (old and rundown) , no sports >>>>> facilities, very obviously a for profit venture, some >>>>> disputes over salaries. Nothing that would be a deal >>>>> breaker but some things to think about. >>>>> >>>>>> On 1/29/11, Dave -> Anon wrote: Yeah its still true, >>>>>> you have to understand the admins your interviewing >>>>>> with are very good at the "up sale". They >>>>>> weren't selected and sent for their ability to turn >>>>>> candidates off to their school. Remember principals >>>>>> are employees too, they most likely report to a >>>>>> board/owner or head master who is going to be very >>>>>> much from the local culture. Even if your principal >>>>>> is international your likely to have some >>>>>> Vice/Assistant principals who are from the local >>>>>> culture. (This does not apply in general if you >>>>>> talking about one of the "american" >>>>>> schools). That's why a lot of those horror stories >>>>>> are there, if the teachers had a clue it was going to >>>>>> be bad at the beginning they would have never gone >>>>>> and had the horror experience. Everything sounds >>>>>> great until you get there or your first pay check >>>>>> comes thats when the problems start. >>>>>> >>>>>> Anyone in education who's been to a job fair knows >>>>>> that the admin at the job fair (all smiles, all >>>>>> positive, telling you how great everything is) seldom >>>>>> compares to the reality. What did you really think >>>>>> they'd sit you down, tell you they have problems >>>>>> paying salaries on time, you'l be working 12+ hours a >>>>>> day, your coworkers will plot and whisper against >>>>>> you, and the kids are all spoiled brats, and they >>>>>> themselves are an ego maniac? Interviews are never >>>>>> realistic.... I'm sure you presented your "best >>>>>> side" what makes you think they wouldn't do the >>>>>> same? >>>>>> >>>>>> If the International School of London in Surrey >>>>>> offers you a contract take it. International School >>>>>> in Malaysia, I'd take if you didn't have anything >>>>>> better on offer, or down the line. The others I'd >>>>>> pass (unless were talking dessert money and a 6 >>>>>> figure salary), but thats my opinion. >>>>>> >>>>>> On 1/29/11, anon wrote: >>>>>>> Is that true when the administrators are >>>>>>> international (Canadian, American, British, >>>>>>> Australian, etc.)? Quite frankly, after each >>>>>>> interview - I felt like I would love to take the >>>>>>> position! The administrators from every school were >>>>>>> quite convincing. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On 1/29/11, Dave wrote: >>>>>>>> I know I'm going to kick myself for this but >>>>>>>> really the reason why I believe there are so many >>>>>>>> horror stories in the middle east is because of >>>>>>>> the differences in cultural expectations. Middle >>>>>>>> eastern Admins just expect to be able to treat >>>>>>>> foreign faculty as they would local faculty. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On 1/29/11, D. Thomas wrote: >>>>>>>>> You really should invest in the $25 to join >>>>>>>>> International School Review. There are a large >>>>>>>>> number of horror schools in the middle east >>>>>>>>> especially and you need to be able to do >>>>>>>>> serious research before accepting a position. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> On 1/28/11, Dave -> Anon wrote: The >>>>>>>>>> International School of London in Surrey is a >>>>>>>>>> very nice school. They are very and act >>>>>>>>>> rather elitest, very "old school". >>>>>>>>>> You might want to check the wikipedia link on >>>>>>>>>> the British School model of education, just >>>>>>>>>> knowing IGCSE, A level, O levels, etc will >>>>>>>>>> help you navigate the interview better. They >>>>>>>>>> have a very traditional curriculum, and >>>>>>>>>> approach to classroom management. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Sunway International School in Malaysia is >>>>>>>>>> nice but you will work your butt off, so they >>>>>>>>>> look for candidates that express a strong >>>>>>>>>> commitment to "doing what ever it >>>>>>>>>> takes". >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> I would advise against the middle eastern >>>>>>>>>> schools unless your keeping them as a safety >>>>>>>>>> school. Really they are starving for teachers >>>>>>>>>> there and unless your landing a 6 figure >>>>>>>>>> salary I wouldn't do it, though I was >>>>>>>>>> surprised there was a Casablanca school in >>>>>>>>>> Morocco (someone cashed in on the marketing >>>>>>>>>> angle on that one). Middle east schools just >>>>>>>>>> aren't any fun in my opinion. You have to go >>>>>>>>>> for the job and the money. If they are IB >>>>>>>>>> schools let me know the grade and subject and >>>>>>>>>> I can get you the course guides, they are >>>>>>>>>> about 80 pages long each and I can email them >>>>>>>>>> to you. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> On 1/28/11, anon wrote: >>>>>>>>>>> Hi Everyone, >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> I am attending a recruiting fair this >>>>>>>>>>> weekend - and have interviews scheduled for >>>>>>>>>>> a number of schools. If anyone has any >>>>>>>>>>> information related to the working >>>>>>>>>>> environment in any of the schools, feel >>>>>>>>>>> free to share! I never thought I would be >>>>>>>>>>> seriously looking at schools in so many >>>>>>>>>>> different geographic regions. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> International School of London in Surrey >>>>>>>>>>> American School Foundation of Monterrey >>>>>>>>>>> Raha International School in Abu Dhabi >>>>>>>>>>> Casablanca American School in Morocco >>>>>>>>>>> American International School in Kuwait >>>>>>>>>>> Sunway International School in Malaysia

Jan 31, 2011

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