Thanks for the replies. I found them very helpful. I've signed up with TIEonline, and will eventually sign with Search as well.

PsyGuy - Thanks for the detailed response! I understand middle school social studies/humanities is probably out. I have lots of experience teaching it and love that subject more than anything, but the job openings are competitive and I'll probably lose out to those with subject specific graduate degrees. I'm happy to teach upper elementary. I enjoy the age and curriculum of 3-6 graders. I have been doing research on IB and was pleased to read your comment tying the IB approach to the Gifted approach since that's what I've been finding too. I think my experience and education in serving Gifted students will be an asset when transitioning into an IB school. My hope will be that an admin would see the similarities in teaching style and give me a chance. I've read that some schools don't mind training teachers in IB.

wrldtravlr - I've been giving substituting a lot of thought. I have some great connections in my old school district so I will put the word out for long term sub spots throughout this coming year.

newhere - I'm open to going anywhere in the world and have only a few requirements. I'd like to save as much money as possible to set myself up for a comfortable retirement some day. I want to avoid the extreme air pollution. And I want to be in a relatively safe area for a female traveling alone. Right now parts of the Middle East, much of Asia, and a few South American countries fit the bill.

Thanks again for the feedback and if anyone else has any thoughts on returning to teaching, I'd love to hear what you think.

Anyone? I would be thankful for any and all thoughts on my prospects. This is such a huge life change I'm facing. Thank you!

Hi all. This is my first post after lurking for a few weeks and loving the information in this forum.

I'm very interested in becoming an international teacher but am unsure of my prospects because I have been out of the classroom for 5 years. While teaching, I worked part time as a professional photographer and artists (doing weekend and summer jobs). I eventually left teaching to pursue my photography/art business full-time and have been marginally successful over the years, but at this point in my life I'd really like to return to teaching full time. I've lived in several countries outside the U.S., and have traveled extensively over the years (28 countries, 5 continents). I feel confident I would enjoy being an IT and could handle the challenges of living the ex-pat lifestyle. My goal is to find a position for 2016-2017 school year.

I'd love some feedback on what you think of my prospects and advice you have for putting the best spin on my hiatus as I feel my art/creativity experience is an asset to my teaching.

Here's a bit about me:

I'm in my mid-40's
Have a BSEd (K-8 cert)
12 years teaching experience in the same school district doing:
1 yr. Title I Reading Teacher 2-3 grade
5 yrs. 4th & 5th gr. self contained
3 yrs. 6th, 7th, 8th gr. Social Studies
3 yrs. Gifted services - elementary and middle school 6th, 7th, 8th gr. via Humanities Project Based classroom
Certifications/Endorsements in:
Elementary
ESL (I live in an area with a high ESL population)
Library Science
Gifted