noncommun--I'm new to these forums, but my first question would be: why are you waiting to sign up w SA? From my own searches, there are tons of jobs for French speaking IS around the world. Plus, I think your literature background could only be a plus for your recruitment. If you are flexible to travel to other countries, you are probably a stronger candidate than myself!.

I wouldn't pay much attention to the scale--it's just a rough estimate of what schools are looking for. But you never know: one school could be looking for someone exactly like you. But if you don't sign up now, you'll never know.

good luck..

shadowjack--
thanks for your comments.
To clarify, my wife's counseling experience is limited to the private sector. She does not have any certificates or school experience. She works for a college counseling firm.

We would be more than happy to land at a tier 2 or 3 school in a good city/country. That would not be a problem.

thanks again for your post

Hi. I'm new to the forum and to international teaching.
My dilemma: after 22 years of teaching Social Studies in California public schools, I'm ready to teach overseas. My wife--who is bright and capable--is willing to teach ESL or use her private college counseling experience to become a college counselor at a school. My 14-year-old son would also go with us.
We seem to have done everything right: signed up with SA, TIE, and have an extensive database of international schools. We started looking last November. We just won't go anywhere dangerous (eg ME). I've Skyped with 6 schools, but to no avail.
I've read this forum and want to know:
1-Am I too late for this year?
2-How to define Tier 1, 2, and 3 schools? Is there a formal definition anywhere?
3-Any ideas?

Thanks.