I'm not sure how to interpret the 170,000 equivalency either. You all have reasonable interpretations.

I'd sure like to know what countries/regions to work in to make 57,000/year that SJ refers to or just enough to replace domestic retirement funds. I am vested in my US state pension fund, but if I leave after only 14 years of service, my monthly checks may be about $1500-2000 less/month than if I stayed home. That and the loss of payments to Social Security make me wonder whether I can save enough for retirement.

Thanks for the advice, Shado.

Hi ISR forum folks,

I am looking for any advice anyone is willing to share about getting into international teaching.

I have/am...

-late 30s female, no dependents, never married
-13 years experience teaching, mostly in middle school science, some leadership/PD leadership experience
-BA in physics and an MAT in education
-taught high school physics (not AP)/physical science over decade ago, but have been teaching middle school science for 11 years
-certified in middle and high school physics.
-also certified in chemistry, biology certification, but those are not my areas of expertise or experience
-math certified too, but my state says algebra and below, unless I pay more money and wait more time (6+ months) to test and add advanced math. I would be absolutely fine with teaching any level of math.
-I have taught in poor, domestic, public schools, so I wasn't teaching AP or IB because they simply were not offered. However, I do have quite a bit of experience teaching language learners from many parts of the world.

I know the hiring season is pretty much in winter. However, I didn't make any attempt to find a job for 2016-17 because I had family responsibilities that ended when a relative recently passed away. I just started updating my CV. I have a job right now, but I am eager to try something new, if the right position comes up. However, the reviews on the paid part of this site give me pause in many cases. I'm also don't want to work in most of the Middle East or super-polluted areas of China. Generally I'm open to places because I don't have EU citizenship or experience with the British school system or anything that seems required for most positions.

Questions:

-Is it advisable to wait another school year for more opportunities/better schools? Is it a bad career move to settle on a not great school because I am looking last minute?
-What regions/countries are good places to work/live?
-If I have high-demand (I'm assuming) certifications, is an agency worth it? I realize my lack of IB/international teaching experience is a problem. I have had friends recommend Search.
-What other advice are people willing to share to someone in my position who is wanting to start out?

Thanks so much in advance. I have been reading posts here and it really makes me want to move abroad.

Thanks, Shad. That's kind of what I suspected. I may take a look to see if something comes up, but I'm not so eager to rush into a disaster.

scoobysue, are you saying that it's not too late for a physics and maths teacher? Those are my fields. I haven't even started to apply or collect references for fall. I have a job domestically. My family situation changed and the older relative I was caring for just passed, so I am starting to look to see what's available. I don't know if it would be better to wait until 2017. I don't have IB/AP/GSCE experience. I've just taught at traditional public schools - high and middle, but not AP.

Good luck to you and to bounty.