It really depends on the school and finding out in advance might be helpful.

Some International schools are quite happy to employ a teacher with non-teaching spouse and children. However, some prefer a teaching couple because it is more cost effective for them. Of course, non-married couples is a sensitive issue in many middle eastern countries. Some offer free places for all children, some limit the number to two, some only offer a discounted package.

I fully agree. I didn't ask him to brake any confidence but, after explaining my suspicions, I just wanted an indication of whether or not it was best to replace the reference. In the circumstances I have no choice but to pull it anyway but without being able to offer another from my current school.

Unfortunetely I have just had word from my area Search associate who is unwilling to give me any indication about the contents of any of my references, specifically the one causing concern.

Handing in my letter confirming my intention to leave was certainly a nice feeling. Despite my personal feelings towards the Principal, which remain cordial on a face to face basis, I am extremely disappointed and saddened that he (apparently) has no desire to support my attempts to secure an appointment elsewhere despite.

Hi Imnop. A sensible idea you would think but if only things were that simple.

Management are under clear instructions not to provide references for colleagues. Instead, requests for references must be directed directly to the Principal. Not surprising then, that my HOD, although willing, would not do so for fear of being reprimanded.

Thank you all for your varied and interesting responses and nice to know I am not alone. They are all greatly appreciated.

As has been mentioned, I have little doubt that my current Principal would not admit to poisoning my prospects and yet I believe that is precisely what has/is happening. With a weekend to reflect I have decided on a number of steps.

1. To remove him from my Resume, although I know i will have to explain that away since it is expected that you list your current employer.
2. Not to speak to him about it because it may do more harm than good and I do not believe I would see a genuine copy of what had been sent to schools...as PsyGuy has suggested.
3. If a promising opportunity that has recently cooled doesn't finally materialise I do intend to politely request clarification for the benefit of future applications....as wrldtrvlr123 has suggested.

What I has not considered was asking my Search Associate to check the reference from him contained any 'problem'. That I will certainly do, although not all interest is Search-based.

Thanks again, everyone, and finger's crossed for a better conclusion with future opportunities!

I have been pleased to have had some very positive reactions to several recent International job applications such that contact followed soon afterwards with my referees. At that point, though, interest seems to have cooled in each case making me consider what the problem might be.

I am absolutely sure that references 2 and 3 are very positive and complimentary but I am less certain about my current employer for whom I have worked for almost 5 years and under whom I really feel I have been poorly and disrespectfully treated although I have made every effort to get on with my job and to keep things on a professional level. The fact is that in all those years the principal knows very little about me or my capabilities and I had cause to discover that he almost certainly scuppered another potential appointment 3 years ago when I discovered from the head of that school that my principal told them I was under contract and not eligible to apply. This was not true because new contract were being offered for the next contract term but nothing at that stage presented to me.

The fact is that I have only listed him, with his permission, on the basis that it is usually expected that a current employer be included. However, I am beginning to think that he is once again being less than positive and damaging my prospects. Pure speculation but a distinct pattern is emerging that leads me clearly to that conclusion.

Do i confront him about it, which could make matters worse? Do I just exclude him from my list of referees. If the latter, how do I explain this without it sounding like sour grapes?

I feel it is important to satisfy both camps when applying - Search and the school.

When I have applied for positions I have learned about through Search I make that clear in my opening paragraph and I also make reference in my closing paragraph to the fact that references and further information can be secured via Search Associates. I always attach my CV and include Search as CC or BCC.

I include the e-mail address shown within the Search school listing and, if different, an email address requested for applications within the school web site. I think it important, and that you demonstrate, that you have taken the time to review the school web site for additional information. I have noticed, too, that quite often the details of the post in the school web site and far more specific which may influence your decision to apply. Much more sensible to quote the actual job description shown on the school web site rather than the the very general description shown on Search.

Thanks. a Mac school, huh.

Thank you for your reassuring comments. They are greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your comment.

By their very nature, reviews on any site, including International School Review, tend to lean towards the negative. When we are happy and content we rarely take the time to say so. When we are unhappy, the reaction is often different.

With that in mind I have read a review about International School of Tanganyika which is of such a concern that I am put off from even applying. The school itself seems fine, but housing and personal safety are raised as significant issues.

If anyone has direct experience of this school and/or location I would welcome your views on whether or not to take an application further.

Regards, Aphid

Many thanks but you have more than resolved any lingering doubts via other forums.

Hippo,

I would be pleased to know more about this school, please - good and bad.

Is it a good school to work in - happy staff, etc?
Is it well run and resourced?
Are students happy and motivated?
What is Doha like for a family? (I have two 2 teenage children)

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks for the reply.

I have read the thread you refer to but unfortunately it does not reach a conclusion. I tried a PM to Hippo but that is disabled.