I'm all for making sure people can cope with stress before they qualify (although how you get through a PGCE if you can't, I don't know...) and I don't think I'm at risk of burnout myself. However, this whole culture of 'I can cope with more stress than you' ridiculous. Surely schools should be looking at what they should be doing to reduce stress for teachers rather than saying you're not a good teacher if you can't cope with working 12 hours a day, 6 days a week. What happened to quality of life and happy teachers are good teachers?

Of course bad teachers should be removed from schools. My point was who decides who is 'bad' and how are you going to measure it? The method they're suggesting is if a child doesn't go up by a sub-level a term (one whole level per year) then the teacher has failed to ensure adequate progression. General learning theory would tell you that children's learning isn't that linear and that is a bad idea. Plus, in primary, these are all teacher assessments anyway.

I read somewhere the professions most at risk from burnout are the ones where your success is dependent on somebody else's performance (however that is defined). The examples they gave were teaching and social work (with drug addicts etc). I see the reasoning behind it.

Probably because the UK system of App grids / levels etc are driving them to it. That and the threat of Ofsted and the Ed. Minister suggesting 'bad' (who says?) teachers should be fired with a term's notice for the first offence. I don't know what it's like in the US...

Even after two interviews and saying they'll be in touch as soon as a decision is made? Seems a bit off... Fair enough after just an application though. We're both new to international teaching but still.

Thanks for the response. I'll pass the wisdom on. They do seem to take their time deciding... Best of luck with your search!

Did you ever hear back from them centennial? My friend is in the same position!

I'm considering applying there too. I don't know what the salary is like but I know lots of German families that survive on around €40,000 salaries with a few children. Do Americans have to pay tax at home as well? If not, I'd say you'll be fine. Tax is a little bit higher in the US but what you get in return (healthcare system, social welfare etc) is way worth it and makes it a nicer country to live in. It's all about quality of life really!

Does that mean I could have been applying for positions that officially require 2 years post-qualification experience? I've taken the requirement at face value and haven't even been attempting it...

Someone I know is also interviewing with them. I don't know very much about them but he seems to be enthusiastic. Good luck!