A ruse used by bottom feeder schools to protect their bottom feeding habits, that's all.

Not wanting to cause due alarm but I'd think long and hard about Istanbul. Turkey is extremely unstable on many fronts at the moment. Recent bombings (of which there have been many) include the international airport and the main tourist area. Yes, no place is completely safe but less so Istanbul, and Turkey in general right now. That aside, probably a great place to live for a few years.

Nomad68 wrote:
> I was made an offer by a school subject to references and the usual checks.
> That was a month ago. Since then I have heard nothing, even after sending
> on some supplementary documents. (My references don't worry me - but there
> is one former principal I don't list who is known to try to scupper/spike
> references for former colleagues as he has an axe to grind after he was
> fired and returned to classroom teaching). So, how long more should I wait
> to hear before I chase it up with the school?

If it was verbal then it's gone, though you've more than likely also dodged a bullet. Move on...

Joe,

Brit overseas teachers only need to pay class 2 contributions which is significantly less at than 3 pounds per week.

Agreed. I hooked a job at the BKK Fair with a NT spouse in tow. Not an in demand area either.

Good schools may or may not have (many/some) openings depending on their recruitment cycle. Schrole is used by 'some' schools for recruiting (usually not the less desirable schools), often in addition to SA etc. My feeling is that joining Schrole would not be a bad thing as some openings with some schools need to follow the Schrole route. That said, the basic subscription would afford you that (free I think?) without the premium service .

Good luck

When does the time come that realistically, regardless of qualifications and experience, you've just become too grey to be considered on the payroll? 50? 60? Can you keep yourself competitive till retirement (pushing 70 now!). Is it a situation of lowering your expectations and therefore destinations at a certain age or can you remain in control of your professional destiny? I'm talking classroom teaching and not moving into admin.

Thoughts?....Go.......

Then you are working in some shady bottom feeding schools!

This is your best and most pertinent post to date. Pat on the back reward!

Wrong again PG!
Local hires (assuming qualified teachers) are paid the same salary wise as other overseas teaching staff. The differences lies in the overseas benefits they miss out on. i.e. housing, flights etc.

Of course you disagree, it's what you do.

Anyway, back to the topic: I did exactly as I suggested and landed my first IB gig on the strength of my commitment to the program. This commitment was backed up by the online course I spent time and money on (which additionally helped with the jargon and questioning during the interview). I'm not saying the OP has to do that also, though it obviously helped me. Was it a waste of money? Not as far as I'm concerned but individuals will have to make their own minds up on that.

Cheers

Joe,
If IB PYP is really what you want then read up on it, do an online course and go for it. A school will see your commitment I'm sure.

I don't want to fall foul of forum rules so a simple question: Are there any schools worth looking at in Athens in regards decent salary and benefits?
Thanks in advance.

John Mc no longer there apparently!

It's not always T3 schools that do this, though yes maybe schools in a less than desirable location. I was cold contacted by 2 schools this recruiting season. Granted, both were in China, but one was a very reputable school in Beijing. The other sent contract package details and they were competitive. Neither I would consider third tier at all. Had I not decided to stay at my current school I would have seriously considered the Beijing offer - well maybe not that seriously as the pollution risk would sway that :_)