I'm an intermediate elementary teacher with three years experience. My partner is a kindergarten teacher with two years (and currently supervisor of the KG program). All of this experience is in an international school in Africa.
We are trying to find somewhere more family friendly and are looking at Dubai / Abu Dhabi (or other countries in the area - but not Saudi or Kuwait and not places where we get our passport removed). There is a lot of talk about school tiers on this forum, however, we realise we are probably not tier 1 material at this stage. With our experience what schools should we aim for? We would probably aim for American or Canadian schools.
Any thoughts on specific schools in the region that would look favorably on our level of experience. We've been overseas for ten years, just not all in education. We currently save about US$25,000 a year and live a fairly decent life.
Abu Dhabi / Dubai
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shadowjack
- Posts: 2140
- Joined: Sat Oct 06, 2012 9:49 am
Hi Helen Back
Are you looking for this year or next year? If you are seeking positions for this year, you have left it quite late in the game. Schools started hiring back in October/November. Most positions are taken.
That said, sign up with TIEonline and also sign up with Search Associates and get a sense for what is still out there in your area. Search runs a fair in Bethesda, Maryland, in late June.
Most schools that would be looking to hire two elementary positions in Dubai/Abu Dhabi at this point are likely not schools you would want to go to.
Good luck with your hunt!
Are you looking for this year or next year? If you are seeking positions for this year, you have left it quite late in the game. Schools started hiring back in October/November. Most positions are taken.
That said, sign up with TIEonline and also sign up with Search Associates and get a sense for what is still out there in your area. Search runs a fair in Bethesda, Maryland, in late June.
Most schools that would be looking to hire two elementary positions in Dubai/Abu Dhabi at this point are likely not schools you would want to go to.
Good luck with your hunt!
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Helen Back
- Posts: 242
- Joined: Fri Dec 28, 2012 4:16 pm
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shadowjack
- Posts: 2140
- Joined: Sat Oct 06, 2012 9:49 am
There are lots of places to look at. Again, I would sign up with Search as you get a comprehensive overview of schools, positions, and other data which helps you target jobs.
The problem with your positions is that many times (but not always!) schools don't hire two elementary positions. That said, if you are watching the openings, you might see something which appeals to you both.
I will leave it to the Dubai/Abu Dhabi specialists to talk to you - my experience is more secondary/middle school.
Good luck with your hunt!
The problem with your positions is that many times (but not always!) schools don't hire two elementary positions. That said, if you are watching the openings, you might see something which appeals to you both.
I will leave it to the Dubai/Abu Dhabi specialists to talk to you - my experience is more secondary/middle school.
Good luck with your hunt!
Reply
With 2/3 years experience your right at the bar for minimum experience in regards to entering the IT profession.
Depending on your school and its reputation, your experience may or not be considered. Are you both certified/licensed primary teachers?
Its very unusual that a school will hire for dual primary positions, many schools save their primary positions for teaching couples were one teacher fills a hard to fill in demand area, and the primary position is more or less part of the incentive in hiring the couple.
I would focus your attention on schools in the ME and asia. The opportunity for primary positions in the same city but at different schools is a viable approach in these regions, as they have a higher number of vacancies and schools tend to be concentrated in more metropolitan locations.
Depending on your school and its reputation, your experience may or not be considered. Are you both certified/licensed primary teachers?
Its very unusual that a school will hire for dual primary positions, many schools save their primary positions for teaching couples were one teacher fills a hard to fill in demand area, and the primary position is more or less part of the incentive in hiring the couple.
I would focus your attention on schools in the ME and asia. The opportunity for primary positions in the same city but at different schools is a viable approach in these regions, as they have a higher number of vacancies and schools tend to be concentrated in more metropolitan locations.
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Helen Back
- Posts: 242
- Joined: Fri Dec 28, 2012 4:16 pm
Both licensed/certified and working in an accredited school.
As, by the time I leave this school, I will have taught up to grade 7 as a generalist and maybe up to grade 8 (thinking about doing a year as a grade 8 math and sicence teacher, although that is not my degree area), would we be better off marketing ourselves as a kindergarten/grade 1 teacher and a middle school teacher?
As, by the time I leave this school, I will have taught up to grade 7 as a generalist and maybe up to grade 8 (thinking about doing a year as a grade 8 math and sicence teacher, although that is not my degree area), would we be better off marketing ourselves as a kindergarten/grade 1 teacher and a middle school teacher?
Reply
@Helen Back
I would apply for whatever your experience and qualifications make you eligible. The strongest approach would be to focus on single vacancies with the possibility of a trailing spouse, and the possibility of the school creating or expanding a position to accommodate your partner.
Your resumes are on the light side, and not in high demand areas, you need to cast as wide a net as possible in your job search.
I would apply for whatever your experience and qualifications make you eligible. The strongest approach would be to focus on single vacancies with the possibility of a trailing spouse, and the possibility of the school creating or expanding a position to accommodate your partner.
Your resumes are on the light side, and not in high demand areas, you need to cast as wide a net as possible in your job search.