Back in the Saddle!

[Khalida]

Hello all! This is my first post in this forum, which I've been avidly reading for months. I've been a member of ISR for a year and a half, and have finally taken the plunge and decided to return to the classroom. I would appreciate any and all advice regarding my situation.

Basic info: BA, BEd, MA. Four years of teaching experience, full time in French Immersion, Junior High School, Canada.

I left teaching in 1992 to pursue my doctoral studies (still three chapters left :)) and opened up a bookstore/retail shop and dance studio in 1999. While very successful over the past 15 years, now, at the age of 54, it is time for a career change. I love teaching and have taught constantly since I left Junior High (university, college, my own dance school). I understand that international schools don't recognize teaching outside the formal K-12 classroom experience; however, I have continued to make my living as an educator, which may, in the eyes of some, count for something.

In addition to French, I have taught Math, History, Geography, and English Language Arts. Extra-curricular possibilities include teaching dance, coaching table tennis, and organizing a language club.

My teaching certificate is still valid. I've obtained references from my former principal and supervisor, have joined TIE and Search Associates, and am sending out applications daily (21 schools so far)­. I have lived for six years in various European countries, some time in Egypt, am very adaptable, speak six languages and am now learning Arabic.

Any comments, opinions, advice? Thanks for reading!

[prince15]

Khalida,

Impressive experience you have accumulated. You seem very open, so let's discuss your situation. Keep in mind, I am still a beginning teacher. I only have 2 years under my belt.

I see the following factors: age and relevant classroom experience. I think while the age cap for some schools is above 54, I am not convinced that it's going to be a level playing field. I've taught at two schools where the only people around your age are the principal, vice-principal or superintendent. During the two job fairs I have attended in the past, I only saw one older woman (Of course this is only speculation). She seemed disappointed and discouraged when she stood up from the interviewing booth. For relevant classroom experience, this will be a challenge convincing them that your previous classroom experience still applies since you left so long ago. You sound solid, but in my experience they are generally fairly specific in what they want. From my fair experience, some wanted 2 years of teaching minimum and some didn't; some didn't count my high school experience as applicable for a middle school teaching post. However, at my current school, which is quite large and at the bottom of the "tier system", I have seen English majors teaching high school math classes and elementary trained teaching high school classes.

I hope my opinion helps out. Good luck and let us know how it goes - good or bad.

[overseasvet2]

Don't worry about the age. There are also schools out there where it would be hard to find someone under 50! Age tends to be an issue when one nears 65 or if someone is sending off the vibes they just want to coast before retiring. I once asked a director about a woman who was 63 even though the school could not get visas past 65. His response was that she came with such a good reputation that the school would benefit for at least two years.

Did you know there are a few big schools with full time dance teachers? Go for it..it is just a matter of finding the right fit.

[MidTMike]

I am in a very similar situation as you. I made my first post a few weeks back. Don't get discouraged and keep moving forward!

[Flyingpigs]

Khalida...Keep doing what you are doing. Sending out applications to the schools. Dont forget the Canadian International Schools abroad too....since you are working with the Canadian System. ( google international canadian schools, there is a government website that has them listed) Dont be afraid to email principals/heads of schools directly.
You can email through SEARCH, or email the schools from your private email directly--there are mixed reviews on which is better/worse. You might have to start off with a country that you dont particularly want ( ie for some the Middle East--but thats a matter of personal opinion) to get your foot in the door, but maybe not.....the hiring takes place right up until the fall, so its not over, till its over.

[Khalida]

Thanks Prince15, MidTMike, overseasvet2, and Flyingpigs for your advice and encouragement! I will keep plugging away. Wouldn't mind the Middle East as I'm learning Arabic. Thanks to this site, I'm aware of the schools which would be a better fit. Surely there is a right match out there somewhere! It is a bit daunting, though, as I've listed my house for rent. I will keep you posted -- thanks again!

[shadowjack]

So it is clear you won't be picked up by a top tier school; but go to a school in Kuwait, Qatar, the Emirates or Egypt. It won't be pleasant your first couple of years, but you will have an overseas experience and can decide from there what to do and where to go.

Be aware that for many countries the cut off is 55 - after that they are no-go zones for teachers unless you are a specialist or desperation/last minute hire.

There are lots of 'interesting' schools out there in places that are unique - I have worked at a few of them! LOL

Good luck with the search :-)

[Flyingpigs]

Or you can go to a school in Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE and Egypt and enjoy it. ;)

[Khalida]

Thanks shadowjack! Actually Egypt, Russia, and UAE are my top choices. I'm applying to schools in several other countries, of course. Today I sent an application to another school in Cairo for English Language Arts or French -- fingers crossed/insha'Allah!

[shadowjack]

Don't be afraid to check out Saudi also. It is an interesting place.

[Khalida]

I would love to teach in Saudi, but I've read that feline companions are not allowed. Is this true?

[Khalida]

Answering my own question re taking a cat to Saudi: Apparently it is possible, although there are restrictions. More info on taking pets to Saudi here: http://saudiarabia.angloinfo.com/moving ... t-animals/

[shadowjack]

We took our two cats to Saudi, and out of Saudi back home, no problem.

You will need rabies vaccination certification and an animal health record stamped by a government veterinarian. The gov't vet will do it based on your own vet's examination paper and your cat's vaccination record.

It is much harder (although still pretty easy) to get your dog into Saudi, as the Middle East is not a dog friendly culture. There are feral cats all over Saudi, though.

Good luck!

[Khalida]

Thanks shadowjack and everyone for your input and advice, will keep you posted :)