The International Schools Review Forum

Is it still the case that a teaching couple (in this case two North Americans) are more marketable in general than single North American teachers?

Depends on the subject and the scenario, but generally yes, teaching couples are more marketable. There is a cost savings in the OSH package that makes couples logistically desirable.

Two ITs with identical teaching fields would be at a disadvantage, or when applying to an IS with very low turnover that doesnt have suitable vacancies. At that point the recruiter knows that at some point the IT there is a vacancy for is going to inquire about an option for their spouse, either creating a vacancy that isnt needed, or some staffing work, otherwise they just become a trailing spouse. At which point the trailing spouse is just cost, and a single IT is cheaper.

Well yes of course. They are considered a cost saving benefit, popular in more remote locations where social opportunities may be more limited. If one half of the couple teaches Math or Science, then very desirable indeed.

@Cooldude

Unless the other half also teaches the same math or science.

I've recruited as a single and recruited as a couple and had a much easier time as a single. Yes, I think most schools prefer couples but it can be much harder to find a match when you have to find a job for two people. And it seems with most couples, one of them is a weaker link and can sometimes sabotage chances of getting hired. A couple with kids might also have a hard time as kids can be seen as a liability and some schools might rule you out because they don't want or can't give up classroom seats to faculty kids who aren't paying tuition.