Confused

[Nomadic Teacher]

I have been and am teaching (and running) DP art classes as well as GCSE and MYP classes, so I am constantly in the classroom environment.

Sometimes I think that maybe I give the impression that practicing my own art is just as valuable as my teaching even though I do it quite well - I basically do not ONLY focus on teaching in life!

I do think that I should be able to break into the elite schools given my experience etc, I am getting tired of working for smaller, less known schools because of the limited resources and pay...

[PsyGuy]

Maybe they are sensing and Im going out on a limb here, that you come off as having a bit of an entitlement or value issue??? I understand your probably GREAT at your craft, but and not to offend you, there is a portion of the population that just doesnt value art (or many electives) as much as more core classes. I know in IB we give equal importance to all components of the learner profile, but a principal and school (outside or art schools, etc) is going to have more problems if a student cant do math more then if a student cant draw.... Many societies differentiate between optional "creative" skills like dance, music, art, cooking, etc and required "life" skills such as reading, math, science, social studies, etc... Maybe and Im just guessing here, but maybe in their eyes you "value" yourself more then they do, and in admin speak that equates to a teacher that is more high maintenance.

[Nomadic Teacher]

Interesting observation!

Yes, I understand a lot of schools/administrators don't value the Arts, which is their loss!

I think you make a good point though, and will have a think about that - it also does seem to me that administrators don't actually care how good a candidate really is - as long as they can do the job and turn up everyday and are low maintenance then its fine.

Thanks for the advice though, I appreciate you taking time on here helping me figure it all out. I will let you know when I get something!

This is another issue but sometimes I do get the feeling because my wife is not a westerner it changes how they perceive us, which is sad and wrong.

[PsyGuy]

Well do you mention your wifes nationality and then they loose interest??? I mean I dont want to ask what it is, but to give you a realistic POV, they might value your wifes ethnic nationality, but depending on her immigration/citizenship status, it might not be realistic or practical for them to be able to secure her a visa. They might be thinking "we would love this guy, but we might not be able to get his wife a visa, and then hes not going to get on the plane and come without her". Thats what stresses an admin more then any other aspect of the recruiting process, that the teacher wont get on the plane.

[Nomadic Teacher]

Her nationality is on her CV, which is sent along with the other documents. We live in an area of the world where its easier for her to get a visa than me (UK national)! So it can't be that. I wonder if it is because these schools want a white face in the classroom, to keep up their image. If that is true, it's awful!

[PsyGuy]

Well yes and no, at the upper tier 1 schools and elite schools they value diversity. At the lower tier schools in the second tier, parents are paying a lot of money for a "western" education, and part of that paradigm, is a white teacher in the classroom. Doesnt matter if its right or wrong, its a reality.

[Nomadic Teacher]

I think you hit the nail on the head. It is a reality as much as we disagree with it.

[Android]

You sound like an outstanding candidate with the education, credentials and experience, so those are not the "deal breakers". The " deal breakers " usually come from something that they noticed about your character, personality that you give off during the interviews. Perhaps it's about time to start - how you are at the interview, rather than wondering what is wrong with the interviewers. The only person that can find the answer is you.

[Nomadic Teacher]

Thanks Android,

I will start thinking about it all!