The International Schools Review Forum

[quote="azteacher"]Contracts were due in December, but it does seem like most schools haven't posted. I think there will be more positions posted soon.[/quote]


Okay, thanks... that's what I thought, but I wasn't sure. It seemed like in years past people were talking about all of the openings and this year there aren't too many openings yet. I was getting worried...

I'm not so sure there will be tons more openings. A lot of people seem to be staying put this year. Last year our school had 6 or 7 openings...this year...none.

[quote="mathgym"]I'm not so sure there will be tons more openings. A lot of people seem to be staying put this year. Last year our school had 6 or 7 openings...this year...none.[/quote]


Oh....I've been debating adding authorizations to my credential before I leave, I think I'm going to add an elementary school credential-- there seems to be a lot more need for that than my current secondary field has. Especially since there doesn't seem to be too many opening choices this year. :-( Thanks mathgym for the info.

Koda-
I noticed a few more openings posted today. Also, the QSI rep I spoke with expressed that new openings would be posted throughout the next few months. Good luck with your interview and please let me know how it goes! I will do the same!

[quote="martijem"]Koda-
I noticed a few more openings posted today. Also, the QSI rep I spoke with expressed that new openings would be posted throughout the next few months. Good luck with your interview and please let me know how it goes! I will do the same![/quote]

Martijem,
Thanks! I'll let you know how it goes- it's this weekend. BTW, do you know which locations you are looking at? I was hoping for Eastern Europe- but nothing is available there it seems. So now I'm doing research into the other places.

I'm nervous though because as an English teacher, there are not a lot of openings...only 2 right now. :-/ I've been wanting to get my Elementary and Secondary History certifications as well, but put it off because in California there are no Elementary or History positions... so this is a good excuse to get my additions to my credential.

Koda-
My thoughts were either eastern Europe or Asia. I'm trying to be flexible, but some of the locations seem like they may be difficult for my children. I'm looking forward to meeting with the rep. next weekend. I, too, have decided to add some certifications. In order to gain middle school certification I only require one extra praxis so I have scheduled to take it in March.

I'd stay out of the smaller schools and those that are very nationalised. As a teacher you also want qualified and competent teachers for your own kids so check teachers at the grade level your kids would be entering. Also in some QSI schools teachers are not certified or are non native speakers.Having a good year also depends on how religious the school staff and director are - if you are not of the 'christian' persuasion you could have an uncomfortable year or two.

Lots of other schools out there.

While I have issues with some of the QSI practices I never found any type of religious factors influencing school decisions or practices. If they have occurred in other QSI schools that really is unfortunate.

The issue of qualified teachers for your children is an issue and not one you can easily dodge, being that you won't know the qualifications of your colleagues until you get to the school. My kid went through 3 science teachers in one year as the school discovered their shortcomings which ranged from not being a teacher to unintelligible English. In the end it worked out fine but for awhile there we were just (fill in your own word here), maybe flabbergasted is a good word.

[quote="martijem"]Koda-
I noticed a few more openings posted today. Also, the QSI rep I spoke with expressed that new openings would be posted throughout the next few months. Good luck with your interview and please let me know how it goes! I will do the same![/quote]

Martijem,
The interview went great- it was a little over 2 hours long. He explained the QSI philosophy and we talked about locations and my background. He never asked about religion, but did ask where I got my morals from. It was a very comfortable interview and I am happy with it. I decided to accept an offer with them. Good luck!

Congrats Koda! We also accepted a position. We will be teaching in China. How about you? I can't wait to see how our lives change. I am very excited about the adventures we are about to embark upon!

[quote="martijem"]Congrats Koda! We also accepted a position. We will be teaching in China. How about you? I can't wait to see how our lives change. I am very excited about the adventures we are about to embark upon![/quote]

Congrats Martijem- I'm headed to one of their smaller schools in Eastern Europe- they happened to have a vacancy open up and I'm super excited. Good luck in China!

koda - did you apply as a single?

I applied as a single too - was told I would receive a placement after couples were placed.

Congrats on your job! Is this your first time teaching overseas?

[quote="tennisfanusa"]koda - did you apply as a single?

I applied as a single too - was told I would receive a placement after couples were placed.

Congrats on your job! Is this your first time teaching overseas?[/quote]

Tennisfanusa,
Yes, I applied as a single. I think I lucked out based on what I teach and there was an area with only 1 opening- thus a couple couldn't go there. Thanks so much- and yes, this is my first overseas placement! Good luck, I'm sure you will get hired somewhere- there seem to be a lot of openings still!

Thanks :) It will be my first time too. I'm excited but would just like to be certain. My position is more "open" so it's easier for couples to be placed instead of singles - but we will see!

koda - I'll be joining you in the QSI family - although in a different country! :)