The International Schools Review Forum

I've been teaching in the states for 16 years; I'm certified math. I guess I'm kind of burned out on what I've been encountering in urban public schools. I just want to find a place where I'll be paid decent and be treated with a tiny bit of respect by the students. That's all I need to make me happy.

Does that type of school exist? How difficult will it be for me to be hired, with my experience? Any advice for someone taking this journey for the first time?

Thanks all.

With math teaching experience you should be sought-after. Look for a school that is well-established (like at least 20 years) and not for profit. Avoid newer schools that are run like businesses. I've been very happy in my first international position, and feel lucky to be in a school that really takes care of its foreign hires, and the kids are really nice.

I'd say you have a good chance, especially with Math. I left the States after teaching public school for just three years, and I can honestly say moving abroad saved my career in teaching. While there are bad schools out there, there are many good ones as well. Good luck in your search!

When you say there are bad schools out there; how would you compare them to a bad school in the states? At some of the bad schools, I've dealt with gangs, drugs, violence, and, in extreme cases there were times when I didn't even feel safe.

What would be the conditions at a bad international school?

It's nothing as dramatic as what happens in public schools in the U.S. Here is what I mean by a bad school:

1) They offer a teacher a contract or specific position, and then when the teacher shows up the package or job has changed.

2) Schools that are for-profit and run the school with money in mind and not education or people.

3) Schools that don't have transparent governance.

I'm sure a lot of other experienced overseas folks could add to this list!

OK.. those problems do make for a rather unhappy experience. It's not like expecting a punch in the face, but I'm sure it can really make a person dread going to work every day.

I assume that most schools are good; but I guess I'll focus my search on the one's that I've read good things about, instead of just being optimistic.

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I spent this summer in the Philippines and I was really amazed at the differences. I just fell in love with the country and I really want to see more of Asia now. I could only imagine what a classroom would be like.

I have a couple of questions about contacting schools. I plan to join Search and attend the Cambridge fair. You're saying I should go ahead and contact schools on my own now? And should I contact all the ones I'm interested in, or just the ones that have posted openings?

By the way, just thinking about getting out of here has me really excited about teaching again. I haven't felt like that in a long time. Thanks.

Sign up with Search Associates immediately. Not tomorrow or the next day, get the process started now. It takes a while to get your stuff and private references together, and think about what job fair you want to go to. London and Bangkok job fairs have a lot of Asian positions.
And, yes, look at specific schools' website job pages, if they have an RSS feed subscribe to it.

Thanks for the advice about signing up on Search Associates immediately. I just started it and you are right, it will take a while to complete it.