The International Schools Review Forum

Hi friends,

I am close to finishing my 4 year undergraduate Music Education degree in Sydney and am interested in teaching in international schools. (This degree qualifies me to teach primary and secondary music in Australian schools.)

From what I've read so far on the net it seems that getting a job in an international schools requires generally minimum two years experience and a teaching certificate (I assume that job ads that refer to "teaching certificates" are talking about a certificate you are given once you have served 'x' amount of time within a school system, as opposed to a university degree.)

I would like to know, is there ANY chance of landing a job in an international school as a first year out graduate? Without wishing to brag, I have a very good university transcript and am likely to graduate with first class honours - would this help my chances or are the 2 years experience / teaching certificate prerequisites basically inflexible? My degree also includes a substantial amount of practical experience.

Thanks for your help,
asa_fan

Deleted

Thanks both for your responses. I have been doing a lot of asking around and it seems that yes, you can get a job as a first year out, but like you've said, often not in one of the more respected schools.

I'm thinking at the moment I will finish my probation year in Australia so that I have more support in my first year of teaching and then head off after that.

Thanks very much again for your help.

asa_fan

I think that you can find a position. I have seen people get offers withoug any experience. You may even want to consider an intern position. I know that Search Associates does recruiting for those positions. I'm not if Music is treated differently than other teaching positions but if the need is there and you look like a good candidate, then I'm sure they will seriously consider you.