The International Schools Review Forum

Sorry if this seems like a redundant question, as I've read through the posts on similar topics, but I'm starting to get the feeling a career in international teaching is a long shot for those w/ NT spouses and/ or dependents....And am finding myself having extreme difficulty thinking we can pull this off...

My background: In total 7 yr teaching HS Biology/ General Science: 1 yr in MS; 2 yrs in China (Biology at a Canadian School) and another year in China, but was ESL work.

Great references

Certified in Biological Science (NJ); BA in Biology; no MA; No IB experience

Extracurricular experience only in China,: I established a Roots and Shoots program at the school (it's an international environmental/ humanitarian program); involved a lot of volunteer work involving my schools students with local community's migrant children.

I'm married to a NT spouse who is a Dominican (no background in teaching/ education) and we have a 2 yr old son.

I went to AASSA with no luck, but had 3 recruiters very interested in me, one contacting my references prior to the interview...but their biggest hesitation was financial and were concerned that the pay wouldn't be enough for me to support my family causing spouse/ family as a whole would be unhappy or that spouse would be "bored" and I wouldn't fulfill the contract. Even after talking with 2 and reassuring them finances/ spouse boredom would not be a problem....one recruiter told me that is was more a matter of security and them having to take responsibility for my family, as well. And the most confusing was one that told me that he had no doubt I would be a great fit with the school/ faculty and was confident that I am a great teacher, we talked about spouse, etc....then he just sent a generic letter rejection letter and how he was sure I had many job offers anyway, so...????

The dependent issue seems to be many-fold and seems to be one schools don't want to deal with, especially with so many (it seems anyway) teaching couples out there...I read many people have done this with dependents and I totally get the uncertainty of this lifestyle....but if one's is to gamble, especially with a family, it's good to know if your going in on a "smart bet"....

I thank you all for your insight and words in advance.....this forum has been a great help in my "research" and I appreciate it greatly!

I'll make it short, your with the wrong recruiter. Science is in very high demand, and with your experience and qualifications (even without IB experience) your family/dependents would be only a minor obstacle as long as your flexible in location and where you will go.

If your shooting or hoping for europe supporting a family on a single salary would be difficult.

You need to get in touch with one of the big three recruiting agencies: Search Associates (SA), International School Services (ISS), Council of International Schools (CIS). Since you seem to lean towards central/south america Id recommend Search, they have a larger and deeper database of schools.

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try middle east

I agree with the others that you need to join another recruitment agency. You can definitely get a job with a dependent, or two. I first went overseas with my partner and the school that hired me was more interested in me than my dependent, although they did ask about him and were very encouraging about it. You just haven't found the right one yet, so keep looking.
I currently received an offer and the school had no qualms about my husband whatsoever..I still plan to go to one of the search fairs since I am not sure this school is the right 'fit'.
My advice is don't settle for less and keep looking. You want to be in a location that will suit all of you. Good-luck.

I had a similar issue. Nothing at AASSA (some interviews but no offers) primarily because of my dependents but lots of interest at the Search conference. Hong Kong could also be a good location for you. Your spouse can get a work visa and the salaries can be sufficient to support your family even he/she doesn't work. I came in with lots of teachers who had children and non-teaching spouses.

I have a Non Teaching spouse and I am trying to get into an international school. I am registered with ISS and TIEonline. I have sent out cover letters and CVs to schools that I have expressed interest in on those sites.

I've been getting the generic responses. A few places have been interested into they found out I had a non teacher spouse. Other places have expressed interest but said that they salary would not be enough to sustain two people. Can some one help me please. Which areas of the world will I have the most luck. I would really love to go to Brazil.

Thanks in advance!