The International Schools Review Forum

I have noticed that some schools begin to accept resumes, etc. in October for the following school year starting in September, 2013. I also see the the big fairs are in the new year, 3 months or so later. I have a few questions re: this timeline.

1) Is it an advantage or disadvantage sending in your resume in October? Meaning, would one's resume be forgotten by the time the recruiting fairs hit?

2) Would any of the top schools who accept applications early (like October/November) hire a teacher before of the fairs or would they still hold out until after the fairs to do all of their hiring at once?

3) If a teacher sends in their resume early, what would be an appropriate/professional way of making sure you are not forgotten over the following 3 or 4 months?

Thanks in advance for any advice/thoughts given....

You should can apply when a school posts a vacancy your qualified for, when doesn't really matter. If its very early in the year, such as September or October. You should contact the school again before a fair, if your vacancy is still available and posted. It wouldnt be inappropriate either to make contac periodically, say after a month to ask about the vacancy and candidate search.
Many schools depwnding on their countries labor laws have to post vacancies for a certain length of time, sometmes as much as 90 days in some parts of europe, so posting these vacancies supper early, allows them to go to the recruitment fairs having fullfilled the posting requirments.

Yes schools can and will hire an exceptional candidate early in the year, before a fair. You wold be surprised how many vacancies are posted before a fair starts, and then are filled before the the sign up session. An exceptional candidate is one in a high demand area, part of a teaching couple, an advance degree, has 5-10 years experience, with a significant number of those years in international schools, and has IB and AP teaching experience.

Thanks for your response---it was very helpful. I am new to this website and have been reading a bit about marketability. I hope this doesn't sound nuts but I would be curious to have my marketability rated on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being an "undesirable" candidate):

-I have 12 years teaching experience in English, humanities, and EFL in Canada at a very academic school. I also teach these subjects to students who have gained entry into an enriched academic program offered at my school (seems similar to IB in philosophy and rigor).

-I taught for one year in China at an international school teaching English and humanities courses.

-I taught ESL for 2 years in Japan (BUT, this was pre-certification. Still relevant to show ability to adapt to new cultures?).

-I have a B.Ed (no M.Ed) where I was a student in a specialized program with a focus on Global Education (read "diversity").

-I continued to obtain a specialist in humanities from teacher's college.

-I have a TESOL certificate.

-I am currently taking a computer course in Adobe Suite to update my skills.

-I coach, run clubs, and sit on committees and want to participate in these activities at whatever school I work at.

-I am a single woman, 40 years old.

I am interested in Asia or Eastern Europe. Feel free to comment or give suggestions on what my major gaps are.

Thanks so much in advance!

You know I feel really icky reducing a persons career to a single number, I use to do it all the time in this last year though so, as long as your ego can take it, here goes:

1) 12 +1 Years experience -> 6pts

2) "I taught for one year in China at an international school teaching English and humanities courses." -> 0pts (Sounds like ESL to me, but I just added it to the years above).

3) "I taught ESL for 2 years in Japan (BUT, this was pre-certification. Still relevant to show ability to adapt to new cultures?). -> 0pts (Means nothing, and no one cares).

4) "I have a B.Ed (no M.Ed) where I was a student in a specialized program with a focus on Global Education (read "diversity")." -> 0Pts (A Bachelors is a pre-requisite, if you didnt have one, id be throwing it in the trash right now. Your major is considered "liberal Arts", which isnt worth anything)

5) "I continued to obtain a specialist in humanities from teacher's college." -> 0pts (A teaching qualification is a pre-requisite, [see above], I take this to mean your qualified in English Lit and Humanities which may or may not be Social studies. Can you teach/have you taught history? If this actually made you dual qualified then its a desirable combination and Id give you 1pt).

6) "I have a TESOL certificate." -> 0pts (No one cares, and its not worth anything).

7) "I am currently taking a computer course in Adobe Suite to update my skills." -> 0pts (Good for you but its not relevant to the teaching subject, and isnt worth anything. If you had said you were Reader/Writer work shop trained, or something it would be worth half a point).

8) "I coach, run clubs, and sit on committees and want to participate in these activities at whatever school I work at." -> 0pts (These are either expected at a school, or are not done at schools, in either case it isnt worth anything. Its like saying "references available on request", this is just part of the job. Sharing a hobbie or interest after hours, isnt worth anything. If you coached a major sport, or extracurricular that we needed or could use, that would be worth .5-1 pt.)

9) "I am a single woman, 40 years old." -> .5pt (I couldnt legally rate this, but your a logistically easier hire, though not a teaching couple with no dependents [1pt])

10) "I am interested in Asia or Eastern Europe." -> Asia 0pts, Eastern Europe -1 pts (We hope your interested if you applied with us. Europe is just harder to break into, and there is an order of magnitude more candidates to positions. )

TOTAL SCORE = 6.5 (5.5 in Eastern Europe).

Major Gaps:

Your focusing too much on your ESL experience, save that experience for the classroom. From a marketing yourself standpoint, it sounds like your begging.

Tech skills are nice, skills that actually relate to how you might effect the classroom are worth something. Adobe is a complex suit of programs combining technical skill and artistic mastery. As an english/humanities teacher though you will be teaching literature and humanities, and those classrooms dont meet in a computer lab. Try to develop skills that add value to THAT classroom, unless you plan on pursuing a position in design technology.

IB and AP experience would of course be very marketable.

I would say marry a math/science teacher, but that might be offensive to some people, and so i wont mention that.

I totally appreciate honest feedback. I think there may be a few things about my qualifications/experience that I did not make clear. I am responding to PsyGuy's post above but if anyone else would like to shed light on what you think are my strengths and weaknesses, feel free to chime in.

In terms of my experience teaching at an international school in China, there were ESL students in the classroom but the courses in English and social sciences that I taught were not taught as ESL courses.

I have an Honour B.A. with a major in Sociology, minor in English. When I went to teacher's college for my B.Ed after that, after I was accepted, I applied to a special program in the teacher's college that had a focus on Global Ed. (My intention was to show my B.Ed is different than the average B.Ed. Does this help me stand out in any way? Many schools want teachers to incorporate cultural diversity into their curriculum and it fits well with my two teaching subjects of social science and English....thoughts?)

In terms of my specialist in humanities, I don't know how things work in other countries but basically it is an "Additional Qualification" course that is offered at teacher's college that you can only apply to take after your B.Ed and 2 yrs. full time teaching in the particular subject area (mine being humanities). Is this additional teacher education worth mentioning?

I am qualified to teach anything in social sciences including history, psychology, sociology, anthropology, in addition to English.

In terms of technology in the classroom, I use an interactive whiteboard in my teaching (particularly in English) if you think that is more valuable to mention. I want to demonstrate how I have used technology in the classroom.

Extra curriculars: are you saying that you would not include this on a resume because it is just expected? Just curious...

Unfortunately, I will not be able to get any IB/AP experience this year. Aside from that, how can I make my resume as close to a 10 as possible?

What are my strengths in your opinion? Am I wrong in thinking that my several full-time years of teaching, my international experience, and I know I will have great references from Canada and China are my strengths? I appreciate the joke about marrying a math/science teacher---I may have to change schools.....

Thanks for taking the time. It REALLY is appreciated...

1) What was the school, was a real international school in China that offered IB, AP, IGCSE, etc? Its sounding more like a bilingual program, now. I considered it as part of your experience either way, but id take a way away half a point for it so 5.5

2) You have a Bachelors degree, the rest is fluff.

3) Yes its worth mentioning of course, do you have any experience teaching anything in social studies? Id give you .5 for just the extra certification.

4) Well there is no such thing as a "interactive white board", its a white board with dry erase markers. The technological one is called a "smart board". I wouldnt mention it, unless asked and its not worth anything.

5) No include your extra curriculars, but unless your a qualified coach, or other extra curricular we dont have a teacher for (like drama) or something we compete in, then its not worth anything. Its just assumed and expected that if your told by your principal or head that there is a meeting or committee planing something after school you will be attending.

So were still at 6.5.

Honestly, your only strength is your years of English teaching experience, thats it (and none of its SL/HL, or AP, which is a negative Id be asking myself if you could do it). Your single, and no kids is a minor plus. Your international experience doesnt count, and its not a strength. You have no advance degree, no IB/AP, and no social studies experience (I wouldnt give you a DIP/AP class, which means maybe a section of lower MYP history). Your references dont mean much because everyone has great references.

1) Get a Masters
2) Get IB/AP Experience
3) Get IB/AP training (no amount of training equals any amount of experience but training is better then nothing), 4) Get trained in some of the specialized reading programs (IE Readers/Writers Workshop, is popular right now).
5) Consider adding a certification in Drama/Theater (would compliment an english teacher).

Only the first 2 are really going to add anything to your resume.

1) The school in China offers a Canadian International Education Program (CIEP) which is designed for students who want to attend Western universities. It is not a language school.

3) I am certified and have experience teaching history, English, psychology, sociology, and anthropology.

I'm unfamiliar with the acronym "SL/HL". I feel as though I've read on the forum that teachers with less experience get hired and then trained to teach IB/AP overseas. Have I misunderstood? I'm new to this site (today!)---do all these teachers on the site getting jobs have IB/AP experience?

If you were me, where would you look for work now that the season is getting closer? I have a leave from my school starting in Aug./Sept., 2013 so I will not be able to get the Masters or gain IB/AP experience....

Disclaimer: I don't teach at an international school, but I've lurked on this site for a while, looking forward to the day when I can finally head overseas. So I can answer at least one of your questions. :)

First, us folks in the United States also call them "interactive whiteboards" because SMARTboard is a brand. (My school uses a different brand.) So they do exist, Psy. I hope the international school community isn't so insular that they would think you were talking about dry erase markers....

In the IB system, SL means Standard Level and HL means Higher Level. From what I understand, the HL classes are longer and more challenging (like an honors or advanced section). Kids usually take three subjects at SL and three at HL.

Before you start applying, you might want to learn more about the different curriculum options so you know what you're getting into. There are Canadian international schools; I assume some of them use the national curriculum. You probably already know this, but I'll say it anyway: Most schools use IB, American/AP, or British. Sometimes you'll find a school that follows the curriculum of the host country or a mash-up of curricula. I get the feeling that it's difficult to move from one type of school to another (IB teachers tend to stick with IB schools and so on).

There are some schools that specifically state that they'll train new hires in IB/AP, but the ones I've found are either very large & prestigious with a strong mentoring program (and hundreds of applicants) or small and kind of dinky -- what people on this site would call 2nd or 3rd tier. I'm in the same boat as you (less experience than you, but my husband teaches Science :) and I think we have to go in with medium-low expectations in terms of salary & prestige until we get experience in the right system. Smaller schools and less popular areas are easier to get into. It seems like you could do two years at a small school in Asia and then easily move up to something better.

All you more knowledgeable readers, please tell me if I got something wrong. There's a ton of information out there, but it can be confusing. Good luck with the search!

Thanks BookShelfAmy! You provided useful feedback---it's so helpful getting a variety of responses. I would like to get AB experience and I believe I have a better chance of getting it abroad. It sounds like applying to the larger schools that will provide training is great but more competition for a job and the smaller schools could mean a less attractive package.

Does anyone have any idea where I should focus my energies (country/school) and what I could expect (best case scenario) for a package?

I met a teacher who thought a white board was a projector screen. I also met a couple teachers who tried using dry erase markers on an actual projector screen. Very little surprises me anymore. Incidentally we have photo copiers made by Cannon, but it's still called xeroxing. It's not a good idea to get cavalier with technology jargon, especially in an interview. Whiteboards are the things you se markers on, smart boards are the technology.

SLcourses are 150 hours, HL courses are 240 hours. In IB DIP these courses are studied over 2 years. So a student that chooses Biology in the experimental science cluster, is taking 2 years of biology. Many students choose to take more then three courses at HL. I actually don't know of many that do the 3X3.

There are a number of Sino-Canadian programs out there. They are based on varying provincial authorities in Canada. Nova Scotia, Manitoba, and BC are the common ones that come to mind. These schools usually have an international program, and a Canadian program with the school.

It usually is difficult to transition from one to another, mainly because your not as competitive a candidate to a schools who's curriculum you don't have experience in.

So let me tell you, from the point of view of a recruiter, what is important:
1) I have 12 years teaching experience in English, humanities, and EFL in Canada at a very academic school. REALLY IMPORTANT. We are looking for skilled practitioners, and you have good classroom experience in a variety of subjects - which means that you would be a flexible addition to the faculty.

2) I taught for one year in China at an international school teaching English and humanities courses. IMPORTANT. You aren't a first timer, fresh out of your home country. You know what it is like to live abroad, far from home, in a very different culture. That means you're less likely to have a meltdown.

3) I taught ESL for 2 years in Japan (BUT, this was pre-certification. Still relevant to show ability to adapt to new cultures?). IMPORTANT. For the same reasons as above. As this happened before you qualified as a teacher, it is unlikely tro be recognized on the salary scale, but it matters. As does the fact that you taught ESL - because most international schools have a large contingent of ESL students.

4) I have a B.Ed (no M.Ed) where I was a student in a specialized program with a focus on Global Education (read "diversity"). NOT IMPORTANT. Except that most salary scales will recognize Masters degrees over Bachelors so you will lose out.

5) I continued to obtain a specialist in humanities from teacher's college. IMPORTANT. We like lifelong learners.

6) I have a TESOL certificate. IMPORTANT. For the same reasons as 2 & 3. Teachers who are familiar with the needs of ESL learners are always useful.

7) I am currently taking a computer course in Adobe Suite to update my skills. IMPORTANT. It's the lifelong learner thing again.

8) I coach, run clubs, and sit on committees and want to participate in these activities at whatever school I work at. IMPORTANT. Because we want all-round contributors.

9) I am a single woman, 40 years old. GOOD FOR YOU. Having no dependents will certainly help.

10) YOU HAVE LOTS TO TALK ABOUT IN INTERVIEWS AND SHOULD BE AN ATTRACTIVE CANDIDATE. TAKE THE PLUNGE AND GET INTO ONE OF THE BIG FAIRS IF YOU CAN.

No PsyGuy, SmartBoards are a brand of interactive whiteboards. There are also Promethian boards. Best to sound intelligent when interviewing and sound like you know what you're talking about. Best not to use jargon that is incorrect.

Walter, would you mind terribly looking at the thread "Should we stay or should we go (to a fair)?" and let me know how my husband and I might stack up at Cambridge or Bangkok?

If it helps, besides what I wrote in that thread, I've advised and chaperoned Model UN and co-directed the first elementary school musical our school had. My husband runs a very successful games/chess club, also a first for the school.

We also worked for two years as ESL teachers in China at a k-12 school, pre-certification, if that adds anything.

Give me an e mail address - create a new account by all means and post it here - and I'll write to you there.

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