The International Schools Review Forum

It's that time of year again, and though I have enjoyed the teaching at my current school in Beijing, my family hasn't been able to acclimate to China and it's pollution as we had hoped.

And so, we're considering another move. My question is one that I've probably asked before, but I'd like to try again.

I would REALLY like to move into the American system (Music teacher here, if the name didn't give it away!), but I have been in the British system for the past 15 years. What can I do to convince an administrator that I am worth the risk?

My experience: 10 years as a Head of Dept, 4 years as a Director of Choral. 3 PD choral conducting workshops over the past 6 years; a LOT of choral experience (Festivals, extracurricular groups, school musicals), and i'm Guest Conducting this year at an international festival this year.

BUT

No "Choir class" experience (other than student teaching MANY years ago).

So do I have an "in" for a Choral Music job at an American school? What should I self-promote? Thanks for any suggestions!

[quote="ChoirGuy"]It's that time of year again, and though I have enjoyed the teaching at my current school in Beijing, my family hasn't been able to acclimate to China and it's pollution as we had hoped.

And so, we're considering another move. My question is one that I've probably asked before, but I'd like to try again.

I would REALLY like to move into the American system (Music teacher here, if the name didn't give it away!), but I have been in the British system for the past 15 years. What can I do to convince an administrator that I am worth the risk?

My experience: 10 years as a Head of Dept, 4 years as a Director of Choral. 3 PD choral conducting workshops over the past 6 years; a LOT of choral experience (Festivals, extracurricular groups, school musicals), and i'm Guest Conducting this year at an international festival this year.

BUT

No "Choir class" experience (other than student teaching MANY years ago).

So do I have an "in" for a Choral Music job at an American school? What should I self-promote? Thanks for any suggestions![/quote]
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Sorry to hear that. I know that it's tough moving the family again after 2 years.

I think that you have an in (if I understand what you are saying). By playing up your experience as Director, directing/managing event performances, you can connect the dots by showing that you know the exact skills the students need to perform successfully and so, you know exactly what skills they will need to acquire in the choral classes (look up backwards planning, if you are not familiar with it).

Good luck in finding the right combination of work/school/quality of life for you and your family.