Lower-tier schools in KL

[chilagringa]

For personal reasons I may need to look for work in Kuala Lumpur. I will have one year international teaching (pre-certification) and one year domestic (post-certification) teaching under my belt. I don't teach in a high-needs area.

Obviously schools like ISKL are out of the question. Could anyone recommend some lower-tier schools in the KL area that would be okay to work at? I'm not picky, but enough to save a bit and tolerable working conditions are somewhat important.

[SuzieQ]

There are a plethora ... just check out the paid site, and also various reviews on British Expats (etc) .. mostly fairly accurate even though sometimes dated.

The majority will be family proprietory businesses that pay around MYR 5000 monthly before tax for a classroom teacher, and possibly offer shared accommodation. Expect about 24 hours plus face to face teaching weekly + duties.

The students will be lovely, and so will the parents, in general.

If money is no object, do some good in the world and volunteer at the UNHCR school.

Good luck!

[dover2013]

ISKL is not "out of the question" - it is just highly unlikely. Good schools will, as needs be, employ teachers with limited experience etc if it is right for them at the time. You have nothing to lose by applying for a vacancy or sending a speculative application. Also, if you land in KL and get a "local" contract with one of the better schools (ISKL, Alice Smith, Garden, MKIS, Nexus, Australian International, possibly IGB) you will often be earning more than you would with an expat contract at one of the plethora of new imitators. Aim high - aim for an expat deal with a better school, and only then weigh up local contract at a good school versus whatever you can get at a shabby one. Sell yourself! - in a slightly more understated way to British type schools, slightly more overstated to American type schools - but this is a fine line, just be honest and show them what you have.

[chilagringa]

Thanks for your responses. Turns out the whole KL thing might not be happening after all. Possibly other destinations or I will just keep on soldiering here in the public system.

You are right, though, to set one's sights high. I ended up getting two offers last year from schools that I would have thought were way out of my league, which I turned down mostly for the aforementioned personal reasons. (Yes, "personal reasons" is a wonderful person).