The International Schools Review Forum

What is the best way of contacting schools if you wish to be a local hire? Should I put it in the cover letter, include the information in the email?...please advise.

My husband is an engineer in the country and his company offers housing, flights, medical, etc so all I need is a J-O-B!

I've reached out to a few schools and I haven't had any response. In my eyes I am a 'perfect candidate'. I have 12 years of teaching experience most of those years are in the International setting, MA degree with 5 years PYP experience, and most importantly I'm 'cheap' because I'm a local hire!

Heeelllpppp!! I'm desperate for a job as I'm not the sit at home type of gal! I'm a Search Candidate, I'm on TIE Online...

The only thing I can think of is that maybe my Search file is getting passed up because it says I'm married with two dependent children. Do you think schools are passing me up because of the dependents? Where/how should I explain that I am a local hire?

KB

I would email the schools directly and put LOCAL HIRE TEACHING CANDIDATE... in the subject area line. Then in the email go into the obvious details about why you are in the country, background, qualifications etc. Also if you would be open to substituting, temporary positions etc.

Send those out to any school you might be remotely interested based on commute time, etc and then follow up with a phone call a week later. Even if you don't get through to the School Head, the secretaries will have you on their radar should something come open.

Bottom line is that they may just not have any current openings in your area. But you are right, you would think you would be cheap School Head's dream: Qualified, experienced and already there.

Are your dependents not of school age? I am guessing not as their school would be a natural starting point. Make sure you point out that you would require nothing more than a job and a salary.

I'm sure something will come your way. Keep reaching out and try to make a personal contact with someone. Also reach out to other westerners at your husband's company and find out where they are sending their children. You never know what connection could help.

One of the issues you have with the premium agencies is that if you are hired through one of them or a fair, then they have to (supposed too) treat you as an OSH. Second, your family logistics (trailing spouse and 2 kids) would be a deal breaker for a primary teacher. Third, any vacancies for an OSH unless posted otherwise are likely for the 2016/17 academic terms.

I would advise that you review the ISs website and apply through whatever system they have for substitute/relief ITs. The other approach Id try is to call or drop by under the pretense of looking at ISs for your children, and getting some face time with an administrator and dropping that you would be interested in a local appointment or again substitution/relief teaching. Leave them a copy of your resume, if they want you, you will hear from them, if not, they arent interested (now).

As a local hire at several schools, I contacted the schools directly. It also helps if you will have kids of school age attending said school LOL.