The secondary principal is rather brilliant....personable, visionary, great sense of humor, practical, great leader. Would love to work with him.

I'm a newbie to IT...just took the leap this year. For quite awhile I just lurked in the background of this Forum...reading and gathering information from IS teachers way more experienced than I. At first I was impressed with Psyguy's responses and appreciative of the time he spent to respond. But then I became annoyed and downright angry with the content of many of his replies. Threads I truly wanted to hear more about became hijacked by PsyGuy and his nemeses. But now, I just chuckle at it all...PsyGuy has a right to write and express his/her opinion. I have the right to attend or ignore. Such is life.

If completely ignored, trolls usually go away. They like the attention, makes them feel important, but without it they shrivel up and die. (or find another site to hijack)

I visited Bodi School in Xian a year and a half ago as part of the College Board Bridge Program. We were only there for about 3 hours so my views are extremely limited. The school is a private Chinese School with a small "international" wing. I observed a Chinese language lesson for the International High School students....pretty much just rote memorization....I say, you say...again and again and again. Engagement was minimal...not sure how much learning was going on. The building was very tired but there was talk of a new facility on the horizon. Resources and technology also seemed limited. We were not given access to talking with staff but the Head of school gave us a 40 minute power point presentation on the Chinese education system. We also were not able to speak with the students at this school...so again, my views are based solely on the observations in several classrooms and the presentation.
As a tourist, Xian is a great place...the Terra Cotta Warriors are a sight to behold, the night markets amazing, etc. but I think living there might be a different matter. Xian is a long ways away from anything.
Sorry I can't offer you more.

Snowbeavers,
You must have different friends than I at ISKL. Everything I have heard is Tony has been a strong leader. And I've never understood the concept that one must have International experience to be an effective administrator at an international school. An effective leader is going to be successful no matter the setting.

The school was severely shaken by a tragic accident back in September where two students drowned on a field trip. You can imagine the heartbreak and the impact that had on the entire school community.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news ... rip-242574

There will be a new Head of School next year...the current elementary principal at ISKL will be taking over as head. Word is he is a solid leader.

What I hear about Cebu is great kids, a school in need of leadership and direction, great potential.

My heart goes out to you...rejection of any kind is difficult. Just remember, the competition for those top tier positions is fierce...just to get an interview is a feather in your cap, it's all about the fit in the eyes of the recruiter....tiny little things separate the bride and the bridesmaids. Hang in there...that offer you're hoping for will eventually come.
Lopaka

I believe related experience is important...yes, teaching experience, certifications, degrees, ect. are critical to include and should be placed right out front..... but those life experiences/related experiences tell a lot about who you are. It provides one more layer. Recruiters definitely want to know your teaching experience but they are also looking for a good fit for their school...the more they learn about you the better to ascertain whether you are the person to be hired.

I have a small related experience section included on my résumé, listed on the second page. Quite often these experiences have been brought up in interviews and allowed me to talked about how they impacted my teaching.

Good luck.

Bobby bamboo,
Check out ISKL...they have been steadily moving toward guided inquiry for awhile. Investing major PD dollars in the effort.
Lopaka

I was hoping someone would write from Boston...thanks Teachman. And congrats on your new position...I too am heading to SE Asia..perhaps we'll run into each other. Really impressed with your preparation.

Hello Sunshine,
You would be amazed at what interviewers notice. I saw a research piece once that said SHOES are the number one thing people look at...if they are scuffed up, dirty, not matching the outfit, etc. people notice. I find that amazing as I never noticed shoes...at least until I read that article. :) .....so I would bet taking the time to do your hair and nails will pay off....and if nothing else, you'll feel better!!!!

Congrats Eden. Thanks for sharing....do let us know what you decide.

I must admit, the see through outfit still has me cringing!!

Pippafrit,
I find Wordpress.com is great for blogs....easy to use, multiple themes to select from, numerous tools, etc.

See what you think.

Lopaka

I can see it now...
International Best Seller

JOB FAIR JOURNEYS..short stories from international job fairs
Chapter One: Bangkok Boogaloo by Shadowjack
Chapter Two: London Lass Laughs Last by Pippafrit
Chapter Three: Cambridge Capers by???
Chapter Four: I Left my Heart but Got My Job in San Francisco by ???

Seriously...it has been a blast reading the accounts. Thanks again for the entertainment, the great tips, ideas, suggestions...and for humanizing these fairs. Really appreciated !!!!

Emilyhurd,
Paul Chmelik will be replacing Bob Hetzel. Paul is currently head at ISKL and friends there say he has been a strong leader. Sounds like he will be a good replacement for Bob.