next »

[kokokolo]

I am looking into going back to school at the end of summer, to teach overseas. AT first I was looking into a specialized degree in teaching English to non English speakers , or a degree in English or education or the like. But in my short time here, Ive gotten the feeling the only way to do well overseas for a longer term is to get a job in an international school. Am I correct in my understanding of this matter?

Which is of course why am I am again here asking questions. For example would it be wiser to for example aim at teaching algebra and geometry ... and get a minor in math or some other middle school or high school subject? heck I dont know what to do.

oh so my original question is in the topic .. cheers 

 "  what degree/credentials are needed for an international school job?  "

[El Macho]

A teaching credential. This typically means majoring in education, specializing in a subject/age level, doing a term-long teaching practicum, and sitting the PRAXIS.

As discussed in other places, teachers of subject other than English are generally in higher demand than English teachers. International Schools often don't need ESL teachers, or expect other subject teachers to teach extra ESL classes. Getting a degree in Mathematics education (and maybe a minor in TESOL) would be a great idea.

If you're planning to go to school intending to be a teacher after you graduate, major in education. Studying anything else makes very little sense.

[The Local Dialect]

A teaching certificate from your home country/state.

If you're American, lots of states offer alernate routes to certification for people who were not education majors or who are looking to switch to teaching mid-career. In some states the process can be completed in less than a year, and some states will certify based on previous education and experience alone. Look into the requirements for your state, which can generally be found on the website for your state dept. of education. If you are still in college (I'm sorry I can't remember exactly what your circumstance is -- did you have a Associates?) you can do the whole thing at once by majoring mathmatics education like El Macho says.

With a certification in math you'll certainly not have trouble finding jobs abroad, as math/science teachers are always needed.

[chase heineken]

I have been looking into this as well.  The website I was looking at said you need two of the three: a degree in the subject, a teacher certification, or two years experience teaching K-12.  Of course the problem is where are you going to get two years teaching experience without a credential.  Probably the reason for the teaching certification is mostly so that these schools know that they are hiring people who are on the up and up. 

[Raoul F. Duke]

They're right...you'll need a teaching credential and a 4-year degree (or better) to teach in a real international school.

Be aware that China has lots of schools that use the words "international school" but are really just Chinese bullshit schools. Most of their students are Mainland Chinese, with maybe a few Taiwanese for good measure. These places don't have the standards, the prestige...or the salary of the real thing. The phonies tend to be crooked as hell and are generally best avoided.

[CWL]

How do most international schools acquire candidates for open positions?   Self placed ads and or listings on the school's web-site or via services like TIE?

[Raoul F. Duke]

They advertise on local major-city websites as well as their own sites. The jobs are highly coveted, and sometimes local word-of-mouth fills them quickly.

Who or what is TIE?

[CWL]

Who or what is TIE?

The International Educator

A few people in one of my fields suggested that I check into this organization.  This was how they secured their positions with international schools in the past, but that was some time ago.  Those jobs were in Africa, India, ME and South Korea.  However, I have been searching individual websites.

[Raoul F. Duke]

Ah, a recruiter.

Recruiters tend to be bad news. There's lots of reading on here about why; try http://raoulschinasaloon.com/index.php?topic=6827.0 to start.

I don't know...a group like TIE, working with better schools, might be better than most. But I can't recommend ever using a recruiter.

[CWL]

Oh, I understand.  Just curious.

[mlaeux]

I have a friend who just got a job through TIE. A lot of credentialed people use them.

Actually, I think their a subscription service. I'm not sure if that's the same thing as a recruiter.

[CWL]

They are.  I just hate to pay money to have access to job postings, especially when there are so few openings within the subject area that I am looking for.

[mlaeux]

They are down to 300 some odd vacancies right now anyway. You should check back with them in the winter when all the heavy hiring is going on.

BTW - I totally get what you are saying about paying, but my friend got the subscription plus the notification which allows you to check off if you are interested in a posting. Then the school can check off if they are interested in you and you go from there. That feature alone seems worth it. To my way of thinking, this option seems to eliminate a lot of hassle. Job hunting is stressful enough.

[Papillon]

How do most international schools acquire candidates for open positions?   Self placed ads and or listings on the school's web-site or via services like TIE?

From my experience, many of the schools use the education/teacher job fairs held around the world. A few of our principals went to the ones in Hong Kong, US and Thailand this year. The one in Thailand was more of a reason for a piss-up though

[gonzo]

Do a search for job recruitment fairs in your region. There are agencies eg ECIS who will register you [for a fee] and line up interviews. Fussy international schools have a preferred age profile, and as stated here you need to be a genuine certified and experienced teacher. Some [most?] schools prefer to hire their own nationality [where they have one-the title should tell you] and certainly favour those with experience in their particular brand of education, eg IB, IBMY, GCE, various Australian varieties of certificate, but none of these barriers are absolute if you can sell yourself well and have good academics and experience.