Job Discussion Forums

[sohniye]

Hello everybody,

I posted this somewhere else but need a lot of help

I know this is probably not an optimal time of the year to be researching for a contract but I am realistically planning to begin teaching this January 2012 (sooner would be better but not likely.)

I had offers to begin working abroad this August but unfortunately and due to no fault of my own the contract I selected was canceled. Instead of being jaded at the prospect of international teaching I have decided to give my prospects one more go.

I am a first year teacher with a MA in Education---all subjects upper primary and secondary. I am waiting for my official certification. I am American but would like a placement in western Europe e.g Germany at an international school; I know this is difficult but not impossible. I am perfecting my German at the moment.

My question is: what is the best way to approach international schools that recruit for teachers year round or otherwise have vacancies. How can I make myself stand out?

I have my own website that includes my resume, references and sample lesson plans. Of course I also have the ability to attach these things to an email.

I am also planning on customizing my cover letter for each position.

Thank you everyone

[artemisia]

If you're going after a specific country, I'd compile a list of the international schools there. I'd also try to narrow it down and decide on regions and cities you'd prefer. Then I'd phone the ones I was interested in and try and get specific names and email addresses of whoever is responsible for recruitment of teachers (if you can't speak directly to them at the time of your call). You might also be able to find that out on specific school websites as well as check their vacancies.

I'd try sending emails with the main details of who (levels/ages) and what you teach, when you're available and why you're interested in teaching there (eg. German language skills), with your website link added for more information. IMO, it'd be better to keep it short and succinct with the possibility of more info available. They won't want to trawl through lots of info to find out basic details. If there's a standout point it's probably going to be the subject line of your email.

The problem with Europe right now is that everyone will be still on summer holidays though there may be a skeleton staff and some may be checking emails - especially if they need teachers. I think you'd be better off checking the school term dates and contacting them a week or two after they're back re: working in January. You could also think about the UK and contact the major primary/ secondary school teaching agencies there. That might not be exactly what you're looking for but it would get your foot in the door, so to speak.

[naturegirl321]

IBO and TES would be a good place to start.

[sounion]

Hey there,

I don't want to be negative but rather, realistic. While you mention that getting an international job in Germany is difficult but not impossible, it will be more difficult if you can't find something about yourself that these schools can't live without.

Schools in western EU have to petition the government to allow you a work visa to work at their school. Schools are VERY unlikely to do this unless you have a unique and ridiculously amazing quality that they MUST have. As for speaking German, this won't, alone, be a unique enough quality (but certainly doesn't hurt )

One target of yours should be American Schools in the western EU. These schools are the ones that are most likely to hire you as they want teachers familiar with American curriculums and, you are American. Last I checked, you can go to the State Department's website (www.state.gov or something like that - google it) and see a list of American schools abroad. This list will give you a good start in your job hunt.

Once with the list, go line by line checking out their websites, their requirements, their vacancies, etc.

Another realistic obstacle - most of these schools require 2 years minimum before they will even consider you. It sucks, but it makes sense. They need to know you can hold your own since you're going to be facing really different environments on top of teaching. BUT, some schools won't balk if they see a good deal. If you're right for the job, they'll snatch you up, 2 years or not. So, expect rejection but don't give up!

All the best to you