Job Discussion Forums

[justasmidgen]

like dkbarnes, I also have a mid-1980's era teaching certificate. I taught high school science for 2 years then but haven't taught since. My teaching certificate is still valid, back then they gave out "Lifetime" certificates in Texas.

I recently did a little bit of checking into international schools and got the impression that I didn't have a chance at landing a job because my teaching experience wasn't recent. But, having read Glenski's suggestion to dkbarnes, I'm wondering if perhaps my impression was wrong.

Would international schools be interested in someone like me (PhD in a science, old but still valid secondary teaching certificate, and teaching experience in the distant past)?

[dkbarnes]

I only had a teaching certificate in Nebraska and that is long expired. It would take me quite some time and expense to reinstate it.

That's why I was thinking the best thing to do would be to get CERTA, as I have found a class I can still get into later this month.

One other complication is that I have been unemployed for the past 9 months so time and finances are now getting limited.

[leslie]

Bye

[Glenski]

I don't know much about international schools, but I'm willing to bet there are differences in certain countries, with respect to desired credentials. My first piece of advice is to pick a country or countries.

Then, get the scoop from them directly, by going to the respective forums here and asking those in the know.

Or ask the job fairs.
http://www.iss.edu/

[rlloydevans]

There are differences in certain countries, but also in certain schools. True international schools that are accredited through some organization pretty much require teachers with updated licenses or certificates. However, there are loads of schools that are "international" but really they are simply local schools that offer an English language medium curriculum, with a smattering of Western teachers to provide some eye candy. If you go to places like TIEonline (The International Educator) their job ads sometimes require certification, while others show "Bachelor's degree with experience..."

I am a perfect example. I have no license or certificate, but experience doing adult classes, and I backed into a full time teaching position in Ecuador. While I can teachat my school, I can't teach at my wife's school as anything more than a substitute, since it is an accredited US school.

Best thing to do is contact individual schools, give them a brief explanation of your qualifications and ask them if they might be interested. The ones who require higher level certifications will say sorry, no thanks.

Good luck.