Job Discussion Forums

SwimminThruAsia · Joined: 14 Sep 2005 Posts: 24

So,

For the 5th time today, I've revised my dream job.
I'm currently home in America (lame) and making ends come somewhat close to meeting by subbing. (Lamer.)

However, I had a blast in one class today-7th grade social studies.
Not to sound high on myself, but I was pretty damn good at teaching it.

Here's my question..what kind of degree should I pursue to land a job working at an Asian or European International school teaching Social Studies?

So far, I have my BA in Psych and a TEFL certificate, as well as 2 years experience teaching English in Prague and Korea.
Would I have to go back for a BA-ed? Or could I make up for it with some sort of masters???

Any advice??

Thanks!

Swimmer

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

International schools in Japan require more than just a bachelor's degree. They require a teaching license from your home country, plus a couple of years of full-time experience.

Cdaniels · Posted: Thu Mar 23, 2006 10:01 pm Post subject: Better luck next time!

The_Hanged_Man · Joined: 10 Oct 2004 Posts: 224 Location: Tbilisi, Georgia

What you need to do depends on which state (assuming you are in the US) you are living in. Many states have alternative cert programs which would allow you to work and earn your certification at the same time. Other states require you to go through some sort of B Ed. or Masters Program often with unpaid student teaching. I went through an alt cert program last year in Texas, and now I am certified and heading to an international school in Kuwait in August. Very Happy

roamermark · Posted: Tue May 23, 2006 12:51 pm Post subject:

Degree (B.ED or M.Ed) matters less than certification....home country certification is the normal requirement but by the time the late spring or early summer roll around and September is looming....some schools are willing to be flexible on one or the other...usually on the experience.

Chris_Crossley

A former colleague of mine is on the verge of signing a contract with an international school in a north-eastern city in China after spending three years at the state-run primary school based in Wuhan City that I spent (just) one year in.

He has a bachelor's degree and a CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) from England. He told me a little while ago that he was thinking of returning to England to get a formal teaching qualification (Postgraduate Certificate in Education [PGCE]), yet that is unnecessary now. Then again, he does have a wife and baby son to support, too!

Hence, his experience at the primary school has proven to be invaluable as opposed to the qualifications. Maybe the fact that he is married with a kid has brought him favour with the school authorities? That is a sign of stability...

Will. · Joined: 02 May 2003 Posts: 783 Location: London Uk

Unless there is little competition, it is normally the higher experienced or qualified that get these jobs. Given the pay rates in International schools here in Europe you can understyand why. It doesn't hurt to apply and go to interviews though, you could get lucky and if not it all helps further along the line if ever you get invited back for another interview

roamermark · Posted: Mon May 29, 2006 2:06 pm Post subject:

Schools still looking for specialty and hard to find teachers (foreign language, ICT and some others) or looking for part time teachers will often hire non certs during the summer months when the international recruiting fairs are over. English though...forget it....too many candidates for those positions. Also many places will be interested in taking on people as local hires...so if you are looking for experience at international schools and are already In country...it is not a bad way to get a foot in the door. Lack of benefits - but you may be able to parlay the experience to another international school later

escapeartist · Joined: 05 Jun 2006 Posts: 3 Location: not there

There are career fairs for int'l. schools - usually in the UK and USA (a few times a year). I would check out http://www.iss.edu ISS, which is a recruiter based in the US for int'l. schools. Also:

Council of Int'l. Schools http://www.cois.org
Independent Schools http://www.isbi.com/

Some schools are strict about their teachers' credentials. They want teachers to have a credential, advanced degrees, and several years teaching experience. Other schools are not as picky. You have to be willing to contact and do the search.

Don't forget about the DODD schools.
http://www.militarystudent.dod.mil/

Good luck.