Job Discussion Forums

[MrCAPiTUL]

So I was pondering something a moment ago, and thought I would ask yet another question.

Say you are professionally certfied in your motherland. Here in FL, that certification has to be renewed every 5 years. I'm guessing there are very similar requirements in most places (though I could be wrong). If you are in Japan and do not get to renew your certificate because you are, well, in Japan, how does that affect you getting a job someplace else like an International School or at a Public School? I know they usually require certification. If it didn't get renewed because you were living in Japan, do they understand and usually hire?

Again, I'm just curious how that would work. Maybe somebody will respond. Doumo.

[JaredW]

Are you a credentialed school teacher MrCapitul?

[MrCAPiTUL]

Yes, I am. Which is why I was thinking about it. My cert will have to be renewed by like February 2008. I'll be over there by then. At least. . . . I hope I will be! If not, I would have been doing something wrong! lol.

[johanne]

I've worked with certified American teachers and it's possible to renew from overseas. If you have professional development requirements there are workshops available in Japan, usually in Tokyo, which would meet your requirements. If you work at an international school it's possible your in-service days would qualify you. Don't let your certification elapse since I think in most places it's a real hassle to reinstate it.

[JaredW]

[MrCAPiTUL]

Oh that's cool. I didn't know I could do that. That is definitely good to know. Thanks for the info. Appreciated, as always.

Jared, I have been teaching for 2 years. Those are issues that I had early on, as well - pay and retirement (which is actually the bigger of the two). Also, benefits were a big concern for me. I get free optical, dental, and life insurance. All of these are things that should be heavily considered. I'm looking at International Schools, mostly, as they seem to pay the best wages. Hopefully I'll put some extra money into profit sharing plans, mutual funds, etc. That will give me a little security whilst being away. At least I know I am saving and investing for my future.

If Japan is something you'd love to try and want to do, take a leave of absence from your School Board. They will approve you for at least a year at a time. We have people in my district that do it all the time. I have friends in NY who have taken 1 year leaves, as well. Make sure you coordinate it with your time overseas, though. At any rate, if you feel Japan is too much or too big of a hit, you have a job back home to fall back on.

Edit note: How are the administrators in California? Do they lose their backbone and pander to the parents (like those here in Florida)?

[JaredW]

All I can say about administrators is the same thing I can say about most mid-level managers and bosses at other places, especially government. That is the Peter Principle: A person rises to his or her level of highest incompetence.

Most admins just want to get paid more and boost their resume while a select few actually want to help teachers get better.

Being young still 27, with a MA, I have seriously given though to becoming an admin since I can become an admin in under a year. However, I would sacrifice quality of life because I wouldn't be able to come home early (i.e. 2:30) and not have as long of a summer vacation. Maybe when the kids go to college in 15 years, I will consider it.

But yeah, in short, admins are a dime a dozen.

BTW, what part of Florida are you from. I have family in Jupiter.

[MrCAPiTUL]

I'm on the opposite coast - Tampa Bay.