Job Discussion Forums

[fortytwo]

Hi guys,

First, I believe I checked every topic here and couldn't find what I was looking for. I don't want to be accused of not reading the older posts I am looking for teaching jobs in international schools. I realize that most of you are EFL teachers but it seems like you also know about international schools. Second, I do not have the credentials to teach EFL. If I had, that would have solved my problem. Third, my husband is a computer admin but he doesn't have enough experience and as you know computer jobs are very competitive over there. So, after applying to couple jobs for him, we gave up. We are thinking he would look for a local contract if I can get a job.

Okay, now my problem... I do have teaching credentials. My undergrad is History and Education. My MA is Education (not TESOL or Linguistics). I have a K-8 teacher certification (every subject). This is my 6th year teaching. So, when I look for job requirements I see that I am qualified to apply. Of course, this doesn't mean I will get the job but it is at least a start. The problem is I didn't realize the housing benefits for international schools. The schools that I found from googling are all offering jobs to singles (shared accomodation) or to teaching couples (flats). I didn't come across a job opening that offered housing to married teachers whose spouse is not applying to teach at the same school. Now I am scared that all the international school offer housing only to teaching couples or singles. Since my hubby doesn't have a job, I need a job that will give us housing.

Can any of you think of any school names that provide housing to married teachers? I do have ESL certification but for K-8 grades. I have MA in Education but not in TESOL. So, I don't think I have any chance of getting an English Faculty job even if I have taught Reading and Language Arts/Writing. Sorry for the long post. I didn't want anybody to ask background information later on Thanks...

[veiledsentiments]

We need our poster "Mishmumkin" who can probably answer your question... she will be here soon... but I think that you shouldn't have any problem getting a job, even though the schools naturally prefer teaching couples. Is there any chance that he could teach computers?

Check out International School Services. They have Job Fairs around the US.

VS

[helenl]

Why not apply to those that specify "teaching couples" anyways? The worst they can do is turn you down if hubby doesn't qualify to teach - or best case scenario hire you both with him in a non teaching support role. It never hurts to try.

[mishmumkin]

42,

Have you posted on here before w/ a similar question? Seems like I fielded a question like this from someone in Cols a few months back.
At any rate, there really are too many schools to name who would offer you a decent contract. Teaching couples certainly are preferred when available, but hardly a requirement.

Since you're seemingly American, I would apply at the American Community School of Abu Dhabi, The American School of Dubai, Dubai American Academy, Latifa School for Girls/Rashid School for Boys, and American School of Dubai. There are loads of IB schools that will hire you, as well, so they're worth applying to. http://www.ibo.org/ibworld/jan06/bridge.cfm

As for schools that only provide single accommodation: run far, far away. Sabis/Choueifat is currently advertising LOADS of jobs throughout the UAE, and they're one of the schools you'll want to avoid given your qualifications. If a school doesn't offer you full airfare for the family, educational allowances (or seriously discounted schooling at the school), then it's not worth it. Most decent schools aren't going to tell you much in the job ad beyond references to full benefits. Your biggest expense would be the kids, depending on their age and what sort of benefits the school provides you with in regards to their education.

Like VS suggested, you might want to get yourself to some job fairs-sending out your resumes now.

[umzakaria]

Hi there,emirates National School offers 1 bed apartment for marrieds (regardless of whether husband is teaching partner) and 2 bed family accom,there have been plenty of vacancies and I think with your credentials they will snap you up,if not this year then 2008.Check out the website and send you cv,facilities are amazing,kids are great,package is good and if you like the Khaleej abu Dhabi has a lot to offer and Al Ain is beautiful.

[fortytwo]

Umzakaria,
Thank you for the info. I just checked Emirates National's website. They say they do not have any vacancies. I will check later on. If you have inside info, please share I would be grateful.

Mishmumkin,
Thank you very much for all the information. I had indeed posted here before and about a similar subject. Since then my problem has been the same: housing for the family.
I wrote all the background information but I guess I forgot a big info there. I am not a US citizen. I am from Turkey. I did my undergrad there but my MA is from here and my teaching experience is from here. I am still currently teaching here. I checked some of the schools you listed. They seem like really good schools and they seem like they will provide housing to families but some of them definetly want a native speaker. They are not going to give me a chance to prove how fluent I am by arranging an interview. However, I did get three offers from other American schools. Their salary is even okay (actually really good from the posts given here) for me but when it comes to housing they only provide 1 bedroom shared. So, I had to turn them down. I will continue checking. Thank you again.

Helenl,
I did apply to the jobs that say single accomodation. I even got job offers but they are still not providing housing and as you know if they offer housing, it is not worth to go there.

VS,
Do you think they would be interested in him teaching computers even if he doesn't have an education degree or certificate?
I will be checking the website you gave. Thank you very much.

Fortytwo.

[mishmumkin]

[veiledsentiments]