Thanks wrldtrvlr123!

Yeah sid. Thanks! She's licensed here, but I realize it most likely won't transfer everywhere. We will look much deeper into that. It's probably not an option in most places. I think she would want to look into furthering her schooling/training, internships, etc.

Hello again.

After reading a bit more on the forums, I have some other followup questions about Learning Support in the International Schools. Yes, I have read many of the other posts on here re: LS, but I thought maybe anyone with experience could help me with some of these questions or just tell me what your experience has been like.

What [b]exactly[/b] is Learning Support like in international schools? I heard people say it's "sped light" but I don't really understand that. I know it can vary, but is it more pushing in than pulling out? Do you teach your own classes or just support the other teachers in an inclusion-like setting? Is the workload more, less or equal to the other teachers in the school? What other roles (IEP's, conferencing, etc.) do you fulfill outside of class-time. I teach in a resource room now. In your experience, is the pullout similar to that (small group instruction focused on math, writing, reading skills)? How often do you typically push-in vs. pull-out? How many kids do you see on average? Are the teachers generally open to the inclusion model and differentiation? Are they open to letting you actually co-teach or are they very territorial over their classroom? What are the expectations of the admin? Are they just concerned about offering LS and keeping parents happy or do they have a genuine interest and concern about what you're doing? How are you / have you been assessed by your principal? Is there time to prep with your co-teachers? I know I'm asking a lot and it probably varies incredibly, but any information on people's experiences would be insightful.

@wrldtrvlr123 said: Learning Support is a high needs niche. Does this mean a person with LS background should or could be a lot more selective about where they want to go? Were you offered several positions each time you were looking for a new school? Or should you act fast if your offered a solid gig?

Genuinely interested.

Thank You Wrldtrvlr and Cheery. Great information from both of you. I will definitely be registering with Search Associates soon. I'm very excited that there is the possibility of coaching and that it's definitely possible to get a good job with my family situation.

Wrldtrvlr: Thank you for answering all of my questions with great detail! All of it was insightful. Interesting that it's preferable to label your experience Learning Support and not SPED. My license is actually titled: Students with Disabilities. Hopefully this won't be a negative when applying to places.

Also, Cheery: I'm definitely checking out the NextFrontierInclusion site. Looks interesting, and I think you're right in the sense that there is an entire population that need these resources and schools are going to have to be more open to accepting Special Needs students to stay relevant.

Thanks again, and best of luck to you both!

This is my first time posting but I have been reading quite a bit on the boards. I am a Sped Teacher (Master's degree) in a middle school in NYC with 9 years experience and a solid resume (Coach of the Year - Varsity Soccer, Mentoring and Supervising in Fellows program, etc.) I've taught every area of special education (self-contained, resource, inclusion) I've taught mainstream classes, top classes, in almost every subject as well. I am aware of all the issues involved in teaching Special Education abroad, especially with my non-teaching wife and a 1 year old child. I have read conflicting comments on the boards, some saying I should find something relatively easy and some saying it will be tough with my family. My wife is an acupuncturist and she wants to try to treat the local expat community as well, if possible.

I have a few questions maybe some of you can answer:
1) Do you think I will be a desired candidate or does the family situation really deter schools?
2) Can I continue to coach soccer, baseball, etc? Does my experience in this area help?
3) Does my supervisory/mentor experience qualify me for a admin or program head position even though I don't have an admin license?
4) Is it difficult or even possible to approach schools and propose the idea of helping to start or revamp a special ed program? Is this advisable or would I be opening a can of worms?
5) We are a bit flexible and would not mind some places in Asia, or S. America, but realistically, what are the chances of getting a job in Western Europe for us?
6) Why is it so important to sign up with one of these search companies and go through recruiters? There are lists of international schools everywhere. Can't you send your resumes, CV and whatnot directly to the schools? What are the pros and cons of doing it this way vs. going through search companies?
7) Are the recruiters at the fairs looking for Sped teachers regularly?

I hope answering some of these questions will help others as well. Any info would be greatly appreciated.