PsyGuy,

I don't have a problem with the tier system and its subjectivity, either. I just have a problem with a person who exploits it to post irresponsible, inconsistent drivel on this forum, in general.

In a different thread, you share with us that judgement of "tier" involves compensation (salary, housing, tuition, transportation, insurance, retirement) and work environment (staff/faculty/parents, admins management style, organization, resources, academics, community).

Will you explain why YOU consider TIS and Nishimachi as tier 2 schools, and a school in Kyoto (which school are you talking about, by the way?) as a tier 1 school, from these aspects?

I fully agree we have differing opinions, so I wouldn't dismiss yours outright, of course.

[quote="PsyGuy"]Not bitter at all, just wasnt for me. However there is a tier 1 school in Kyoto, and were just going to have to disagree on what tier it is.[/quote]

I just thought it was bitter because you were obviously burned out in Kyoto.

I agree that it's difficult for us to make our opinions meet regarding which school belongs to exactly which tier, but I disagree that "tier" is SO subjective, and tier 3 or tier 4 schools for the majority can be considered as tier 1 all of a sudden. In that case, we should say, "My school is/was considered as tier 3 or tier 4, but I enjoy/enjoyed working for it, because ...".

If you think "tier" is SO subjective, you shouldn't have used it to explain TIS and Nishimachi.

Ichiro, thank you for your clarification. Yes, I totally agree Kyoto is a wonderful place.

Android, thanks again for sharing your insight. I am just wondering if your comment that no one wants to leave applies only for tier 1 schools even in Japan, and other schools in Japan still have to endure a high turnover of teachers, like in other countries.

[quote="PsyGuy"]I was at a very nice tier 1 school in Kyoto, and the workload burned me out, and I found that thats just how that culture approaches work.[/quote]

Would you think Psyguy is trying to romanticize his bitter experience in Japan, or is there a tier 1 school in Kyoto?

[quote="PsyGuy"]Its just the usual replacement cycle.[/quote]

So, would you disagree to Androind's remark that "no one wants to leave their posts" in Japan?

To Android:

Thanks again for your valuable input. Your list of qualities of "horrible" schools in Japan seems to make sense. 300,000 yen starting in Japan doesn't sound attractive, all right.

[quote="Android"]Perhaps the competition to get into international schools in Japan is fierce is simply because no one wants to leave their posts.[/quote]

So, would you say it's a bad sign in Japan, if a school has many openings? I noticed TIS and Nishimachi have quite a lot.

To Android:

Thank you for your clarification and encouragement. Your input based on your knowledge and experience is highly valued and appreciated by teachers interested in Japan.

I have another question for you.

[quote="Android"]Even "horrible" Japanese international schools are decent in comparison to many 2nd tier schools you find around the world ...[/quote]

Which international schools in Japan would you consider as "horrible", and why?

To Android: Are you totally sure your figures are accurate? $ 1000 (total bills) - $ 600 (rent) - $ 150 (utilities) - $ 60 (internet) - $ 60 (cell phone) = $ 130. What are you eating, then???

And, how much do you invest in TSE, if you don't mind?

Don't get me wrong, PsyGuy. I totally agree hardworking, qualified teachers deserve great salaries and benefits. I'm just talking about a school providing teachers with opportunities to invest in stocks. Is it just me who feels strange to hear of such a school or a perk?

A school where teachers are interested in making more money off stocks after making the "6-figure digits" and they are provided such opportunities sounds somehow "toxic" to me.

It looks like a teaching license isn't mandatory to register with Search. After all, international schools are not state but private schools, so basically, each school can hire whoever they consider as valuable, I suppose.

Having said that, I've got the impression that a teaching license becomes an issue in relation to obtaining a visa, as mathgym mentioned. Mathgym, you stated that "some countries require the certification for a visa, others require a BA or MA, and others want to see you are in some type of training towards certification", which I think is true, but can you specify "some countries" or "others" based on your experience or other evidence? Thank you.

PsyGuy,

[quote="PsyGuy"]we probabley have a differing opinion on what constitutes a tier one school.[/quote]

I agree with you, PsyGuy, but I hope there is no argument in that a school sharing other applicants' background at an interview should not be called a tier one school.

Ichiro,

I have two questions.

1) You say "everybody", but do you mean everybody at your school or everybody that you know? If your answer is the former, how do you know it? I know some schools show all teachers' qualifications on the school website, but does your school do the same, or is there an in-house document to share everybody's background within your school?

2) You used the word, "qualified", but do you mean "certified"? "Qualified" doesn't necessarily mean "certified", and that's the core argument of this "crazy" thread.

I don't mean to split hairs, but I think it's important to know what exactly you mean, as you are working for "the top of the top tier", so your comments are valued.

[quote="Nemo."]As for earlier question I won't name and shame a school![/quote]

Fair enough. But, it's obvious you didn't have an interview with a top-tier school.

Niubi,

My position is exactly the same as pikefish. It's surely not an advantage that you don't have certification. You need to overcome the disadvantage, and let a school recognize your value against certified teachers, which might be a challenge.

By the way, PsyGuy,

Why did you respond to my question to Nemo? I'm confused.

[quote="Nemo."]Although I went to an interview where they said that had a PhD (science) teaching who was good with lots of experience who was doing a ipgce as the governors had said "no non certified teachers".[/quote]

Do you mean a school shared other candidate's background with you? How unprofessional! Would you mind sharing the name of the school?

Hi NiuBi,

Both interteach and pikefish, who have a real experience of working for top-tier schools, are saying teachers without cert. actually work for the schools. Why don't you trust them and give it a shot?

You're not applying for state schools in America. Heads, who try to increase the quality of their schools, may get interested in you, if you can prove you can contribute to students' learning with your specialized knowledge and experience, and you'll be an asset for their schools.

Good luck!