Several years ago I taught at a school in Central America. It was a big school and my principal was really great or so I thought. He observed quite a few of my lessons, was always really happy about what he saw and gave me glowing letters of reference.So when I joined one of recruiting agencies I had no doubts whatsoever when I asked him to submit a confidential reference.
Then I went on a job fair, and just could not get a job. My interviews went well. I blamed it on tough competition. etc.
Now I found out that that principal left a really bad confidential reference. Needless to say I feel bad because I used to think quite highly of the guy. Also I feel kind of hurt even because everything that ever went into my teaching file in that job was always perfect - observations, PDP, etc. And he had no grounds to give me a horrendous reference.

Should I contact that principal and ask him to withdraw it? Or leave it as it is, Tell my former colleagues that he is capable of this? Once again when you meet and work with him he strikes everyone as a real professional who is very helpful and pleasant.

Thank you!

I can see where his posts can rub people the wrong way, but he is also quite helpful at times. Can we just leave him in peace? Just don't read if you don't like his posts and let other people make their own choices. I am just against open attacks of any sort.

Hi, Which school in El Salvador? I have friends who taught there.

Why attack? Don't read his posts if they bother you. I found the open letter truly troubling. So full of anger!!!! Let him be! Who cares if he has a job or not? It's an open forum. And some people find his advice helpful. What's the point of going after him?

It's a long time to have waited. In my experience schools are pretty prompt with contracts if they want you. I think they are waiting for the fair. Sorry! I would call for sure.

I went to London Search fair last year and it was also flooded with newbies. I guess lack of teaching jobs in the US and Britain had to have an effect on international teachers market. My question is would a school hire an experienced teacher without international experience over less experienced teacher but with a lot of international experience?

Everything that people say here is highly subjective. and even though I found some things in Psyguy's posts to be very helpful, you have to remember that its just his opinion and its not how things are necessarily. He does sound very convincing at times and he certainly has time to write such lengthy responses but this is what this forum is for, right?

As for London fair last year there were not a whole lot of jobs and a lot of very experienced (IB) teachers left it without jobs.. I would advise against it.

If you decide to go there send me your email I can put you in touch with a few friends over there. It will make your life much easier

My husband and I tried registering with them when we started our job hunt a year ago and they told us they had no positions for us. It was weird. No ESL positions?
I got an impression that they do not like people who have significant international experience and are looking for first-timers.

It a great school. The principal is very supportive and helpful. Accommodation is beautiful and right down town. The only negative thing is the weather. It get very cold and dark in winter, however, summers are great - not too hot and white nights. Saint Petersburg is an amazing city and I definitely recommend it.

I have been looking through the reviews of different schools in ISR. Most of them are so negative. Is it representative of the world of international schools generally that so many schools have so many problems?

My advice - definitely do the Search and Joyjobs (instead of TIE). They have all the TIE listing + a bunch more. Search is definitely worth for the database!!!!

Strange question for this time of year. It seems like it is a bit late to be picky - most of the hiring has already been done. Or are you looking for 2012-13?

I don't think it's too late. This is the great thing about international schools they hire all the time. Thing happen. People drop out, etc.

I am signed up with Search, Tie, and Joyjobs. I went to January Search Fair - do not recommend, complete waste of money. Then got back and started applying to jobs by email etc. Search is of no help at all. TIE and Joyjobs on the other hand!!!!!!!!! I have just accepted a very nice job - well-paid and in a very nice location.

It depends on how low the salary of school 1 is. If you can still save a bit and live comfortably, than I would chose school 1. If you think you are going to struggle, I would chose school 2.