Do many IS in the ME teach SS? I know it's not easy getting a SS position, everyone always tells me that, but, at least in China, once I put my resume out I got many offers. But that's China. Is it really that hard elsewhere? I'm ok teaching either. I just want to be marketable.

I've read a lot on here about this, but still have something specific to ask. I'm currently teaching in China. I'm certified to teach social studies, gen science and bio. I'm teaching SS at the movement. My degree is in history. My wife, who isn't a teacher, and I are considering a jump next year cuz we want to save more money. We're open to many locations, but it seems the ME is a good bet. We're home bodies, so being cooped up isn't really much of a negative for us. I know I'm more marketable if I look for science jobs, but many of the job postings I see ask for a science major. I don't have that, although it is on my license. What are people's thoughts about how that might affect my job search. I've taught science in high schools in the states. Also, what are some realistic salaries and possible savings at jobs in the ME? I know that's super vague. Just some examples perhaps.

Thanks everyone

Hello. It's been awhile since I've posted here. I am finally in China, but just teaching esl in a private school in Shenzhen. I want to stay in China and will be looking for a legit intl school job for next year, but probably just a tier 2 or 3 school. I am certified to teach History and Bio in the states, with 7 years High School experience. I would appreciate some advice on the best way to proceed and any input as to the situation in China. I would really rather teach History as this is my expertise, even though I know it will be harder to find a job. Next issue is healthcare. It's pretty dismal here from what I can see, but then again my insurance is hardly that and I must access the local system mostly. Pretty frightening. How good is the insurance at most intl schools and is the healthcare here in China acceptable when you have that kind of coverage? Being so close to Hong Kong, would the plan cover going there? This "traditional chinese medicine" stuff is freaking me out, being a science, evidence-based kind of guy. Don't want to start a debate on that if TCM is your thing. Just not for me. Can legit western, modern healthcare be found here? I appreciate your help.

I am getting ready to make the plunge for next year. I teach gen science, bio and history, 6 years experience state-side. I don't want a top tier IB super stress job. Looking for something a little more laid back, but still nice. Is there a particular job fair that would be good for this goal? From what I have read the big fairs are more of the high-speed IB schools. Am I wrong on this? What would anyone suggest as to a job-hunt strategy? Thx.

I have a question for all you intl teachers. I have yet to venture into the great abroad, at least teaching wise, so all of my experience (this is my 6th year) is here in Az. I had a disturbing encounter with a parent today and I would like your thoughts as to how this contrasts, if at all, with your experiences out there. I teach at a performing arts charter school and we get ALL sorts of kids. I mean a real menagerie. One issue I have had is some parents, of super high-speed kids, feeing their kid isn't being challenged, so I have to raise the bar. (These are middle school kids) On the other hand, when some kids fail, I get blamed that either I'm making it too hard or not teaching effectively. I mean, if their kid is doing the work and doesn't comprehend the material as evidenced by the test, then it must be my fault, right? That's what happened today. A parent accused me of being responsible for their kid's failure on my tests. This kid does the class and homework, but doesn't do well on tests in general and doesn't seem to care or put forth the effort to actually understand what's going on. Just for full-disclosure, all the material was covered and reviewed, test study-guides were handed out and drilled in and out of class, and the class results were a bell-curve, roughly. I have taught in big district high schools where the parents, and therefore the students, didn't give a shit. The bummer there was teaching kids who were unmotivated. But I have now had experience with super in-your-grill parents who defend their kid at all costs and blame you, and I can't decide which is worse. How is it out there? I know the kids are generally motivated and goal-oriented. At least that's the impression I get. How are your interactions with parents? I appreciate anything you can offer. Thanks.

Not encouraging. :(

Sorry for the hyperbole, but its not too much of an exageration. Almost every state is firing teachers, including science and math. I can only assume that this has affected the international market as well. Has the availablility of jobs at int'l schools drastically dropped in the last few years, or even months? I also assume that many of these teachers have turned to testing the international waters. Has this, if true, saturated the market? Thoughts?

I know what you mean. I kinda have that situation where i teach now. Its a performing arts charter school in Phoenix and its WAY laid back. I am allowed to do my job, within certain parameters, and so far I have had great success. My admin is very supportive and friendly. But I have been at other schools where the atmosphere was down right hostile, and I suffocated in that environment. Unfortunately, the salary here is so low that my kids and I barely survive. Can't afford medical insurance and live pay check to pay check. That's one reason, other than I want to see the world, that I want to get into int'l edcuation. Get ahead and pay offf some debts. But it sounds like all the good paying schools are very intense, high-pressure environments. Not my cup 'o tea. I could be wrong, obviously, since I have never taught at one. It's just my impression. I am not trying to imply that there is some real demarcation or category that separates tier 1 and 2 schools. I know that its more of a figure of speech. Just saying. Am I just being insecure? Or am I right about the kind of teacher who does well at these schools? Please keep the input coming. I would love to stand corrected!

I keep reading references to tier 2 schools. I assume this is a bad thing, but how bad? What are these school like? How is the pay? As always, I know the answer to some degree will be "it depends", as there will be a lot of variation. I suppose I am a pretty good teacher. I have my strengths and weaknesses. The input I get from my students and their parents is generally very very good. But I am not the most organized guy in the world. I feel that keeps me from being an extremely "high speed" teacher, and it seems that teachers that are sucessful at int'l schools, the tier 1 schools, are these really really good teachers who are lickity-split on the ball. I'll be honest, my style is a bit more relaxed. Just not sure if I can thrive in an extremely tight and pressured educational environment. Maybe I can. IDK. My impression is the Int'l schools are the big leauges, the Super Bowl of edcuation, if you will. But from what I know, I could probably do well in the tier 2 schools. So, any thoughts on this? I would appreciate your input. Thank you in advance.

I understand that i have to cover them up at school, but does anyone think that just the knowledge of them could get me fired? I mean, do I have to cover them up on my time off?

Sounds like Search is a bad idea for new international teachers. What strategy is best for teachers without IB experience?

Thanks for the input everyone. I was kinda afraid most of you would say that. So, is it diffcult to wear long sleeve shirts all the time? I assume most schools are airconditioned. Would I look wierd being in a humid climate always wearing a long-sleeve? I appreciate the advice. Thx.

Does anyone think that some countries or cultures would be more tolerant of tattoos than others?

Thanks. I kinda thought that might be the case, at least at some schools. Does anyone else have any experiences that back this up or contradict it? I would appreciate as much input as I can get. Thanks in advance. Cheers.

I have a question. I am a fairly straight laced looking guy in general, as far as my face, hair and build go. But I have a fair amount of tattoos. Will this pose a big problem for me teaching at an international school? They are high quality and colorful, not gang/prison looking junk tattoos. My left are is covered solid from shoulder to elbow, and my right arm is covered solid from shoulder to about 2 inches below the elbow. Nothing inappropriate or off-putting in the designs. I know this will probably rule out any super conservative Christian schools, but I don't think I would fit in there regardless. I teach secondary History and Science. As many of you know, in America at this point tattoos are not that big of a deal. Becoming a part of main-stream culture. I obviously can cover them with a long-sleeve shirt, but since my main geographic area of interest is Asia, I figure the heat could pose some problems. I don't mind covering them during school hours, but is it something I am going to need to hide as a dirty secret? Is it something that if someone from the school saw me out and about and the admin found out that I would get fired or not have a contract renewed? Appreciate any thoughts, experiences or input anyone can offer. Thanks.