Search found 10 matches

by FromPhilly
Sat Oct 20, 2012 10:37 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: DODEA Question
Replies: 22
Views: 24658

gentler... kinder....

[b]Your family situation is never going to make you any ISs top or first choice, no matter how good you are or what you may bring. The schools that are desperate and would hire you, are to likely to be good experiences for you either.[/b]

Wow, psyguy.

I can only say 'wow.'

Even if that were true - and I'm not saying that it is - there is a way to say things, especially when it's bad news, that gives the same information, but in a positive, or even neutral, way. Whatever the news is.

This is someone's career; someone's life, that you are talking about. Gently, gently, does the trick. You could have said the same thing (again, only if necessary) using a humanist tone and we would still understood your message.

FP

quote="PsyGuy"]There are some teachers here that really care about the kids, but there really is a significant number of teachers that are just here for the job. We don't have any teachers here who are newbies.

What dude doesn't understand is that inexperience doesn't equal quality either, and Inexperience is the most common factor in an unsuccessful teacher.

In all honesty though, DODEA is probably a better option for you. Your family situation is never going to make you any ISs top or first choice, no matter how good you are or what you may bring. The schools that are desperate and would hire you, are to likely to be good experiences for you either. It's very likely to be a process full of frustrations and disappointments for you. DODEA really is like winning the lottery though, you could wait years, and there have been many waiting a decade and still haven't been hired. You really just need to get comfortable with where you are. You can't focus your life on the odd chance of getting lucky.
The only thing that's really going to change your marketability for next year is if your spouse gets certified and you can present yourselves as a teaching couple.[/quote]
by FromPhilly
Sat Oct 20, 2012 10:12 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: DODDS Hiring Question
Replies: 289
Views: 519387

Dodea again

Dear WeDoDude,

I started my application with Dodea four years ago and every year there is some logistical problem that prevents my app from going forward. (or maybe its a conspiracy :). Earned my cert is 2005; taught 2 years in Philly public, then off to see the world. So, according to the PA Dept of Ed, the certification " clock" only uses teaching years in the state towards the years on the certificate. Since I taught for 2 years before going abroad, that would mean I only used 2 years of a 6 year teaching certificate. Therefore the certificate is still valid.

However, explaining all this to the Dodea powers-that- be utilizes superhuman powers of patience that I just don't have; so I wrote PA State Dept of Ed and asked them to confirm the validity.

So certification - sorted; hopefully. Next: job-hopping. Been there; done that. Masters and multiple certs; bilingual, etc, in my early 40s, BUT I have hopped quite a bit. I'm looking for stability for the next 15 years or so. Open to any placement as long as I can stay there for a while.

Any thoughts on my chances (SY 2013)?

Thank you in advance.

FP
by FromPhilly
Tue Sep 11, 2012 5:36 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Foreign Language Teachers out there?
Replies: 30
Views: 31057

Teaching in France or a France School Abroad...

Teaching in France is, believe it or not, an option.

I imagine you are on the younger-ish end of things? If you are under 30 (check that age) and a native speaker of English, you can teach as a co-teacher in a French public school. This program is called "Language Assistant". Perhaps the title of the program is off-putting (paybe you dont want to be an "assistant") but seeing what your goal is, teaching in France in this program may be the way forward. You do well there, and then visit personally every international school in the area for a job, and voila!

Buyer beware: having lived in Paris myself, and having worked with French public school teachers - let me tell you; it is no walk in the Bois de Boulogne.

I would recommend going for a small school in the campagne somewhere outside any big city. If you are a francophile like moi, you would have seen that movie "Etre et Avoir" Go for a small country school, like that.

You will find everything you need to apply on this site:

[b]www.edufrance.org[/b]

Also, for jobs in French schools overseas as a Blingual Immersion Teacher, try:

[b]AEFE or La Mission Laique.[/b]

In addition, Swizterland also may have a similar English-Language Teaching program in the Swiss Romande regions. Try the Neuchatel and Geneva areas.

If not, there is always the JET Program. Applications may be starting now. That is in Japan and is a similar program to the French English Language Teaching Program. Of course, Japan is not France (dare I say it - its cooler?) but it is a start. Make your contacts there and move on from there. Cf course, there are plenty of Lycee Francais in Japan, as well...

Ah - to be young and to have so many choices!

Bonne courage, ma puce.
by FromPhilly
Sun Sep 09, 2012 10:18 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Spotty CV
Replies: 4
Views: 6246

Oh boy... Thank you all. Like Booker T Washington said "Cast down your buckets where you are..." meaning wherever I go, I need to relax. I will prepare like crazy.
by FromPhilly
Sun Sep 09, 2012 10:11 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Laos vis , Cambodia, or Thailand
Replies: 16
Views: 30803

[quote="Scowell"]So you dont think making direct contact with schools in Thailand will pay off?

DO you know any schools in Thailand or SE asia that i should apply to or avoid?

Thanks for the info regarding the contract, good to know as it is quite difficult to know how the system works. Do most schools try and put single people into share accomodation?

There also seems to be quite an interesting school in Yangon , Myanmar, that appeals to me.[/quote]

If this is your first foray into international teaching, I would recommend registering with a recruitment agency. All of these specific questions will be addressed and you will have one central file, which will be used to apply to each school.

At the risk of elicitng howls of derision and so forth, I recommend Search. I have been using them since 2005 and have been pleased.

Try Bangkok. You will do well there, I'm sure.
by FromPhilly
Sun Sep 09, 2012 5:16 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Laos vis , Cambodia, or Thailand
Replies: 16
Views: 30803

[quote="Scowell"]If i set my focus to schools in Thailand , do you think I can initially go for a tier 1 school?
I teach at a prestigious Independent school in Melbourne. I have been there for 8 years. I am a single male primary teacher, I have held various positions of leadership, such as year level coordinator, head of humanities, social service coordinator.
I also hold an EU passport... so should I consider Europe as well?
thanks[/quote]

Brother - personally, from what I have seen the hiring Fairs, I think most schools, good schools, in S E Asia will salivate when you meander over to their table... single, male, Australian AND primary? you're one of those rare beings.

And, again from what I have seen, you will do pretty darn good in Asia. I mean, on the personal tip. dont think you'll be 'alone after work." for real, for real.

ignore the various know it alls on this forum, and stroll on over to whatever table/school you want to interview at. be encouraged! best wishes.

ps: if you ever make it to se asia, give me a shout! :)
by FromPhilly
Sun Sep 09, 2012 2:27 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Foreign Language Teachers out there?
Replies: 30
Views: 31057

Re: Foreign Language Teachers out there?

[quote="FutureTeacher33"]Hey,

I have posted here before and PsyGuy has been a TON of help-can't stress that enough. I have spoken with him in regards to getting my undergraduate degree in English or a foreign languge. I am really leaning towards the foreign language (based on what I have in mind for my long term goals) and just wondering if anyone here teaches a foreign language in an international school and wondering if you can give me your experience on how that has been for you?

Some other things I'm wondering is:
1. Has there been a decent amount of positions at job fairs?
2. Is the language your mother tounge?

And anything you can give me, again, will be helpful.

I am interested in French and know that I will need to fully immerse myself in the language to be truly fluent, so anything you can prove to me is appreciated. Thanks everyone.[/quote]

Im a language teacher myself, by training. Having worked in IB schools, it has been my observation that most schools select native speakers only. With that said, one of my previous schools hired a non-native speaker to teach a world language, but that was the exception.

I would advise doing a double major in French and Arabic, or French and Chinese, etc. Difficult but if you're a language person, that is where your talent is. You are much more marketable with a double language with one world langauge being a majority language like Arabic or Chinese. If that doesn't work for you, there's aways the CIA, who needs Criticial Language Speakers (if you are American or possessing a permanent residency card).

Best wishes and best of luck.
by FromPhilly
Sun Sep 09, 2012 2:19 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: AASSA Fair & ISS Atlanta Fair
Replies: 6
Views: 9267

Re: Side note

[[b]quote="PsyGuy"]Just as a point of contention, I find European schools the least flexible when it comes to families.[/quote][/b]

psyguy - we agree. I find the European schools the least flexible when it comes to... just about anything. Matter of supply (small) and demand (much). With that said, maybe I'm just old and bitter (smile) because I kick myself every day for not staying in Europe when I had the chance....
by FromPhilly
Sun Sep 09, 2012 2:15 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Spotty CV
Replies: 4
Views: 6246

Spotty CV

Greetings. I have 6 years experience in international and/or local schools overseas. M.Ed (US) and 3 certifications.

Experience in PYP, MYP, and 2 National Curricula (not being too specific). No dependents - son will be in university; not accompanying me; early 40s and single. I have strong references, particularly from last HoS and Primary Head, as well as strong parent references. I've taught in schools in Europe, the Gulf, SE Asia, Asia Pacific.

I have taught at 6 schools in 5 years. I'd like to find a school and settle down. Given that schools may think I'm not reliable, not committed, etc - I'm looking for advice or thoughts on how I can best prepare for my interviews when I attend the Bangkok Fair this season.

Thank you and wishing everyone a good start to the new school year (N hemi). I'm ready for holidays already :)


NB: Constructive criticism welcome.
by FromPhilly
Thu Aug 23, 2012 9:18 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Deleted
Replies: 3
Views: 5376

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deleted by FromPhilly