Search found 18 matches

by dragonguy
Mon Mar 01, 2021 12:40 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: PE Teachers and schools that only locally hire
Replies: 6
Views: 8154

Re: PE Teachers and schools that only locally hire

Over the years the most helpful way for me to find the answer to this question was keeping track of which schools on Search Associates or ISS/Schrole even post a PE opening. If they do that means they are open to hiring international PE teachers, if not, they most likely use local PE teachers or don't have a PE program. So I like to keep an active Search Account when possible (if not, there's usually a friend in your school who has an active account). I could give a list of specific schools but I'm currently not in the paid forum.

The whole of Latin America is pretty slim pickens for International PE teachers, somewhere around 10 schools in the entire region use Int. PE teachers.
by dragonguy
Mon Dec 07, 2020 9:32 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: IB Certificate in Teaching and Learning vs IB Workshop
Replies: 5
Views: 6068

Re: IB Certificate in Teaching and Learning vs IB Workshop

I'm currently wrapping up my PYP T & L Certificate (of course they offer MYP and DP as well), it's 4 ½ University Courses:
Curriculum Processes
Teaching and Learning
Assessment and Evaluation
Professional Learning
Professional Learning Community (this is a less time consuming course requirement)


Each course is 10 weeks long. I chose to do mine via the University of Windsor, the total cost was $3000 Canadian/$2,300 USD. That was the cheapest program/University I could find. If you're working full time, taking one course at a time is manageable (I spend about an average of 4-6 hours a week working on it). If you take classes during the summer or not working you could take 2 classes at a time and finish rather quickly. I will have finished my program in less than a year.
I chose the T & L Certificate over taking workshops mostly because my current school has a pretty generous PD fund, I had extra time due to Covid and not being able to travel and all online teaching and of course, I do feel the certificate holds more weight than the workshop(s).
There’s about 40 Universities all over the world that offer online and face to face courses but like PsyGuy said, most are in conjunction with a Master’s Program. Since I already have my Masters, I wanted the quickest and cheapest way to complete it.
Like the others said, this is a certificate, not a certification. Time will tell, with me weather it was worth it or not but I figure if I’m a strong candidate for a job vs. another strong candidate and I this certificate and they don’t, at least I can talk the talk a little bit and some IB schools might be happy they won’t have to pay for some of my training. Like the others said, nothing beats actual IB teaching experience but for me, I’m too late in my career to go get that experience in Tier 3 schools in mainland China or the Middle East. Come job hunt time, If a IB better school in a better location was willing to hire me and having this certificate has something to do with, then it will be worth every penny. I might also play out the rest of my career never using or needed it and continue working in international schools that aren’t IB.
by dragonguy
Tue May 26, 2020 9:32 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: PYP Online Certification?
Replies: 5
Views: 9277

Re: PYP Online Certification?

Hi all, thanks so much for your thoughts and feedback. I did end up enrolling in the IB PYP online certificate programme, with the University of Windsor. I’ll take the following courses, it’ll cost $3000 Canadian total ($2,100USD). A good portion of this will be covered by my current school's PD fund, the rest I’ll be out of pocket. Time will tell if this turns out to be a good investment, it could very easily never be needed or maybe it will be the extra consideration needed against the competition. In the end the pros outweigh the cons and the ability to blast out almost half of the programme over the most boring summer ever, helped me make my decision.

Starting June 8th, 2020, here's the breakdown of my programme

IEC 000 Curriculum Processes - $675.00 (prerequisite course)
IEC 001 Teaching and Learning - $675.00 (prerequisite course), I’ll take these 2 prerequisite courses this summer
IEC 002 Assessment and Evaluation - $675.00, I’ll take this course Fall, 2020
IEC 003 Professional Learning - $675.00
IEC 005 Professional Learning Community - $300.00, I’ll take the last 2 courses Winter 20/21

@Sid yeah, already got the Masters, I will definitely look into IBEN membership, I don’t know much about it.

@Shawdowjack, I thought long and hard about just racking up some cheaper/quicker workshop certificates but in the end just figured I go this route, the timing and pacing of it all works best for me and I’m hopeful this certificate will be a bit more appealing to recruiters than attending a couple of IB workshops, but it sounds like PsyGuy agrees the workshop certificates go a little further.

@PG, I’m hoping this does reign true for me “It does meet the IBs requirements for IB authorization and if that's all the IS cared about or needed, you could teach in the IB school with just that…” I do kinda wish I knew the workshop certificates were just as or more valuable before I committed, but with me being “trapped” this summer without the normal travel opportunities, I don’t have any regrets.
by dragonguy
Thu May 07, 2020 2:38 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: PYP Online Certification?
Replies: 5
Views: 9277

PYP Online Certification?

Has anyone out here taken any of the ONLINE IB certification courses? I’m specifically interested in the PYP IB certificate in teaching and learning. I’ve done some of my own research on IB’s website but hoping for some specifics from those of you in the know. There’s about 50 Universities around the world that offer the certificate, face-to-face, online, and/or blended. I’m only interested/able in the online option. When I looked at the “Universities at a glance” page I see the following that offer both the IB Cert I’m looking for and the online option:

Uni of Bath
Bethel Uni
Cal State Uni-San Marcos
Uni Camilo Jose Cela
Deakin Uni
Uni of Dundee
George Mason Uni
The Ed Uni of HK
Loyola Uni Chicago
Uni of Melbourne
Uni of Montana-Missoula
Murdoch Uni
UNLV
SE Louisiana Uni
Uni of Tsukuba
Western Uni
Uni of Windsor

Bottom line is I’m looking for which one(s) are the cheapest and easiest? Also, some of these seem to be attached to a Masters or Bachelors program (definitely not interested in that).

Anybody have any advice, experience, or recommendations with any of these Universities or Online IB certification?

I’m American so I was leaning towards an University from the states but I suppose that doesn’t really matter? as long as the course work is in English ;)

Actually the University of Windsor is in the lead in regards to the requirements I’m looking for, Cal State, San Marcos looks like it fits the bill ok too.

In case you’re wondering my motivation:
I’m a veteran teacher of 20+ years, been in the International scene for a decade (but never at a school with PYP), 20-21 will be the last year at my current school, just looking to add one more thing to the CV, and my current school has a pretty good PD package.

I’ve read pretty much every debate on this forum about hiring IB schools not caring unless you’ve actually been teaching it and “Well at least workshops and online courses show some initiative to schools. I’m not looking to specifically target IB schools, but we all know how competitive things can be, if it’s between me and someone else and I have a certificate and they don’t, I figure it can’t hurt.

Any other thoughts or ideas, please let me know?

Cheers
by dragonguy
Thu Jun 20, 2019 10:20 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: DODEA Recruitment Job Fairs?
Replies: 4
Views: 6549

DODEA Recruitment Job Fairs?

Does DODEA hold job fairs similar to Search/ISS? I know their recruiting season is a lot later than ours, but that's about it. I tinkered around on their website and application process but I didn't see information on that, other than, they do post jobs on USAJOBS, their government website. I looked around this forum as well but couldn't find specifics on a DODEA job fair calendar.
by dragonguy
Thu May 16, 2019 8:59 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Location, Location, Location!
Replies: 128
Views: 118254

Location, Location, Location!

Do we have a detailed list for specifics about the locations of schools? Similar to our ever evolving Top Tier list, and our list on what subjects are in the highest demand, LOL.

Yes, I know how to use Google Maps, I’m not talking about that and yes, there is some specific info in the paid member forum, but it’s sporadic and sometimes tricky to find, and it would take forever to read and dig all that info up on all the schools. The info on Search is pretty vague as well.

I’m looking for details….how long does it take to get to the airport and what’s the best way to get there? What are the nearby fitness options? Best cafes, restaurants, bars, nightlife in the area? What’s the dating scene? Details on location transportation? Get a car or motorbike? Where do most of the staff choose to live, couples? Couples with kids? Singles? Cost of living? Other “lifestyle” info. Pros and cons about the location.

This is cool to share this info in the open forum, correct?

I’m mostly interested in Tier 1 and 2 schools in Europe, Asia, and Latin America but I’m sure there’s lots of educators out there interested in other regions and schools.

I’m not looking for info about admin, salary/benefits, the politics of the school, facilities, etc. Straight up, details about location, location, location!
by dragonguy
Thu May 19, 2016 1:15 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Chennai and other Retirement Destinations?
Replies: 16
Views: 18629

Re: Chennai and other Retirement Destinations?

I know Brazil is getting a lot of bad press right now but what's the expat retirement scene like there?
by dragonguy
Wed May 18, 2016 9:10 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: DUI
Replies: 13
Views: 17544

Re: DUI

Already lots of great advice.

Another thing to consider is different schools/countries/recruiting agencies ask different questions.

I think Search asks "have you ever been CONVICTED of a crime". You were arrested but were you actually convicted?
Some schools ask "have you ever had a felony"? Most DUI's aren't felonies, it is just a misdemeanor, at least in the US.
by dragonguy
Wed May 18, 2016 8:36 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: If saving MONEY was the only objective, what country?
Replies: 22
Views: 28282

Re: If saving MONEY was the only objective, what country?

Anywhere in the Middle East.
Saudi or Kuwait you could probably save the most....nothing to do but save.
by dragonguy
Fri Dec 04, 2015 10:44 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Seoul, Korea
Replies: 17
Views: 41503

Re: Seoul, Korea

SFS and Dulwich College are probably both... (edited by forum moderator - please do not post school evaluation type material to the forum) . I don’t know much about Eton Prep House. Cool neighborhood though. Actually SFS and Dulwich are in nice areas of Seoul too. I’ve never taught UK curriculum, so can’t speak on that. Decent sized UK/Irish expat community though.

Salary and Benefits good at the schools you mentioned. You should be able to live a comfortable life and leave with a nice chunk of change. Not crazy money but about as high as it gets in Korea for IT’s. All teachers everywhere work long and hard but there’s something different about Korean work culture, even in IS’s sometimes quantity trumps quality. Long days, lots of extra events you’ll be expected to attend or supervision.

Housing will be comfortable at both places but yeah, unless you are very religious….SFS won’t be a good fit.

Life in Seoul and Korea is very easy compared to pretty much any other post. Super wired, transportation is easy, survival Korean is easy to learn, cost of living is high but Korean food and transportation are cheap, insurance too. Virtually no crime. I’ve never lived anywhere, that felt safer. Lots to do and see, great hub for travel, nightlife, markets, hiking, skiing, four seasons. Pollution is bad but much worse in other parts of Asia. You’re not going to be best buddies with a bunch of Koreans, friendly but welcoming you into their homes and world is just not the culture.
by dragonguy
Tue Nov 10, 2015 5:24 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Visa restrictions in Switzerland
Replies: 1
Views: 3626

Visa restrictions in Switzerland

for PE, Drama, and Music teachers.

What's the deal with this is?
by dragonguy
Sat Jul 18, 2015 1:50 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Criminal Record?
Replies: 10
Views: 17773

Criminal Record?

I have a misdemeanor DUI (driving under the influence) on my record, from the states, which does show up on an FBI background check . It was from my college days over 20 years ago but still embarrassing and something I know, as long as I’m in education will follow me forever. Luckily it’s never cost me a job I’ve wanted but here’s my question...

My Search Associates Rep. told me not to put it on my Search profile and let the hiring school know about it once I’m offered a job. Good advice? I’m not sure but I did take that advice and it worked out fine for me on my first IT go around. Sucky way to start a relationship, though.

I’ve read about similar threads on the forum; there have been some topics about “state or local level background checks”. My arrest was from a different state than my current residency, not sure if it would be worth getting a state or local background check, that will come back 100% clean. I have heard some schools/countries don’t require that it comes from the FBI. True? Untrue? I’m OK with being a little dishonest as long as I’m not doing anything illegal. Are there countries and regions where this infraction would be a deal breaker, I’m think the middle east perhaps? I don’t want to waste my time if I wouldn't be able to get hired or get a visa. Any admin or principles that see background checks like this on a prospect, which causes you to hesitate?

Thanks for your time and feedback.
by dragonguy
Wed Jul 08, 2015 12:08 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: PE teachers?
Replies: 15
Views: 31721

Re: PE teachers?

Thanks justlooking,

Do you happen to know if Graded and ASB commonly hire PE teachers if they are already in or have had experience working in South America or is it almost all within Brazil?
by dragonguy
Mon Jul 06, 2015 11:58 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: PE teachers?
Replies: 15
Views: 31721

Re: PE teachers?

Thanks PsyGuy!

I was hoping for a response from you, these are the specifics I was hoping for.

I've been a soccer coach for ages (mostly Youth and Middle School) my assumption is that HS coaches are bigger prizes for IS. No specific athletic organization qualifications. I'll look into it.

I will also research PSPE/IB philosophy and get well versed in the lingo prior to recruitment.

Why is it that ISS is better for me than SA? More attention and a more intimate fair sounds great but just curious as to why SA is better for some and ISS for others?
by dragonguy
Mon Jul 06, 2015 8:45 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: PE teachers?
Replies: 15
Views: 31721

Re: PE teachers?

Thanks fine dude!

A couple of those schools were on my radar but some were not. Hope the timing of available positions works out. To be continued....