I interviewed with them at the Search fair in Cambridge and was also impressed. They are a small and youngish (10 years or so) school and they described themselves as looking for people that were extremely flexible, optimistic, and who didn't mind having multiple preps. They seemed to really value collaborative learning, and (at least in the middle school) they took a week off their normal schedule every semester to take the students through a large interdisciplinary unit. They were very honest about the fact that as a newer school they were still creating their culture. It seemed like a place where teachers who like to explore/initiate new ideas would do well.

The open position didn't end up being a good fit for me content-wise, but I would have accepted a different position if there had been one, though the salary is on the low side. It seems like a really interesting place in a beautiful part of the world.

@prince15 - The school and the opening were on Search. I sent them my cover letter and CV when the job came up, but I used my own email address, not the Search messaging feature. I haven't said yes yet, as they are sending me the contract to review, but I will say yes as long as there are no surprises :)

@Flyingpigs - Thanks!

Both schools responded and said they were looking for someone with more experience (I only have three years), but the tones of the emails were very friendly, so I don't think they minded me contacting them.

In happier news, I got a great offer this morning from a school that wasn't even at the Cambridge Fair, so it all worked out in the end! :)

Thanks again for the advice!

I agree with the posts above, pay it off! I haven't gone international yet, but even working in the States I have been trying to pay above the minimum payment each month, even if only by $50 or so (though usually more). I also throw any "extra" money I get straight at my loans (babysitting, tax refunds, etc.). After three years I am almost $4000 ahead of my payment schedule and for the most part I didn't even notice paying a little more each month. It is such a good feeling to be ahead! I was a first-generation college student too, so I understand how daunting it is! Good luck! :)

Thanks everyone! I sent a brief message to both schools expressing my interest, and I guess I will see where things go from there. :)

I need some advice in regard to following up with schools I scheduled interviews with at the Cambridge fair. School #1 sent me an email before my interview stating they had filled the position and needed to cancel, which is totally understandable. I attended the interview for School #2, and I think it went really well, but they sent a follow up email the next day saying the position had been filled. Again, this was totally understandable. Both positions were taken off Search that night.

Yesterday, however, both of these schools updated their profiles and added jobs for the exact same position the interviews were for. In fact, School #1 added two positions! Both are on the larger side, so it makes sense that they could unexpectedly have something new, but I am trying to figure out what my next move is.

Should I email them to remind them I am still interested, or should I assume they will contact me if they want me since they already have my information? There seems to be a fine line between appearing "on it" and appearing desperate, and I definitely don't want to come off as the latter.

Thanks!