I say go for it and apply to those schools! I did with one and got short listed for a position very recently. I really applied for the heck of it just to see what would happen. I didn't truly think they would even consider me. Imagine my surprise when I found out they did!!! I just got the rejection letter today but it was hard to feel too sad when I got as far as I did and down to just several people when they had hundreds upon hundreds of applicants! It was for a position two grade levels below the grade I have tons of experience at. I have a Master's degree in Educational leadership, a SPED endorsement, at least 80 credits beyond all of that, international teaching experience, and some awards/grants for my teaching. I also have done a great deal of traveling around the world. By the way, I have NO IB training and that doesn't seem to be a deal breaker. Best of luck to you! Let us know what you decide to do! But I say...apply, apply, apply!!!

Wanted to update people that at the elementary level everyone signed on to return next year and no openings at any grade level. At least at this time. Principal sent me an e-mail today.

I applied to this school and received an email from the principal. She said they are unsure of their openings for next year since this is the very beginning of their hiring season but wanted to know if I would be able to teach other grades in addition to the grade level of the job I had applied for. I wrote back but haven't heard back from her yet.

Yes, I have had several schools contact me this way. I belong to ISS and I popped up in their searches. One I went with-I took their offer for an interview- and got down to one of two people for the job which was an excellent one at a great school. I didn't get it. The other emails I just ignored. I wasn't interested in them and hadn't applied to them in the first place. They were also good schools but didn't like the locales of them-Mexico and Oman.

Hey, Wise Teach. You are NOT unemployable as a teacher. I'm also 58 and have two schools very actively pursuing me before the San Francisco job fair. One actually contacted me to apply for a position at their school that I had never even had contact with before. They scanned tons of dossiers to find me. After a Skype interview of eight finalists it's now narrowed down to one other candidate and myself. This is a great school with a wonderful reputation as well as a great benefits package. No fifth tier school for this girl!!! :) This is BEFORE I even get to the job fair! I also have a non teaching spouse. :) Follow your dream and if you wish to pursue other schools next year-go for it!!!

Potential Track Star! Just checking up on you to see how you are and what you decided. Wishing you all the best! Please keep us updated!

I would really recommend finishing your contract to the end of the year. I know you feel like it may be a hardship on you financially but I think it may do more harm for you professionally. You mentioned that you don't plan on doing international teaching again-or at least many years-but I think just the idea of not completing your contract will hang over your head. You can leave with a a clear conscience if you wait until the end of the year. I also know that universities back in the states will often help people reduce loan payments for a short time if that's an option for you. Is it possible for you to contact your university back home about this before making a decision? I just want to help you to think about how this will make you feel personally and professionally if you don't honor the contract that you have with your international school. Best of luck to you with your decision. This is a hard one and only you can make the best decision for yourself.

I just sent you a PM, Carilyn! Thanks so much! It seems like a wonderful school to work at! :)

Hi, I was wondering if anyone had any information on the American School Foundation of Monterrey? I hear so much about Mexico being an unsafe place to live. Just wanted to know if anyone had any information on the school, living there, etc.