There are so many English private schools, especially in Berlin, and they are always looking for new hires or long-term substitutes. If you start there, get a few years teaching experience, then you will be in a good position to apply to a better international school within Germany. Plus, you will be slightly more attractive as a candidate, having some German language skills under your belt and already being settled (no need to help you with relocation, etc.). Good luck!

If you're not concerned about savings, don't forget about Western Europe! With only three years teaching experience, I was hired at a lower Tier 2 school - that would be my guess, but it's a great place to work - in a capital city (known for relatively low cost of living), was sent on PD for IB (had no prior experience), and the pay is not bad! I make enough to travel during our frequent holidays as well as save (6000€/year), and I'm not living frugally in my day-to-day life. Honestly, the quality of life is incredible here. It's a great place to get some IT experience - but it will be hard to move on from. A lot of people end up staying. Something to consider!

So, for the pros out there, if you are able to reflect on HOW you do it, I would love some advice!

Background: At my first gig (at a large public school), I never had any problems with colleagues. I was friendly and professional, and it felt great to be part of the community. However, there were a few things that made this easy (I only realized later): a real range in age/experience (not everyone in their 20s), most people having their social lives outside of work, and not being forced to collaborate (I did, but only by choice with those who shared the same interests - e.g. a grade partner who I loved working with, a PLC). Also, I respected my colleagues as professionals, and could recognize everyone was doing their best.

At my first IS, I have lost confidence in my ability to be a good colleague. Pretty quickly, I realized that a) the majority of the staff socialized together (as their main social group), b) perhaps as a result, things were gossipy/dramatic, c) I found a lot of my colleagues' professionalism lacking. In turn, I became pretty withdrawn. On top of that, I have been required to "collaborate" much more than at my previous school, and my impatience with colleagues has shown once in a while. All in all, I don't feel great about how I fit in this school community.

I'm starting at a different campus (same organization) in September, and my number one goal is to make things smoother with colleagues (regardless of how they socialize/their professionalism). Any tips on how to get along with everyone (without becoming part of the clique) and withhold judgement (if a colleague is being unprofessional) are very welcome!

Thank you for all your replies! : ) I'm excited to look into all of these schools.

Hello!

Just curious, does anyone know of any schools that are NOT in a big city, but rather in a small village or town? I love the idea of a slow, simple life, and would love to apply to such a school. For example, somewhere near the Alps where people spend the winter afternoons skiing, or on a remote island in Thailand (I am partial to Europe and Asia, but open to anything).

Ideally the school would be well-organized and offering good quality education.

Thanks!

Hello!

I asked my pricipal if she would provide me with a letter of recommendation (as needed for a job fair I will attend). She said yes - but requested that I provide "a skeleton", which she will then tweak. In other words, I have to write it.

Does anyone have any suggestions for me on how to write such a letter? Are there exemplars somewhere that I could see? I am unsure of what length is appropriate, and I wondering how personal/formal the tone should be.

She observed me last year (as required for first-year teachers) and wrote a report, so I know I can pull some ideas from there.

Thank you for your help!

Thank you for all of your really helpful responses. I've reconsidered taking the TA route, and will definitely look into attending TORF. Merci!

I am only in my second year of teaching in a public school in Canada (primary, French Immersion). However, I would still like to try to get my foot into the international school realm. Because my (non-teaching) partner is European, for visa/work reasons, I would like to try to get a position in Europe (particularly in Germany or Scandinavia). I know that Europe is especially competitve, and that with my limited teaching experience (and no experience in international teaching), I don't have much of a chance at being hired.

I understand that there are many openings for teaching assistant positions (for native English speakers) at German international schools. If I was able to be hired for a such a position, could it be possible that a few years experience could eventually lead to transitioning into a classroom teaching position at the school, or count as international school experience when applying to other schools?

Being at the start of my career, I would be thrilled to gain experience (especially with the IB PYP) in an assistant position. However, I am unsure of whether or not such experience would recognized in a few years' time, or if I would essentially still be in the same position as I am now. If anyone has any experience/insight on assistant teaching postions, please share.

Lastly, I am not planning on attending nearby job fairs (Search Associates in Toronto / TORF) because of my lack of experience + narrowed geographical preferences. Does that make sense, or should I attend regardless?

Many thanks : )