Search found 14 matches

by Midori4040
Sun Sep 03, 2017 3:23 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Teaching in New Zealand
Replies: 5
Views: 10512

Re: Teaching in New Zealand

@Psyguy

If I may ask, where do you search for jobs? Thanks in advance.
by Midori4040
Fri Jul 08, 2016 9:45 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: I got a job as an international school counselor!
Replies: 13
Views: 17868

Re: I got a job as an international school counselor!

Thank you @eion_padraig AND @wrldtrvlr123 for the invaluable suggestions.

I will follow your ideas with enthusiasm! I am so proud and humbled that I have achieved this position and I want to be as useful as possible to my students, faculty and parents.

I will snoop around and investigate ways I can get licensed in the States while overseas. I think it's going to be a challenge. But, I'm up for the task. The best case scenario is that the Florida DOE takes a letter from my practicum supervisor stating I have at least 100 hours of supervised experience with children. That's the best case. Then I can sit for the Guidance and Counseling examination in Florida.

Otherwise, I do know that the University of South Florida has a Graduate Certificate in School Counseling, but it's 10 grand. :-(

There has to be a way! I will find it!

Thank you all for weighing in and for the congratulations. I am SO excited.
by Midori4040
Thu Jul 07, 2016 9:02 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: I got a job as an international school counselor!
Replies: 13
Views: 17868

Re: I got a job as an international school counselor!

@eion_padraig

THANK YOU for that incredibly useful and thoughtful post. I will follow each of your suggestions. Just fantastic.

It appears that I will have a lot of latitude to develop this role into however big I allow it to get. This is why it is so essential and important to me that I am studied up on the latest tools and advancements in school/college & career counseling.

I know mental health counseling, psych and crisis intervention inside and out, but that doesn't necessarily translate to knowing the best way to prepare a student for college admissions.

As an aside, do you or does anyone else have any suggestions on how I might be able to work towards US state certification in school counseling while abroad? I'm a state of Florida resident.

Thank you again. I am so grateful for the time you took to be so helpful.
by Midori4040
Wed Jul 06, 2016 4:18 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: I got a job as an international school counselor!
Replies: 13
Views: 17868

Re: I got a job as an international school counselor!

I'm in Europe at the moment and will begin the job in August.

I'd really value your feedback!
by Midori4040
Wed Jul 06, 2016 7:14 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: I got a job as an international school counselor!
Replies: 13
Views: 17868

I got a job as an international school counselor!

Major change of events for me, as my previous posts reveal that I had been trying to secure a position as a school counselor in an international school and lo and behold, it happened.

Now I have questions on the best way to bolster my current qualifications and capitalize on this enormously fortunate opportunity. I'm looking for feedback and suggestions on the best ways to build up my credentials so that I am a strong candidate for future roles and I am of the best service for my students, teachers and parents in my current position.

A quick bit of background on me: I am a masters-level trained mental health counselor from the USA with 7+ years of professional experience working with teens and adults with varying mental health difficulties ranging from depression & anxiety to suicide attempts, schizophrenia & bipolar disorder. My expertise is in crisis intervention, 1:1 counseling and group therapy.

My current role requires me to work with students to in a capacity where I counsel them about school transition issues, depression & anxiety, self-harm, sexuality issues and puberty/developmental processes.

My role does not require me to provide college counseling, career counseling, assessment or testing or CBT and behavioral modification.

I would, however, like to become well-versed in these practices.

My question is this: how can I get this experience now?

My initial thoughts are:

-Reach out to a bigger IS that has a more comprehensive counseling program and volunteer there 1-2 times per week to get experience.
-Become an IB examiner
-Join the International School Counselor Association
- ??? I need more ideas!

Furthermore, I need feedback on the best/clearest path to get licensed in the USA while completing my experience abroad.

I am a resident of the state of Florida and I all but meet the requirement to sit for the Guidance and Counseling examination. The Florida BOE requires a masters in counseling (got it) and at least 3 semester hours of supervised experience in an elementary or secondary school (I am inquiring with them if the 100+ hours I worked with children during my practicum will meet this requirement).

Basically, I don't want to languish any part of this tremendous professional opportunity that has come my way.

I've also considered still pursuing state certification in Florida via Teacher Ready, in SPED, ESOL and Social Studies. Would you still pursue this or is it a waste of time if School Counseling is what my passion is?

More or less, I'm trying to get my CV as iron-clad as possible.

Thank you in advance for your help.
by Midori4040
Wed Jun 01, 2016 4:38 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Where should I do my student teaching?
Replies: 3
Views: 4806

Re: Where should I do my student teaching?

Thank you for breaking this down for me and letting me think critically about some considerations between my two options that I hadn't previously considered.

I'm leaning towards pursuing the American School in Western Europe. I don't need a visa for the school in Western Europe because I'm an EU citizen. The Thailand situation is more dicey. I'll be required to do border runs in order to keep my visa legitimate during the time I'm there.

The potential job opening in Thailand is a rumor. It's if the school extension gets built in time.

Out of all of the time you took to give such a thoughtful response, you've hit the nail on the head: I want to pursue counseling above all else in an international school. I'm really only obtaining the SPED/ESOL/Social Studies state certification to help bolster my chances of getting hired in an international setting. I understand that SPED in an IS vs. US school are night and day.

My question to you is this: What did you mean by this?

"After obtaining your teaching certificate in FL, I would strongly advise applying for school counselor in D.C. through transcript"

I'm planning on doing Teacher Ready and testing in SPED, ESOL and Social Studies. Florida also offers a test for Guidance and Counseling and I meet the requirements with ONE exception. My practicum during my masters needs to be cleared by the state DOE. They're difficult to deal with over the phone, however, a school counselor friend of mine in Florida has explained that if my clinical supervisor can write a letter stating that I had practicum experience with school aged children, the DOE would accept that in lieu of a masters in school counseling.

However, if there's another path you're speaking of, please let me know.
by Midori4040
Tue May 31, 2016 4:10 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Where should I do my student teaching?
Replies: 3
Views: 4806

Where should I do my student teaching?

I have two solid leads to do my student teaching, this upcoming Fall.

I am starting Teacher Ready in August and will specialize in SPED/ESOL/Social Studies. I already have a masters in Counseling.

My goal is to become a 1:1 Learning Support Coordinator in an International School and then return to the States one day (5-10 years from now) to finish my career there.

My question is this: Which international school should I pursue to do my student teaching?

One lead is in a British school in Thailand. I haven't joined the site and paid to see if it's Tier 2 or 3, but I know it's not Tier 1. They've been very receptive to me coming to intern there, I have a volunteer visa secured and I think I'd find a job as a counselor there at the new school they're building in January.

The other lead is in Western Europe at a very good Tier 1 school. It's an American School. The likelihood of me getting hired, I would think, will be more competitive, even having accomplished my field experience at their school. But, it's Tier 1.

Would my prospects of one day being able to return to the States be affected positively or negatively, depending on the school I student teach at or would it be a moot point, having gained several years as an international counselor or teacher?

Also, how negatively do schools in the States look at international student teaching and subsequent career as a counselor or teacher? Will I be less viable having not had any experience in the States?

Thank you for your feedback.
by Midori4040
Tue May 31, 2016 3:48 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Special Education in IS
Replies: 6
Views: 8172

Re: Special Education in IS

Hi @wrldtrvlr123

I've been following this thread and wanted to know how you were able to accomplish this (it's from the FAQ on the Teacher Ready website):

Yes you can to your field work at a DoDEA school but there are additional application documents and additional field work required by DoDEA. DoDEA requires a 9 week full time student teaching experience at the end of TeacherReady instead of the one week we normally require. They also require a special application which can be found on our website under “forms.” Attached to that application must be a clear background check. Even if a background check is in the DoDEA computer system, a copy must be physically attached. Further, if you are currently working at a DoDEA school as a para educator or even a substitute, you must attach a SF-52 leave without pay form for the last 9 weeks of your TeacherReady program experience. These DoDEA applications and attachments are due in October of each year for the spring semester and April for the following fall semester. You will need to arrange volunteering until your 9 week placement begins. Most DODEA schools will allow volunteering.

You did Teacher Ready, if I recall. I'm on a similar path as you and just want to be sure I keep all of my options open and choose the best route to certification. Thank you
by Midori4040
Tue May 31, 2016 3:45 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: American or Brit Certification/Credential for non-citizens.
Replies: 36
Views: 74565

Re: American or Brit Certification/Credential for non-citize

@PsyGuy

I'm trying to sift through all of the information in this thread and something is unclear to me:

If I complete Teacher Ready and become US state certified, can I apply for QTS in the UK (I"m a dual US/EU citizen)?

Or do I additionally need to complete the PCGEi as well?

Thank you
by Midori4040
Mon Mar 14, 2016 4:37 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Please critique my plan
Replies: 12
Views: 11659

Re: Please critique my plan

Maybe then I'll try and find an International school in Chiang Mai that will let me complete my Teacher Ready classroom requirements. I just read through a lot of prior posts about TEFL & CELTA and I can see your point, @PsyGuy. My CELTA experience won't count for anything in the IS environment.

Maybe I'll certify in ESL and also take the SPED tests and Social Studies. If a job doesn't' materialize with an international school after completing Teacher Ready, I think I ought to be able to at least find a job in a school teaching ESL while I wait.

Thank you, again, for your help.
by Midori4040
Sun Mar 13, 2016 2:51 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Please critique my plan
Replies: 12
Views: 11659

Re: Please critique my plan

Thank you, @PsyGuy for the response. I appreciate it.

The internships at the international schools didn't materialize in time to start Teacher Ready in March. Probably for the best as the country we are in now is a PITA for jobs and is over-saturated at the moment.

It's looking like we may head east to Thailand where I will reach out to a school there to complete my internship. I might even go the CELTA route and teach English for a few years.

In the meantime, I am grateful for the feedback here.
by Midori4040
Mon Mar 07, 2016 8:43 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Please critique my plan
Replies: 12
Views: 11659

Re: Please critique my plan

Thank you for taking the time to write out such a thoughtful and detailed response.

If I've heard you correctly, I am eligible to sit for the Social Studies and Special Education tests upon completion of my Teacher Ready program.

Once I have certification in those areas, I can see if my Georgia Masters degree and professional experience would suffice to meet the requirements for the Guidance and Counseling test.

Just to take a stab at it, I sent a message to the certification people at the DOE in Florida to see if my 10 years professional experience, masters and upcoming 135 hours of classroom time I have upcoming in my Teacher Ready cert. program would suffice for adequate experience to sit for the Guidance and Counseling exam. All I can do is try.

I admit that I"m still fuzzy how I will be able to sit for the Special Education test. Teach-Now also offers certification in Special Education K-12. I'm not quite sure how I qualify for this with a Bachelors in Psychology.

I'm sorry, but what am I not understanding? I can see that I qualify for Social Studies. I look on the DOE website and see that I meet the minimum qualifications based upon the Social Studies courses I took in undergrad.

But, how am I eligible to sit for the Exceptional Child test if none of my undergrad or graduate classes were in Special Ed?

Thank you and I'm sorry I'm not picking this up quickly.
by Midori4040
Mon Mar 07, 2016 3:46 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Please critique my plan
Replies: 12
Views: 11659

Re: Please critique my plan

Thank you @PsyGuy & @wrldtrvlr123.

I appreciate the time you've both taken to leave such detailed responses.

PsyGuy, you bring up a good point: I would STRONGLY advise contacting the FL DOE, its likely your degree in general "counseling" is not going to meet the requirements for a FL certificate in Guidance and Counseling, it may come close and require you to take some additional coursework (specifically the practicum in a K-12 setting) and most universities wont let you enroll in such a practicum without being a student in their program. Further there is no prior teaching requirement to qualify for the FL Guidance and Counseling certificate. You would be better off using those resources to complete whatever deficiencies if any for the Guidance and Counseling certificate.

I all but meet the state requirements for this test. The vast majority of the graduate classes I took in my Counseling Masters suffice to meet the standards for the Guidance & Counseling requirements.

Your comment drew me to investigate the requirements to take the Special Education (K-12) test. My Bachelor & Masters degrees don't even get in to the ballpark for qualifying to take the Special Education test.

@wrldtrvlr123, what was your undergrad in? What alternative certification were you able to do to certify in as a Special Education teacher?

Now I'm feeling like I'm at a dead end with this, or I'll have to certify as a Social Studies teacher.

Any other suggestions? Crap.
by Midori4040
Sun Mar 06, 2016 11:37 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Please critique my plan
Replies: 12
Views: 11659

Please critique my plan

Hello, everyone. I'm brand new to the forum and have really enjoyed reading through the various threads here and gaining a ton of really valuable information.

I'm here because I need some feedback on my plan to pursue international teaching... with the prospect of returning to the USA one day to teach or be in a Learning support role.

Here is are my stats:

38 year old female with a husband, no kids
Bachelors in Psychology
Masters in Counseling

Next week, I am enrolling in the March Teacher Ready cohort. I plan to become certified in Special Education. My feeling is that this is a good accompaniment to my background as a counselor. I also plan to take the test in Guidance & Counseling. I also have enough credits in Social Science to take the Middle School social sciences test.

I am currently living in Western Europe and will find out this week about 3 potential student teaching placements. One is a British school, one an IB school and the last is an American school. I feel pretty confident that one of the three will take me on as a student teacher (based upon favorable feedback so far).

If all goes well, in December 2016, I will take my Florida tests and gain certification as a teacher.

My questions are:

1. Does my counseling background (10 years professional experience working with adolescents with emotional disabilities) and teacher certification from the US sound like viable starting off points to gain a job as a Special Education or Learning Support teacher, internationally?

2. My hope is that the school I student teach for might hire me if there is a position available. Likewise, maybe they'll consider me for another branch of their school, but in a different country. Is this too hopeful, based upon the fact that I'm not starting off in the international landscape with 2 years of US experience under my belt?

3. I plan to return to the US eventually. Will having only international experience significantly hinder my chances of finding work in the US?

If anyone who reads this has experienced Teacher Ready, I'd appreciate your feedback on the program.

Thank you for taking the time to leave a response. -Midori