Search found 50 matches

by zenteach
Tue May 30, 2023 10:17 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Public School Vs. International - Culture Shock
Replies: 14
Views: 45104

Re: Public School Vs. International - Culture Shock

For many years I worked in public schools, and I will absolutely go back to public schools one day for a variety of reasons.

One tip is to find the RIGHT public school for you. Depending on the state you are in, you'll have different options. Certain states have amazing public school systems. I was not in one of those states, but I found the right school with a vision and mission I was aligned with. There are a variety of charter and magnet schools that run as public schools. IB Americas has numerous regional organizations that you can join and find jobs through if you are interested in IB schools.

I think it is more about finding the right public school fit than comparing the caliber of students of international and public schools. I had amazing students in public schools, and I have amazing students in high performing international schools. The key was that I was at the right type of public school with excellent administrators that fully supported their teachers.
by zenteach
Sat Apr 15, 2023 12:33 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: New Hobbies/Languages/Ways of Spending Time
Replies: 3
Views: 12509

New Hobbies/Languages/Ways of Spending Time

Living in new countries and regions, with perhaps new and exciting activities and languages, affords many of us to pick up new ways to spend our time.

What new activities/hobbies/languages have you picked up as a result of living in a new country/culture/region?
by zenteach
Sat Apr 15, 2023 12:09 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Stories of Success
Replies: 14
Views: 69519

Re: Stories of Success

@buffalofan - I really like your point about the 4 categories you mentioned: job itself, country, travel opportunities and savings potential. I was in a 3/4 job and now I am feeling like I am in a 4/4 so it reminds me to have gratitude and just appreciate the time. I was seeking balance and simply liking my job.

@psychguy - Great point about, "Don't confuse what you do with being who you are." Taking ourselves too seriously and getting too wrapped up in work becoming our identity can be detrimental.

@ThamesPirate - The 4 categories you mention are nice frames. And I see what you mean about sometimes advancing your career means a change in how great some of those categories are.

@popgirl - It is interesting isn't it?! Sometimes, in some cases, top tier simply means the school has been around awhile, but it does not always necessarily mean things are more "cutting-edge" at the top tiers than the younger, less well known places.
by zenteach
Thu Mar 16, 2023 8:29 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Stories of Success
Replies: 14
Views: 69519

Stories of Success

It would be interesting to hear stories of success of educators who have moved from less desirable schools/situations to more desirable schools/situations that they are thriving in. Any of the following might be interesting to share about:

- What do you not miss about your old school/situation?
- What is your favorite thing about your new school/situation?
- What advice would you give to colleagues who might be not sure about moving on, but know it is probably better for their emotional/mental health?
by zenteach
Thu Mar 16, 2023 8:14 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: DP experience > MYP ?
Replies: 14
Views: 21183

Re: DP experience > MYP ?

While much is dependent upon the particular context and school, I have only MYP experience and have worked in three tier 1 schools. Just one situation out of thousands of teachers out there...

Teachers who I have seen thrive in the MYP have a certain creative spark, and tend to appreciate and value the entire IB continuum - PYP, MYP and DP.
by zenteach
Mon Jan 10, 2022 11:55 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Job Ad Posting Question
Replies: 4
Views: 11236

Re: Job Ad Posting Question

Thanks PsyGuy. Yes, your D seems probable.
by zenteach
Mon Jan 10, 2022 10:52 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Job Ad Posting Question
Replies: 4
Views: 11236

Job Ad Posting Question

If a job has been posted for the past 4 weeks, and the school just extended the posting for one more week, what do you think that might mean?

A) There are no suitable candidates in the pool so they need more to apply.

B) It was the holiday break, they are busy and do not have time to review stuff so just extended it.

C) They extended the process because more people are leaving the school and they are reshuffling etc.

D) (Insert what you think)
by zenteach
Sat Sep 11, 2021 10:39 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: What traits do you look for in a boss?
Replies: 10
Views: 14497

Re: What traits do you look for in a boss?

While I do think they mean well, they really do not have time for me. They even forget to do the yearly observations. Weeks go by without an authentic conversation. I know they are busy and all, but I am use to having really good bosses, so I am use to a higher standard and much better relationship. It is what I bring as well, and unfortunately when I am not treated that well, it is a real challenge to show up authentically.

They have cut me out of the bigger picture, even though we are supposedly on the same team. I am not sure what to think anymore. They have lied to me, and I did need to address it. Ever since then I have been cut out of the picture.

Regardless, I am learning some interesting skills in terms of emotional management, so I guess I am technically still learning something!
by zenteach
Wed Aug 04, 2021 1:00 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: What traits do you look for in a boss?
Replies: 10
Views: 14497

What traits do you look for in a boss?

What traits do you look for in a boss?

What are indications that they are helping you grow as a professional?

What are indications that they not concerned with your professional growth?
by zenteach
Thu Jul 22, 2021 9:45 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Timing for ISS/Search References
Replies: 10
Views: 9687

Timing for ISS/Search References

If you plan to explore job options, when is a good time to ask your boss for a ISS/Search reference?

Do you ask at the start of the year, or wait until the contract signing time comes around and then explain you are exploring options for growth?

The bosses have access to ISS/Search profiles so it seems better to ask at the start of the year since they may see your profile open. However too early can have potential downsides as well.
by zenteach
Tue May 18, 2021 7:55 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Signs it is Time to Move On
Replies: 43
Views: 77945

Re: Signs it is Time to Move On

Thank you so much for sharing all of your thoughts. I relate to everything you all wrote.

Yes, some of it is definitely Covid induced, and the problems were there pre-Covid as well.
by zenteach
Wed May 12, 2021 6:10 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Signs it is Time to Move On
Replies: 43
Views: 77945

Signs it is Time to Move On

What are some of the signs that it is time to move on from your current position and to a new school?

At what point is it a good idea to share with with your boss?
by zenteach
Wed Mar 24, 2021 10:35 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Administrative Licensure Worth It?
Replies: 4
Views: 5349

Administrative Licensure Worth It?

I notice that some international schools employ people without administrative licensure for administrative positions such as assistant principals, principals and directors.

If you have a decent amount of experience in middle management roles, a MA, and a few other "bells and whistles" on your CV, is the administrative licensure worth it? I am not talking about random "certificates" or a MA in educational management or leadership. I am talking about state/country administrative licenses.

While the extra schooling can most definitely be a boost, there are plenty of ineffective administrators out there with the license. So far, I am not seeing a big difference between those with the license, and those without it. From my observations, on the ground experience, interpersonal skills, and leadership skills are some of the biggest predictors of effectiveness and success.

I suppose the licensure can get you the interviews, so in the end it might be worth it. Has anyone ever just went for it, and began applying for administrative roles without licensure, and ended up getting an administrative role in an international school?
by zenteach
Fri Jun 26, 2020 10:15 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Property Management Apps
Replies: 1
Views: 4487

Property Management Apps

We are interested in renting our house in our home country to a friend. We have heard there are online property management apps to do so. One can create leases, organize payments and conduct repairs with local vendors, all through the app.

Does anyone use an app like this? If so, what is the name of it and would you recommend it?

Initially we had planned to head home this summer, do some home repairs/remodels and find a new property management company, however due to Covid-19 plans changed.