Search found 22 matches

by business88
Thu Jan 30, 2020 7:03 pm
Forum: Forum 2. Ask Recruiting Questions, Share Information. What's on Your Mind?
Topic: Need Assistance w/ Job Search and the Entire Process
Replies: 11
Views: 34982

Re: Response

Thanks PsyGuy!

I have an offer on the table w/ housing, but I was curious about the ISS schools as they are opening up a new school in Lisbon. They will be at a job fair but I didn't know if it would be worthwhile to put an offer on hold to interview with them. It also would come down to what pay and packages would look like for this particular school.

PsyGuy wrote:
> Would have been fine with a new post. In direct reply to your inquiries:
>
> 1) As much coin as you can get. The WE is big and thus varied. Youre on the
> side of the better half if you have €3K/month net or more. A good package,
> anything that includes a housing allowance or benefit (very difficult to
> come by). A "good" OSH package would be salary, a flight in and
> out at beginning and end of service, some time in a hotel while you find a
> place (with the help of a relocation specialist the IS has on contract),
> the IS helping with any deposits or guarantees. A private health insurance
> program, and a private pension scheme on top of the national social scheme.
> Full tuition/fee placements/seats for dependent children (assuming you want
> to pay the tax on them).
>
> 2) Yes, whether you tell the initial IS is up to you. You can give full
> consideration to any IS you want to until you sign a contract (and even
> then you can), but you dont owe an IS or a recruiter anything until
> contracts are executed and offers accepted. If you tell them though they
> may withdraw the offer.
>
> 3) Of the 21 ISs most of them are third tier ISs, a few floater third tier
> ISs, maybe a couple second tier ISs and a first tier IS. ISS generally
> manages their ISs well.
>
> 4) No but they arent likely to give it to you. If ISs are open about their
> comp schedules they usually publish them or only provide them at the time
> of contract negotiations and offer.
by business88
Thu Jan 30, 2020 9:14 am
Forum: Forum 2. Ask Recruiting Questions, Share Information. What's on Your Mind?
Topic: Need Assistance w/ Job Search and the Entire Process
Replies: 11
Views: 34982

Re: Need Assistance w/ Job Search and the Entire Process

I have a few questions, but do not want to start a new thread. If anyone may help me answer some or all my questions, I'd greatly appreciate it.

1. What would be considered a good salary/package for WE/Portugal?

2. Is it okay to interview with another school if I have an offer on the table?

3. What is the reputation of ISS operated schools?

4. Would it be rude/inappropriate to ask a school for their salary guide before even having an interview?
by business88
Mon Jan 27, 2020 8:52 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Housing Allowance
Replies: 3
Views: 9106

Housing Allowance

I tried searching my question beforehand, but I was unable to find an answer. I was wondering about housing allowances as I have interviews coming up, but I am still unfamiliar with ISs and their contracts. The schools I looked into have a 2 year housing allowance with contract, however the pay isn't all that much if I were to pay housing out of pocket. I am looking for something long term and hence the housing situation concerns me, because my pay wouldn't go very far if I was actually paying rent or a mortgage with my salary. My question specifically is, if you renew your contract at an international school does the housing allowance typically renew itself or is it normally just part of the initial contract and then you're on your own?
by business88
Wed Jan 08, 2020 10:14 pm
Forum: Forum 2. Ask Recruiting Questions, Share Information. What's on Your Mind?
Topic: Skype Interview Advice
Replies: 5
Views: 19468

Re: Skype Interview Advice

Thank you so much for the advice. Anything I should know about Zoom or is it similar to Skype?
by business88
Sat Jan 04, 2020 9:38 pm
Forum: Forum 2. Ask Recruiting Questions, Share Information. What's on Your Mind?
Topic: Skype Interview Advice
Replies: 5
Views: 19468

Skype Interview Advice

I need some advice on what to wear for a Skype interview. Should I go formal suit and tie or would a shirt and tie suffice? What would an interviewer want to know or see from me on the interview. Any advice would be appreciated.
by business88
Tue Oct 01, 2019 1:18 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Reapplying at a school I previously turned down
Replies: 12
Views: 18507

Re: Reapplying at a school I previously turned down

I pretty much agree with most of what's been said. However, I'm not 100 percent sold on mentioning it in the cover letter. Let's be honest here, you are not the first person to turn down a position at an international school. Admins know that it is part of the hiring process that some of those offered a job will not accept. It is not uncommon for candidates to have applied to multiple jobs and every admin knows this. I believe if you do get to the interview process maybe casually mention it or if it's asked answer as honestly as possible. Personally, I would let them know that you really like their school message and values but financial and other circumstances was a big factor in your decision at the time, but your interest in the school still remains.
by business88
Sun Sep 22, 2019 8:37 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Length of Response for Questions on Application
Replies: 3
Views: 7144

Re: Length of Response for Questions on Application

Thank you. They actually provided a box for the responses but the most in depth question had the same amount of characters as the other two and I had to edit my response a few times to fully express what I wanted and include all my points. I appreciate your response, I was overthinking it.
by business88
Sat Sep 21, 2019 2:08 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Length of Response for Questions on Application
Replies: 3
Views: 7144

Length of Response for Questions on Application

I apologize if this has been answered already, but when I try and use the search feature with the keywords it shows me all kinds of unrelated topics.

I am working on an application for an international school that alongside regular requirements, also has me respond to a few questions (i.e. how do you integrate technology in the classroom). My concern is how long should my response be for these questions - they don't seem to be essay like questions, but I don't want to not responses to be too brief but I also don't want to write way too much (which is my worry). If anyone has any experience with this, please help.
by business88
Mon Sep 16, 2019 7:58 pm
Forum: Forum 2. Ask Recruiting Questions, Share Information. What's on Your Mind?
Topic: Need Assistance w/ Job Search and the Entire Process
Replies: 11
Views: 34982

Re: Need Assistance w/ Job Search and the Entire Process

sid wrote:
> Regarding the IB system, indeed.
> The IB includes 4 programs, starting with PYP that works with students as
> young as 3 years old. Progressing to the MYP, and capping off with the CP
> and DP in the last 2 years before uni.
> If you're attempting to be a candidate for any IB school, perhaps take care
> in referring to specific programs, and not incorrectly using "IB"
> to refer to the "DP".

Thanks, SID.
by business88
Mon Sep 16, 2019 7:57 pm
Forum: Forum 2. Ask Recruiting Questions, Share Information. What's on Your Mind?
Topic: Need Assistance w/ Job Search and the Entire Process
Replies: 11
Views: 34982

Re: Need Assistance w/ Job Search and the Entire Process

mamava wrote:
> Regarding the IB system, one way is to start out in MS rather than HS.
> Some large schools have non-IB teachers for grades 9-10 but most of them do
> require teachers to teach IB as well. If you have strong credentials and
> are a good hire, some schools will hire and train you.
>
> British schools are quite different--I worked at a school that was
> extremely snobby and closed to non-Brits (I'm an American) and I don't
> think I would have been hired except I teach special ed. I know other
> teachers who had worked at British schools with US background and we
> currently have an outstanding chemistry teacher at my school teaching SL
> and HL bio and chem and this is her first stint out of the UK system. So
> it's possible!

Thank you for this information!
by business88
Mon Sep 09, 2019 5:40 pm
Forum: Forum 2. Ask Recruiting Questions, Share Information. What's on Your Mind?
Topic: Need Assistance w/ Job Search and the Entire Process
Replies: 11
Views: 34982

Re: Need Assistance w/ Job Search and the Entire Process

shadowjack wrote:
> Portugal is one of the Southern European countries with low pay for most
> schools compared to what you are used to.
>
> If you are looking for Lisbon, Carlucci, which is in Sintra, just outside,
> is a good bet for US system.
>
> Good luck!

Thank you so much for your response. That was definitely one of the schools I looked into. However, if I wish to make the move by next school year (or at least increase my chances to do so) I have to cast a wider net - so I will have to look into other schools. However, I am unsure how difficult it is to get hired as a teacher in a school using IB/British curriculum if I have not taught those particular programs.
by business88
Sat Sep 07, 2019 1:54 pm
Forum: Forum 2. Ask Recruiting Questions, Share Information. What's on Your Mind?
Topic: Need Assistance w/ Job Search and the Entire Process
Replies: 11
Views: 34982

Need Assistance w/ Job Search and the Entire Process

Hello Everyone,

I am new to international teaching, I had a very brief experience a few years ago where I applied directly to a school, interviewed with the principal (some hiccups with skype call), he followed up with my principal at the time, checked references - but the director had someone else in mind for the position (as per our conversation on Skype, but he would let me know) and I don't believe my principal at the time was too keen on letting me go. Anyway, I am looking into teaching specifically in Portugal. I am not in it to make a lot of money (I am aware Europe is not the place to do so based on a few comments I have read on the site). The reason I am choosing Portugal is related to family, moving closer, familiarity with language and culture, and just really wanting to live there.

I have 6 years of teaching experience and I am currently on my 7th year of teaching Language Arts in middle school. My classroom experience has been 1-year Bilingual (English/Spanish) language arts teacher as part of an 18-month dual Masters/teaching program, 3 years 6th and 7th grade language arts teacher, and most currently 2 years of just 6th grade ELA.

Considering the specificity of my search, I am wondering how to go about job searching and applying. Should I join any particular job sites? When is the best time to search for openings? Is it inappropriate to contact schools directly if they have no job postings currently? Also, would it be beneficial to get my Portuguese citizenship as my family are Portuguese? I also noticed there are many British schools but I am certified in the US with experience in American schools, would this be an issue as far as securing a job?

I want to thank anyone who can help ahead of time.
by business88
Tue Mar 21, 2017 7:44 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: How long can I wait to reply to an offer?
Replies: 10
Views: 20374

Re: How long can I wait to reply to an offer?

squaretortoise wrote:
> Thank you for the advice! Really helpful!
>
> I ended up directly asking if I could have until Tuesday this week to just
> clarify some logistical things, as well as to talk with current teachers,
> and they agreed kindly. Obviously this is my one and only experience and
> example-but wanted to share in case someone comes looking at this thread :)

Well, good luck with your offers and finding the right match for you. I'm curious, which countries did you apply or are you seeking employment?
by business88
Thu Mar 16, 2017 10:01 am
Forum: Forum 2. Ask Recruiting Questions, Share Information. What's on Your Mind?
Topic: Does the school let you know?
Replies: 5
Views: 11380

Re: Does the school let you know?

One of my references informed me that she hasn't heard back from the interviewer. However, the job is no longer posted on the site. Should I follow up with the interviewer?
by business88
Wed Mar 15, 2017 11:00 am
Forum: Forum 2. Ask Recruiting Questions, Share Information. What's on Your Mind?
Topic: Does the school let you know?
Replies: 5
Views: 11380

Re: Does the school let you know?

Thanks PsyGuy.

I was just wondering how quickly they would let me know, if at all, depending on their selection. Would it be inappropriate to follow up with them and ask?