Thank you @eion_padraig
That's very helpful. Now that we have completed the process of the first three offers, I have a much clearer idea of what I'm willing to compromise and what I'm not - and therefore will be more selective when applying.
The process of finding ISs is exciting but oh so stressful!

Depending on how fast you want to go, I think you could get a teaching license from Teacher Ready in 7-9 months. I've just completed the program with them and am happy with the responsiveness of the team, the basic content and the cost. It's not comparable to the quality of an established masters program but it's a quick and easy way to get US state (Florida) certification while working full time. I was hesitant when signing up but glad I did.

Thanks for your feedback
@PsyGuy - I assumed it was bad professional practice to accept an offer and then turn it down later if you get something better... - am I wrong - is this a common practice in the IS community?

Hi all,
I have been applying for jobs for 5 weeks and have received 3 offers at what seem like very good schools. I have turned them down for their locations (I have a trailing partner who will need to be in a location that he can work and whose opinion counts). Since we still have a month or two left of peak recruitment season, along with fairs, I've been fairly selective. I don't consider myself a competitive candidate since I'm new to teaching and new to ISs. How do you all maneuver the balance between being selective (you are choosing a lifestyle, not just a job) and being open-minded about IS? I am afraid of settling in the name of gaining experience but also afraid to be too picky. Any advice on choosing the right job?
Thoughts?

Hi all,
I don't see any reviews for Internationella Engelska Skolan - bilingual schools all over Sweden. Based on their website, they appear to be a good place to work with invested students, motivated teachers and lots of teacher support. There are no reviews for them on this site so wanted to see if anyone hear has experience with those schools or has heard of what it's like working in those schools?
Thanks!
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Hi folks,
I'm a career changer new to teaching art to children (though I taught college level part time and have industry-related experience). I registered for Search and ISS last week and have started applying to schools. I plan to attend the ISS fair and have requested an invite to the Search fair (still waiting for my Associate to get back to me on whether they will give me an invite considering I don't have the minimum 2 year experience).
Normally, how long do you think it takes new teachers to secure offers? I'm open to anywhere except China and the middle east (which I realize is limiting me a little). Also, are schools generally quick (1-2 weeks) at responding to applications?

There's a lot of references to "low-tier" and "high-tier" schools - How does someone new to the IS job search distinguish those two beyond just looking into the reviews on this website?

Just registered for Search and starting the application processes. It's amazing how involved and different each school application is. I thought that since the process of registering with Search was so involved, it would be fairly simple to start applying.

Hi all,
I finally got registered on Search and am starting to apply for Art teacher jobs. I noticed that the way to contact the school is through email directly on Search. I was wondering does anyone have advice on the best type of message to contact these schools on Search? Is it best to keep it straight to the point with 3-4 sentences (Ex. I'm interested...Please review my credentials and let me know if you have any questions etc.etc) or have a cover letter in the body of the email or something flashier?
Basically any advice you can provide in having success on Search would be appreciated!
Thanks

@ad82
Super helpful and encouraging. I'm really concerned about being able to land a decent IS job.
If all else fails, I'll know by feb/March if I have a job, and can start looking domestically if nothing comes through internationally. Have you had any luck reaching out to schools proactively (not waiting for a job opening)?

@psyguy, thank you too for your feedback.

Thanks @PsyGuy -
Since I'm new to the IS world- what does CONUS and LCSA stand for?
What does an intern class mean? When I was registering for Search, I saw "Intern" and thought it was someone who wasn't certified to teach.

To the general form - How has your experience been with AASSA? I'm also interested in South American posts

Thank you for your responses - very helpful in setting expectations.

Hi,
After nearly a decade in the corporate world working as an illustrator, graphic designer and photo editor, I decided to make a career change, get certified as a teacher and become an art teacher. I'm currently finishing up the last leg of my student teaching and will be certified in the US the end of the year. I speak three languages and have worked in Europe and Asia for 6 years so have international experience under my belt. I also have some teaching experience as I got TEFL certified during college and taught in Tokyo/Italy.

I just began my job search, as I learned that Oct-Feb is the main recruitment season for International Schools. I'm in the process of registering with the DOD, Search and ISS. I plan to attend at least one fair - most likely Search's Cambridge fair. I had a few questions for those who have IS teaching experience.

1) Given my significant professional experience related to my subject area (Art), my international experience and my ESL teaching experience, are the IS schools still going to consider me as a brand new teacher or will I have some advantage over those who are first time teachers, or right out of school? Besides student teaching, I've never taught in a primary or secondary school.

2) I'm American but have lived in Western Europe and it's a region that's high on my list for IS work. I realize I need to be open and flexible but I was wondering if European schools sponsor visas for teachers who are non-EU nationals. I expect it's very rare of highly unlikely. Have any American teachers had experience with Visas for IS schools in the EU?

3) Do you think it's necessary to attend a third smaller conference (like UNI) if I go to Search's Boston fair and ISS' new york fair? I hear UNI is good for first time teachers - Will I have more luck at the UNI instead of the ISS fair?

4) I don't hear a lot about Art teachers in IS schools. In your experience, is the market more or less competitive for art teachers compared to other subject areas? How many art openings do you actually see at recruitment fairs?

5) For any art teachers on this forum, how has your experience been landing jobs and teaching in IS schools? or the DOD schools?

Thanks!