Search found 7 matches

by Sol
Sat Feb 12, 2022 8:45 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Update From a Recuirter Regarding China
Replies: 22
Views: 37417

Re: Update From a Recuirter Regarding China

Spawnboy99
"China-based clients are clarifying with us that it makes no sense to interview candidates with families (Children or non-teaching partners) because at this point they cannot get them into China and we don't know when this will change"

Curious if this applies to schools in Hong Kong for 2022-2023?
by Sol
Tue Dec 29, 2020 4:29 pm
Forum: Forum 2. Ask Recruiting Questions, Share Information. What's on Your Mind?
Topic: Maritial Status: Single, No Answer... OR??? need advice
Replies: 4
Views: 18593

Maritial Status: Single, No Answer... OR??? need advice

Hello,
I am looking for advice as to what to put for * Maritial Status *. Search provides the following options: Marriage Pending, Married, No answer, Other, Seperated, Single and Single with Partner. I am in a long term relationship, but before COVID I was OK with moving as a Single if necessary , with the hope of sorting out visits etc. Since our lives changed in 2020, COVID has moved my relationship to the next step and this fall we got our Common Law Marriage Certificate. He is not a teacher or a US citizen. I am aware our Marriage certificate my not be recognized around the world and the recruiting fair will be quite competitive this year. I am worried that if I change my Single status to any of the 4 options: Married, No answer, Other or Single with Partner, my application would be overlooked. I feel, especially this year, that having a non- teaching trailing spouse( partner) is not favorable. I feel uncomfortable saying *Single* as I am no longer willing to relocate without him in 2021. I do not want to be judged before given the opportunity to interview. I know transparency is important, but my current thought is to remain Single and if I receive a strong interest from a school, I would then share my relationship status( am I lying?). I realize that holding a Common Law Certificate may not be considered a legal Marriage in some countries, but our papers will be considered legal in others. I truly appreciate your advice! Perhaps adding * OTHER *would be more truthful, but is it still a risk?
Thank you for your thoughts.
by Sol
Sun Sep 20, 2020 3:57 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Thoughts on Search Online Fairs
Replies: 28
Views: 30179

Re: Thoughts on Search Online Fairs

@PsyGuy
*GRC and SA had/have some really strong animosity between each other, they really are just an end round around SA. SA had some pretty strong language, directed at both ISs and ITs, that amounts to, if youre repped by us, and you are hired you owe SA. Thats a lot more talk then action though, at worst for practical purposes is SA refuses to rep you in the future. They have done that.*

Oh dear!

Thank you all for your comments. So it sounds like I am safe to register with GRC in November and that I am not obligated to tell SA. I believe SA may have another virtual fair in January 2021, but I rather not wait and lose out on any opt. this fall. I hope SA will not refuse to continue to rep me if they do find out. I have no idea what to expect at the moment, other than to try and open as many doors as possible. I hope GRC schools will work with SA teacher candidates to avoid any potential conflicts between organizations. As a general rule, I assume all recruiting companies typically do not have exclusivity over their candidates that they represent. I do see a few schools that are registered with SA and GRC. Seems everyone needs to double dip wherever they can this year. Since my October SA virtual fair invite was declined by Search( a silly mistake, but they would not send a new invite because they are full), the GRC November fair would potentially be my first Virtual fair and most likely the only one I attend this fall. My one concern is that all my important papers/ confidential references, criminal background check ..everything is posted on Search and it would be easier for schools to review my SA profile. This would then as Heliorope mentioned make SA claim the fee, even if the interview was through GRC. I may be a nervous Nelly, but with PsyGuy's comments about the two organizations, I can't afford to make a mistake this year. I must find a new position and need to follow the rules as best as possible. Thank you again. Sol
by Sol
Sat Sep 19, 2020 10:25 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Thoughts on Search Online Fairs
Replies: 28
Views: 30179

Re: Thoughts on Search Online Fairs

Speedracer, I have a question for you regarding your statement below and to other Search Teacher Candidates..

"My wife and I will be doing the October Search Fair. Just wondering how much of waste of time it is going to be. Since a lot of schools have a Nov cut off for renewals, I have a feeling that we will be talking to schools that don't really know what openings they are going to have.We will also be doing the GRC fairs as backup, and Search London if it is still happening."

I am a SA teacher candidate and for some reason my invitation was declined for the Virtual October fair( I thought I registered, but apparently I missed a step with the online registration process, so my invitation was declined). Search said the October fair is now closed. I learned about the GRC fair on this forum. Will Search Associates have an issue with active members attending a different Virtual fair such as GRC in November/ December 2020? I see you are attending GRC as a back up and also SA October fair. I just want to confirm that SA does not have a problem with teacher candidates attending other recruting fairs. Since SA declined my chance to attend their SA virtual October fair, my best next option would be to consider GRC in November. I do not want to make any wrong decisions, job hunting in times of crisis already gives us plenty to worry about. Appreciate your comments. Sol
by Sol
Mon Jul 09, 2018 7:19 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Career advice
Replies: 13
Views: 15912

Re: Career advice-sol

@PsyGuy

A huge thank you for your time and thorough answers!! I will use your guide to help me process the various steps I need to make in moving forward. Since SPED/SEN/LD is getting better and has grown in recent years, I may have a chance in finding an LS position in primary. I need to sort out my credentials and hope my IDA certification will support my candidacy. I am going to review FL certification this month. I am a paid member on ISR, but recently joined this forum. Can we can send a PM to members on this forum? Can I contact you via subject line in the future? Appreciate your time and thank you again!! Sol
by Sol
Sun Jul 08, 2018 4:07 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Career advice
Replies: 13
Views: 15912

Re: Career advice-sol

@PSyGuy

I so appreciate your thorough advice and know-how on IT certications, recuriters, ISs etc. Thank you!

I am in the process of collecting as many references and testimonials from private practice and my host school. I have already chosen a *fair* with Search but truly prefer skype interviews. I am currently in Mexico (since 2009) and have made a commitment to stay 1 more yr 2018-19. I need to proceed with caution and hopefully seek out an acceptable IS position for 2019-20. I did not realize an associate would be assigned according to the fair you choose, and I am off to a rocky start. I am trying to find out if Search requires all their ITs to attend a fair, or if skype interviews are acceptable. Skype may be a better option for older ITs (single no dependents) willing to jump on openings late in the recruiting season.

Seems TIE may be a better fit, but I do not want to rule out Search just yet. Search shared their concern with me( email) and my assigned associate seems to be on the fence, she is more concerned about my SLL of 10 years, and dismissed my decade of DS teaching and associated work in an IE. It all comes down to how I look on paper. If they feel I am not competitive , do I risk paying $ 225 If I am allowed to move forward. Give them my coin and then let them brush me aside during the whole recruitment process? The end of the day do you feel most associates are mostly interested in their commission? I am not sure how to change my associate if I do not end up going to a recruiting fair. Seems only few openings are listed each year in my field and I need to find out who is hiring for my role. I am open to location, so it is more about finding the right *fit*. Search seems to have a good reputation; however, several member schools have discouraging ISR reviews. I am planning to talk with my assigned associate to review my IT history, but I am already a bit on the defense. I have 7 years of IT experience with different ISs , with more than 15 yrs of experience, but the emphasis is more on the last two full time teaching years in an IS vs my entire teaching career. As you mentioned most associates are a dice roll, they are not ISS. Are you suggesting that ISS may be a better option for me? Having access to a job database with accurate and updated ISs benefit/salary pacckage, school info etc. is very important. From my experience TIE shares limited info to ITs it is more of a matching service, I am not sure if school info is updated or always accurate each year.

Seems a SPED/ SEN/ LS is my best option to transition into or Early years (saturated market). A lower primary LS with a focus on reading intervention may hopefully give me an advantage. I hold a Massachusetts( MA) teacher certification K-6, I do not have a SPED license or a Masters degree in Reading, rather extensive training in language-based LD associated with Dyslexia I have my IDA Credential. Since SPED/ SEN/ LD is still small in IE and growing, perhaps targeting Third tier schools is my best option. (TIE has a lot of postings from Tier 2-3 schools)? I am not sure how most IB schools address SPED/ SEN/ LD as it appears IB schools SPED is inclusion vs pull out RTI Model of Intervention. LS responsibilities seem to vary and having worked in smaller IS schools LS= ESOL if you are the only LS support teacher in your division. If I focus my attention over the next few months on attaining my credential in Florida, perhaps a Tier 3 IS will consider my credentials, experience , references and overall IT career without too much concern on my SLL( I have been teaching in a DS in an IE , but not an accredited European/ American IS school).
To clarify, if I pursue a SPED/SEN/ LD credential this year, not a masters degree(due to time constraints , $$$ and complicated stateside requirements) is the action plan below attainable in a few months, If i get started this summer?

1. Research reciprocity agreements between MA & FL. Apply for a SPED endorsement with a FLA teacher license, possible without a Masters?
2. MA dept. of ED requires all DTs in the BPS to have a Sheltered English Immersion endorsement (SEI). Mass ED is all about *Pathways to Licensure* and MTEL exams. I am not returning to MA, but need to renew my prof. license every 5 yrs. It has become an increasingly difficult to maintain my MA license while living overseas. MA restrictions on authorized PD providers outside of their network has limited my coursework to mostly clock hours for any affordable online courses. 3+ expensive online Graduate courses may satisfy required PDPs, but so few affordable grad courses translates into an approved MA credential other than a SEI. I tried pursuing a couple of online reading endorsement programs in CA & IA excellent accredited online programs, both denied by MA dept. Ed. It is about finding the right state teacher license that works in harmony with long term ITs in an IE that is not going to break the bank( Tier 2 or 3 IS schools often do not have a PD bonus for teachers. I need to keep my MA license, but realize I can not get a head with this teacher license, if I am not pursuing a Masters degree. Since holding a MA license is now a disadvantage since I an not ADD a credential to the license without a Masters, it is far to burdensome to work with MA department of Ed , then I should hold onto it as a secondary License when I receive my new FL teacher certification? FL seems to be my pathway for needed endorsements that are more attainable than MA?
3. If or when I receive a FL teacher license, I need to take the FTCEO exam to add ALL Levels of SPED. This would be an endorsement attached to my FL teacher license not Ma license.
4. I am elementary ed, no Masters., so FL would still be my best bet vs other states that split SPED/SEN/ LD into multiple coverage area for mild/moderate/severe and grade level? The least daunting path to the best credential while overseas is my goal.

5. Ideally moving my credentials to somewhere like CA or NJ for a Life time would be the best scenario, since I am not returning to the states. I need to return to an IS for two years before I can apply for a CA or NJ certification? If NJ SPED is easier (Students with Disabilities), is this not worth pursuing before a FLA certification? I am not sure how easy or user friendly it is to apply for reciprocity online with NJ or if certain requirements will need to be fulfilled in person stateside. NJ SPED credential (Students with Disabilities) is easier to obtain and in line with their other credentials, but FL I am hearing is still my best vs NJ? Both CA and NJ offer a reading credential, but I assume again would require a master’s degree. I am happy if I can earn an elementary Reading endorsement/ SPED/ LD, credential while living/ teaching/ working overseas. My extensive work to receive my Dyslexia Therapy Certification from IDA I hope would transfer into some FL reading endorsement, but maybe that is not necessary? If I need to take a paper Teacher Certification exam, I will most likely fly back to the states, as the only Praxis exams offered in MX was at ASF Mexico in 2014( not subject area).

If it seems FL reciprocity agreement is the way to go, then I need to pursue FL SPED/ LD endorsement, and focus on TIE for job that advertise for LS/ SEN 2019-20( in the next few months), or transition into an early year’s IS position and complete my SEN endorsement( assuming it takes more than 6 months to complete). I do not know what to do about Search.

Thank you again!! I have not been able to receive proper guidance for far too long. I feel I may be a bit repetitive, so I appreciate your patience. I have been learning the hard way over of the years( chasing my tail/ trying to *fit * into a system that does not work for an IT in an IE). I am eager to get it right and get back on track, so I can land the position I want with a good IS. I am grateful for your time and support :)!!
by Sol
Fri Jul 06, 2018 3:08 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Career advice
Replies: 13
Views: 15912

Re: Career advice

@PsyGuy

hello! I have read several posts with your feedback and guidance. Tremendous knowledge of IS and guidance for ITs. I appreciate your advice..

I started my career in IS in I.E over 20 years ago, but I do not have a consistent work history on paper that demonstrates full time teaching back to back with IS. I started in South America maybe at a tier 3 and returned to the states to get further training. My training in Reading Disabilites did not provide a SPEd crential nor a reading specialist license;however, it opened doors to domestic independent school positions as a learning specialist. I pursued an LS position at two schools in DE, for two years before accepting with great luck a Tier I position in South East Asia for three years as a reading resource teacher.( best match..perfect role).
.Fast forward nearly 15 years later, I regret not following the back to back IS career track. Life circumstances led me in different directions, I remained international and had one yr. contracts in SA and in London(pyp). For good reasons ( safety issues and financial hardship). Jumping ship into an IS due to last minute timing/ openings does not necessarily translate into a stable 2-3 year assignment. I ended up in another country willing to try something different. I sponsored my work visa and started providing services in my field, but with ND private bilingual schools and expat community. Yes, nearly 90% locals..almost a decade in, i ready to return to the ISs. My time teaching in the national private schools will not *count* as official IS teaching years. I am aware now, but nervous knowing that I may have lost decade of IT experience and my work will be dismissed. I have worked harder over the last decade than in any of my previous secure IS positions with an expat package. I have reasons for why I stayed in the local private system for so long, but now i need to save $.I am not sure of my re-entry strategy, as I have no plans to return to the states.

I am trying to find more info on LS positions in IS and required credentials. I can not find a discussion thread for learning support ITs. I have had no time , but more importantly $$ to get further credentials, too old to take on school loans now. I am always looking for alternative affordable options overseas, limited if not teaching at an IS. I Have qualifications as a reading interventionist( RTI tier 2/3 ), MA certified K-6. Teaching experience in early childhood and primary reading resource. I am aware there are several titles for this role, but uncertain if my training and yrs of IT experience continues to meet basic requirements of an IS SPED/ learning support department. Recovery Recovery may be more common in most IS schools, but my training is not RR. I appreciate some insight in LS positions in IS schools. I can't turn back time, so may need to consider an alternative approach. I have started my application with Search, but I am not sure which recruiter will value and or accept my IT history. Thoughts on teachers horizon, teach away, TIE?.I am looking at UAE, but aware of the many scandals and HR malpractice. Thanks for you tips and guidance! I am far more cautious at this stage in my career, but I need to start an action plan now. Thank you!