Search found 3 matches

by LaylaH
Tue Dec 22, 2020 7:33 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Is provisional license experience seen differently by employers than post-license experience?
Replies: 10
Views: 10790

Re: Is provisional license experience seen differently by employers than post-license experience?

To get real world information, you need to talk to real people. Ask for a short informational meeting with the director at your top IS in your area. Yes, they are all busy but ultimately people in education like people and will want to help. Bring coffee and a list of questions. IE is a small world and people know people. A director will be able to tell you their views and perhaps put you in touch with someone who can help you directly.
by LaylaH
Sun Dec 20, 2020 2:17 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Thoughts on changing careers while abroad
Replies: 11
Views: 11990

Re: Thoughts on changing careers while abroad

If you are willing to work as a local hire at a school that calls itself international but is all local children, you may be able to get a job just as a native English speaker. That isn’t anything I would suggest or recommend but some people go that route. Some people feel “called” others are ex Peace Corps type people who want this experience. If you want a spot at the real international school, you will have to become a licensed, certified educator. You will need to start with the department of education in the state you wish to be certified. Start there, some have very stringent requirements on internships, student teaching requirements and specific classes. I expect you will need a half dozen classes on modern pedagogy, educational law, special needs education and inclusion, educational psychology and a practice on educational theory and best practices. You will need to complete an internship and a student teaching practice. You said you had never been in a classroom before. You will not have a classroom of 30 children respectfully sitting in their desks. You need to learn classroom management skills. After you complete the required coursework, take the required praxis exams ( I was in a MEd program with two JD’s. They had to do everything we did.) you will apply for a license and be certified for your state. Most only last 5 years during which time you will have to complete CER’s or continued educational requirements. You have to renew your certification every 5 years. Start with a search on the educator licensing requirements for your state. A phone call to the board may also be in order to explain your unique circumstances. Most (no not all) but most good quality schools where you want to work will require a current certification, a background check and preferably 2 years of relevant experience. If you can coach a sport that is also a big plus. Hope this helps. I can see you are interested in this and are getting excited about the possibilities. They are there and you can do this. It will take some time, but it’s about the kids and you have to get this right.
by LaylaH
Sun Dec 20, 2020 4:01 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Thoughts on changing careers while abroad
Replies: 11
Views: 11990

Re: Thoughts on changing careers while abroad

My advice is to spend some time in a school before deciding on a program. Shadow a teacher for a day or two in the area you are interested in and see what it is really like. Many things have changed since you or your mother were in school. Also, middle school math might be an interest to you, but are middle school kids? You have to love this wacky, unpredictable, hormonal age group. You mention where you want to live, what you want to teach, the money you want to make, but no mention of the kids. If you don’t love kids, enjoy being around kids, have a passion to want to bring out the best in young people, then this career is not for you. Many teachers came to this profession later in life and with experiences that make them an asset to the classroom. Just make sure it’s about the kids.