Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts... I do agree that a teacher's word and integrity are important but some schools exploit these unfortunately. I work for a school that has pulled the rug under some teacher's feet....only informing them that they were no longer welcome to work at the school late March of the school year. If the school was fair and held more integrity, then maybe I would not have even thought about breaking contract in the first place. I think we teachers need to look out for ourselves first because not all schools will do that for us. I know that I need to decide based on what I believe is best for me. Even if I know that the school I am in isn't a good fit, I can't just let emotions dictate my decisions... hence seeking your thoughts on the situation (based on very limited information). I do plan on playing it fair by informing the school I interviewed with that I have to make a decision before the 7th of January. If they want me, great. If not, then fine. I was more concerned about appearing desperate by pressing them to make an early decision.

@ Psyguy - thank you for redirecting my perspective. You are right... it was naive of me to think that a school wanted me unless I had a contract in front of me. I interviewed personally with the principal on the last day before all schools went into winter break. He stayed on beyond work hours and yes, he has seen my gorgeous shoes, expensive handbag and smelled my exquisite perfume :) I just thought that since the principal was new to the school, maybe he still had to confer with the school's headmaster. Hence, that's where my hopes were based on.

I agree that it is a business. We teachers hope schools aren't ran like one, but sadly that is not the case.


p.s. psyguy, don't tell me you have time to read Cosmo... ;) great way of getting the message through though

I work at a relatively new IB school - lots of growing pains, a dp coordinator that micromanages, very little common ground as almost all of my colleagues are new to IB (I am an examiner and workshop leader), very little support for PD. While the workplace can be frustrating at times, it is "easy" to live where I am based right now. I am on my second year of teaching at this school and have just sent my letter of intent to return last November. I initially wanted to search for a new job somewhere else, but I like the country enough to stay put another year. I received my contract for next school year and the deadline to return is on the 7th of January. The only reason for me to stay at this school is location (sadly).

Here's the thing... an opportunity to work at a better school in the same region opened up mid-December and I was given an opportunity to interview with the principal. I believe the interview went well (the principal handed me his calling card, sent me an email even before I sent my "thank you for the opportunity to interview" email, indicated that I am a very strong candidate). The principal requested that I inform him if any other developments come up with other schools so that we could set-up a second interview with the school's headmaster through skype during the Search Bangkok fair. I am fortunate to have a couple other schools requesting to interview even if I have decided to pull out of the Search Bangkok fair. Not interested in any of them though because of my desire to stay in the city I am in right now.

I guess my question is obvious.... should I sign the contract at my current school for the sake of security and then break contract if I do get a job offer at the better school? the contract states that if a teacher chooses not to honor the agreement, the teacher pays a certain amount to cover for "damages" (whatever that means). I obviously don't mind paying off the release, but the issue is my current school isn't aware that I have been "sniffing" around. I was really intent on staying at my current school (what's an extra year right??) but I couldn't just give up an amazing opportunity to work at a school that can be considered tier 1 for the region. Is job security more important than job satisfaction?

Another concern is that both schools will be attending the search fair in Bangkok and I would like to avoid the awkward "hey, your teacher is trying to land a job at my school...blah..blah...". Should I just come clean with this other school that I am trying to land a job in? I don't want to appear desperate of course. Besides, I know it isn't 100% sure that I'd get the job at this new school.

Thoughts??

Thank you in advance for your advice.

thanks for sharing... it's nice to be reminded of what's great about the teaching profession... thought this topic might be a good break from some negativity being posted on this forum :)

We all know why we love to teach. I am curious to know what's the best lesson a student has ever taught you?

Japan
Taiwan
Hong Kong
Thailand (Bangkok/Chang Mai)
South Korea
Singapore
Shanghai


..... le sigh.... :)

I do agree with durianfan. Experience in IB is totally necessary. I attended the January Bangkok Search fair this year and I had to always mention my IB experience just to secure an appointment for interview. A lot of schools also want both MYP and DP experience. Maybe look for a tier 2 school first that will be willing to hire you even without IB experience just to gain it. I hope that helps! :)

I do think it boils down to:

- [b]where do you see yourselves in the next two years?[/b] If it's career growth, then I'd stick it out with the smaller paying school that offers an opportunity to gain more IB experience (not unless you are experienced IB teachers already). If it's starting a family, then QSI.

- [b]which weighs more? [/b]career growth and gaining the experience so that you can both move on to another IB school in 2 years, or starting a family soon? could it wait? It's not that often that both of you can gain IB experience at the same time and be teaching the subject areas you are already in.

just my thoughts :) goodluck!

if you don't mind posting your email address, I have friends who work in these schools.

[quote="ichiro"]The first three schools you mention are very highly respected. So maybe you are the dreadful part of the equation?[/quote]

wow... where did that come from? what's up with the attitude? I've taught in some of these schools and do know that EVERY school will have their issues. Why would I list these schools down if I didn't think they were good.

anaapleaday1@hotmail.com

thank you and I look forward to hearing from you

EVERY school has its issues, but I guess it wouldn't be as dreadful in these:

- New International School, Thailand
- Brent International School Manila, Philippines
- Singapore American School
- Busan Foreign School

Thanks justlooking! I am interested to know more about the upperschool program. Seems like the school hired a lot of new teachers for next schoolyear. I wonder if it's because they are expanding or something else. Could you elaborate more on what you mean by serious flaws?


thanks again :)

Hello,

anyone out there who can comment on this school? How is the school "climate" like? how are the students? any help will be appreciated! :D