One more opinion. I, too, am a single mom with two kids although only one came with me, the other began university. I am currently teaching in the UAE and at my school, there are many single moms. Perhaps from the admin perpective, a teacher may be more willing to put up with difficulties as well as contribute at a high level, to the school where her children also go. I have found this country great for the single mom, as it is such a safe place. Looking for the best teachers ourweighs each persons individual circumstances, I believe. Good luck!

It seems with the ability to send any documents, share private emails and participate in video conferencing, etc., that to spend the time and money travel to a fair, participate in the process that can be overly quick and stressed then make instant life changing decisions is not the best system. The fair will just confirm what documents and an email or phone call to prior supervisors already showed. Also, the time principals are away from their schools to go to multiple fairs is amazing.

My position was offered outside of a fair, actually while I was at a fair that my current school was not attending, and although my admin did check my profile, it was not the determining factor. I guess I just don't want to deal with the whole situation, and don't want to wish I did. Hmmm.

Aka - Do I really need to reactivate? How much value does admin put on the Search/ISS recruiters? When they are reviewing application documents through their own website, do they check the databases? Is the listing as an active candidate a reason to go either the In/Out section for narrowing the numbers of teachers to interview?

I am currently teaching in Abu Dhabi and my goal is to change to a local school. There are many reasons why, and I am fully aware of challenges, but I feel like it is a good fit for me, especially the rural locations like Liwa and Delma.

I was told by a recruiter for ADEC that I must go to either the US or UK for the face to face interview that is required. They are not registered for the Dubai teaching fair in February and travelling to the US or UK is just not possible.

Does anyone know how to apply to ADEC and interview somewhere in the middle east if not in Abu Dhabi itself? All information about ADEC is appreciated.

The Liwa International School is another one that I am interested in, but its website does not have an employment section. Any thoughts on how to contact?

Thanks!

Thank you, Ichiro, for your excellent suggestion. I will be following that advice. It really makes sense for the admin/office folks who will receive and stand out in a postive light. Thanks!

There are a few schools that I would like to apply to directly who have a reputation for being selective and applications are competitive - Aramco in Saudi Arabia, International School of Bucharest, a couple schools in Singapore - does anyone know how often applying direct, early in the year is successful? Are skype interviews common with these schools or do the schools with strong reputations choose to be dependant upon the fairs for their recruitment? All thoughts are appreciated. Thanks!