Thanks, Psyguy. I'll keep looking. I'd rather be closer to Shanghai anyway.

I'm an experienced admin, but not in IB or in int. schools. I notice they are working toward being an IB school, so I was wondering if it would be a good place to get experience at both as an admin.

Is it a good starting place for someone new to the international school scene?

Thanks again for your words of wisdom, psyguy and overseasvet2.

Thanks for your replies overseasvet2 and psyguy. I didn't really think anyone would notice me as an admin in an elite school, that's why I asked the question in the first place - to find out what I need to do to get noticed... I'm currently on-track to become a principal here, so I may just wait and see how that goes and see if that helps in getting a position.

If you think there are quality schools (just not elite) that I could break in as admin in Taiwan, and they would be good for my daughter, I would consider trying before becoming a principal here, though.

Yes, I know I've got a very narrow geographical focus, but my wife is Taiwanese, and until my daughter is grown and on her own, my wife is not interested in hopping around the globe with me! The point of us moving to Taiwan would be so we were closer to her family, and my daughter can experience the Taiwanese culture, specifically.

On a different note, do you think it's worth joining a search company?

Thank you, PsyGuy. I appreciate the info. I think that might be a hard sell to my wife. My wife is a different kind of teacher - teaches piano - so probably not going to assist me in marketability. btw, PsyGuy, did you teach in Taiwan?

I certainly don't mind teaching first, but I would need to come in making enough money to support my wife and daughter (4 yo). I'm not sure that would occur. I've looked at schools in Taipei, and it looks like Taipei American School is really the only school comparable to what she would get where we live now in the States. Unless I got a job there, and tuition for her was included, I don't think it would work. If I move there at the end of my career, it wouldn't matter so much to me if I taught and never went into admin, as it would be a retirement job.

I'm asking for some advice for my situation. A little about me, so you can give me your feedback...

I am an assistant principal in the US - I have a lot of experience in "high performing schools" - I also have experience working with very international populations, both in high performing schools and in more challenging, high poverty schools. I have been in administration for 6 years, after 10 years in the classroom teaching instrumental music and ESOL.

My wife and I are exploring the possibility of moving to Taiwan either in the next 2 to 5 years or closer to my retirement in roughly 10 to 15 years. Anybody out there in administration want to give me an idea of what it would take to move into an administrative position in an American school in Taiwan? Should I gain specific experiences before trying? Any feedback is welcome. Thanks!