"As a teacher you will have no behavior problems. I mean none, zero, not even kinda sorta behavior problems. Not even attention wavering issues."

Little bit too rosy. But yes, certainly in the top end of well-behaved. Beats the hell out of a state school in most IT's home countries.

"That saying there is no such thing as detention, or office referrals, or behavior management plans."

They exist, depending on the school.

Life is unfair, just like job fairs and international schools. There are heads of school with a lot of integrity out there, I've worked for a few, just as there are heads of school who will lie or be unfair or not give a damn or remain silent when you need their support - I've worked for one of them too.

Same happened to me, I did not state it, whether I lost out on an interview because of that I have no idea. No school since has ever queried it, despite me being willing to explain.

Same experience as finedude.

@nathan61, when you say 'often' have room to place teachers higher etc, and that this is a general trend, I think that this is misleading at best.

I saw this comment the other day:
"the local police office requires all teachers to register every time they travel out of China or face a fine. If you go to Hong Kong for the weekend, you have to let them know....POLICE STATE!"

Myself and my partner, who between us have a few years of China under our belt, have never seen or heard of this before - has anyone else? Maybe it is school or location dependent...

I would NEVER live in the States! The crime is really bad! Terrorist attacks are a possibility anywhere anytime! The corrupt politics! The people are so rude! I've never been there, but the stuff I read about in the media... get out of there, as soon as you can!

Of course not. Bad fits, people with grudges or difficult personal circumstances etc. happen in most schools. However, you are right to raise the points mentioned (maybe you could try doing it in a roundabout way, see if they avoid the issues). Also, do a lot of research, you might be amazed what comes out of a careful internet search. And if you want, mention the schools name on here, there's bound to be people who know something. Also, look at similar schools, e.g. same country, governance system etc. Might give you some clues.
If there really does appear to be an issue, is it important enough to you to not proceed? Different strokes etc.

Something on your end, mate.

Please don't be put off by your NQT year, I have found (and I think many people would agree) that I work less hours internationally than in my home system. I have also found that I have more time to be creative and take risks with my teaching without being hamstrung by some of the limitations that we have back home.

I understand your frustration, Glad. If WASC are happy to put their name on this school, then that carries with it the goodwill associated with that name. Goodwill is something that many (but not all) organisations hold dear. I do think your legal options are pretty limited.
If you truly have been wronged, then I respect your decision to publicise your situation. Anything is better than doing nothing (as some posters will advocate) - assuming you don't mind your name being thrown into the ring.

And you need to be open to all salaries, within reason. If you can't get the $$ you want, consider an initial 2 year position with a lower salary as an investment. Then, with all other things being equal, you are in a good position...

Marieh, I don't think 30,000 per annum on average is too out of reach even with sticking to average schools, not necessarily those 'outliers' such as Aramco with their salaries. I've been in reasonably average schools and managed this fine. Depends on a couple of things: not accepting a position at a school that is obviously under the average, and then your lifestyle. The first may be out of your control for your first contract or so, but after that all things being equal you should be ok. And as for your lifestyle, depends on you...

Health is foremost, if you gotta go, then go. Everything else will work out. Like previously posted, I too have never heard of a school going through legal channels to recoup costs/penalise once that person is out of the country.

Do take a deep breath though. A broken contract is certainly not career ending, and I don't know your situation, however if in the future you are called upon to explain it and it sounds like 'whinging' then that is not a good look.

Good post shadowjack.

I find that 'those people' who do the complaining are often the ones who have little or no experience in their home state system. Those of us who have spent a significant time there really appreciate (depending on the school) the generally better working conditions in international schools. I feel priveleged to be in this position.

Definitely take it with a big grain of salt. I have been in 5 schools and while all different I can say they have all been good. Having said that, I'm sure one day I'll hit a dud one - they are definitely out there.

If you are used to working in a highly regulated environment with robust systems in place you might find some international schools a bit 'wild west'. You gotta be a bit tough to be in this business. But, you can also make a difference...

Almost all Chinese kids. Almost all US teachers, many young. Good package. Principal, Kevin, good to work with.