gbr1964 wrote:
> @Dawson
>
> Do you happen to know anything about IBN Khuldoon national school? I have
> seen several openings and was wondering if my own children would fit in
> here? Salary? Reputation? Thanks so much.

Here's a great website from the Ministry of Education in Bahrain. They do their own reviews of schools, both private and public, and then score them from 1 Outstanding to 4 Inadequate. The reports are very detailed and give you a good idea what's going on in the school. Please note that not all schools are on there because they have not been reviewed yet. I think many schools are being reviewed this year.

http://en.qaa.bh/reviewreports.aspx

gbr1964 wrote:
> @Dawson
>
> Do you happen to know anything about IBN Khuldoon national school? I have
> seen several openings and was wondering if my own children would fit in
> here? Salary? Reputation? Thanks so much.

I know vaguely of it. I talked to some locals at school and they all said it is really good. Some of my students from prominent families have had older siblings go there so I think it's a good one. Sorry, but I don't know anything about their salary. If housing is included, which it almost always is here then a good salary would be around 800 to 1000 BD which would be in the $2000 - $2500 range. Given the cost of living here you'd be quite comfortable on that. As far as your own children I would think they would fit in fine. The students here who are Bahraini are not as stuck up as other countries in the region so they are quite accepting of others. I think your kids would be fine and you'd have a good quality of life with lots of travel opportunities.

I don't think it's hopeless at all. I think you just need to be realistic about where you would go. With her previous Peace Corps experience and knowledge of Spanish I would think you'd be a good sell to many Central and South American schools. The trailing spouse with kids part is going to be the big hindrance I would say. Schools seem to want teaching couples first because it's basically two for the price of one. Singles are also attractive because it's just one person. A family with a trailing spouse presents schools with more "baggage" so to speak and so your wife would really have to sell herself during the interviews. That's definitely doable because a positive attitude and enthusiasm can get you far in interviews, especially if you can back that up with good answers to current trends in education and international education. I can tell you right now Europe is out. There's no chance you'd get on there. The Americas would be a good try. Also, smaller schools in Asia, especially China would be a good bet. Many teachers make a stop through China at some point in their career and you could probably find one that would want your wife. Her four years out of the classroom are going to be a bit of a problem too since her references would be old and many admin would consider those kind of worthless. She needs to start volunteering at a school NOW or subbing or working as a para so she can get updated letters of reference and speak to what is currently happening in the classroom. I agree this year is a little late, but if she does those things you'd be in good shape when the next recruiting cycle comes around. Keep an open mind as to where you would go. Like I said there are many schools out there and you just need to find the right fit. Also, I wouldn't talk to much about "safety" during an interview. Be realistic with your family's safety, but know that all things are relative. If you read the comments on this board a lot of teachers were in hot spots during the Arab Spring, but were actually relatively safe. So talk to the recruiters and schools and find out how the situation really is. If you don't you might pass on some good schools just because you thought they weren't safe.

I would register with ISS and make it clear to them what kind of position you are looking for. I'd do that now because like others said administrative positions go quickly so you probably wouldn't get anything for this year. However, once you're registered with them you'll be able to get interviews, attend job fairs, and see what jobs come up. Then you can pursue the ones you want. This would take time and makes it more viable for the 2015 time frame you have set. I think your experience in administration combined with your wife's skills set will make you strong candidates, even without the international experience. I'd be honest about that in interviews and let them know how excited you and your wife are to embark on international teaching/admin. I think your attitude/demeanor will be what set you apart. I'd also list all your duties and responsibilities with action verbs and be able to seamlessly throw those in at the interviews. The key is your leadership skills, not where you've been. It certainly wouldn't hurt to try to email some international administrators and see how they think international students are different compared to their home countries. That insight would also be helpful to talk about during interviews. You might have to start at a smaller school or less desirable location when starting out, but I don't give much credence to the "tier" system. I think it's all about the fit and you might find a smaller school is the right fit for you and your family. Good luck.

I just saw this topic and I'll add my two cents. I taught in Kuwait one year and it was fine for that, but I would not go back. Most Kuwaitis are stuck-up and arrogant. They are rude and have a very entitled attitude. I know, I know that happens a lot but it is worse there. I teach in Bahrain and other Gulf Nationals have the same opinion of them as I do. Furthermore, if you care at all about human rights it will disgust you to see the way the slaves, errr I mean laborers are treated. Google Kuwait Daily News and look in the police section. It's eye opening. Maids sometimes commit suicide because they feel there's no way out, attempted rapes with no repercussions, etc. I realize I sound negative and the funny thing is that I am the type who easily blends into the local culture and enjoys it for what it is, but there is no culture there. I did get out and meet Kuwaitis - I was a frequent visitor to a small local coffee shop so my observations are based on what I saw and experienced, not just hearsay. Also, don't be fooled. The schools there are not "international" in any sense of the word. Most of them have huge numbers of Kuwaiti students, with smaller numbers of other nationalities. Wasta runs rampant and the Kuwaiti kids feel they can do what they want. They throw rocks at busses, harass women, and get in fights just because they can. If you're teaching grade one you'll need excellent classroom management skills. I'm sure the kids act similar to how they did in your Egyptian school. Also, be forewarned that if you tick off the wrong parent they can cause huge problems for you. Insulting a Kuwaiti is actually against the law. I'm not sure which school, but there was a principal who was held there for awhile and couldn't leave, basically under house arrest, because she made a kid sit in her office. Her school did nothing for her. The schools, yes even the "good" ones will always bow to the parents in the end. So don't believe they "have your back". Schools there are all for profit and it is a business for them. Contracts can and were disregarded and I've known teachers there that were fired over trivial things. That is the kind of stuff that DOES happen so I'd be very, very careful. Yes, you can save money, but is it worth it to ignore the way Kuwaitis treat others? From my year there I learned that personal fulfillment is much more important to me than the almighty dollar. The dorm housing was fine for me. Just do your own thing and you'll be fine. I would definitely rethink going there, but that's me. There are many people who are there who are just fine with it. Also, I wasn't in one of the schools mentioned and I'm sure that made a difference, although many schools are the same.

I'm looking at doing the same thing as you. I plan to start my masters in the fall. I think you definitely need to go through an accredited US program that leads to certification since you see yourself returning to the States at some point. However, unlike a previous poster, I think you need to go through a state that you see yourself wanting to reside in. My reason for that is states are very picky about licensing and each one has their own requirements. I don't believe there is any inter-state compact except for some neighboring states. You can apply for any state once you have your degree, but it would be easier and less of a headache if you already have certification in a state you want to be in. My recommendations for schools are based on my own geographic desires, but I would recommend them both. The University of Northern Iowa has an online cohort and they are a school that is known for it's excellent teacher program. It's online, but you do have to do weekly sessions together so for me the time difference will be a bit of a downer (middle of the night), but it's worth it to me. I've been in contact with them and they were really helpful and interested in making it work for an overseas teacher.As far as I can tell they have a standard tuition rate, whether you are a resident or not, and it's not much more than you'd pay for out-of-state tuition. I believe it's much, much lower than a private school like Lehigh. The other school I'm considering is Iowa State University. They also have an online cohort, but I haven't done as much research with them and haven't contacted them. Personally, I think having certification through a US program will help you in the overseas market because you'll actually have the license. I know some schools don't care about that, but I think it's definitely something not everyone has. Best of luck.

I also find Psyguy very annoying. Who replies to every single post?

Higgs: Sadly you are what is wrong with international education. To think that you actually think you somehow "taught" your students is even more despicable.

Yeah, no thanks! "You must be Christian", that cinched it for me. Good grief, not even in the Middle East do they say "you have to be Muslim". Your school sounds like the "Christians" I know - think like us, do as we say, don't question us, we know best (even for the entire world). Like I said - PASS!!!

Please ignore PsyGuy. He doesn't live in Bahrain and he hates the Middle East. Those prices he quoted aren't even close to being accurate. Hey PsyGuy, don't post if you don't have a clue what you're talking about.

The salary and benefits you talked about sound quite reasonable. I live in Bahrain and the cost of living is quite good. If you can cook and don't need to use certain "western" brands then you'll be able to save a lot of money. Electronics, phones, ect. are cheaper than in the west. Alcohol is about twice what you'd pay in the States. For example, a 12 pack of Corona Beer costs 11 BD, which is about 28 dollars. The nice thing is there are no limitations on liquor. You can go to the liquor or bottle store as they call it here anytime and buy as much as you like. Not that we're all lushes here, but it is nice to have that option. The one thing you didn't mention is a car. Bahrain is not quite as taxi friendly as other GCC countries where taxis are readily available and cheap. I rent a car here for about $400 dollars per month. Depending on where you live that may be a necessity you are not budgeting for.

All in all, I think Bahrain is great. You get a great glimpse into Middle Eastern culture while still enjoying the perks of the west. You can also fly so easily and cheaply to many great places (Dubai, Jordan, Oman, etc.) I highly recommend Bahrain. Like I said please ignore Psyguy he has no clue about Bahrain and his hate for the Middle East is quite evident if you read too many of his posts.

"Heavens, Dawson, you have very poor critical reading and thinking skills. Actually, poor basic reading skills as well.

Where did I say, or even imply, that the situation was "just fine?"

I'm actually a very good reader and my critical thinking skills are just fine. You wrote that we don't have the whole story and IMPLIED that you weren't that upset about the situation (as if you were shrugging it off since it wasn't anybody you know). For any of those who have worked in countries like Kuwait or Qatar we knew exactly what happened (spoiled, rich kid with no sense of right and wrong gets pissed off at a teacher trying to make a difference and who refused to be put in his place then uses wasta to get the teacher in big trouble). There's not another side to the story, THAT is the story. So, I refer to my original point - you didn't appear to upset by this and if I were in this situation I would want people to get worked up and take action, not the kind of post you had. I don't know you, but based on your reaction to this situation I hope I never do meet you.

[quote="heyteach"]Overseasvet2, you echoed my thoughts very well. We don't know, and probably never will know, the full story of the events on both sides of the issue. This whole thread has been a 7th grade pile-on.

Getting Texas A&M (less than "tenuous" connection, I'd say), and the IBO involved are just silly. I'm sure IBO is well aware of the events even if they are not privy to the details. And what would they do, anyway? It's my take that they are involved in curriculum, not administrative issues.[/quote]

Wrong!!! Being an IB school really says a lot about a school. The school has failed in many facets of the program based on the ongoing harassment that this teacher endured. IBO should definitely investigate.

Furthermore, it's teachers like you that decide these things are just fine that really scare me. If you were wrongly imprisoned in a foreign country would you want doers (ones contacting people, posting to FB and getting the word out) or would you be fine if people just shrugged their shoulders and said "hmmm, we don't know the whole story". You sound like a really good team member to have on board (sarcasm).

Please do your part and email the IBO program. They are in charge of the IB program of which this school is part of. Email them and demand they investigate this school. It is inconceivable to me that a school like this can be "IB" authorized.

Here's the email for the IBO, governing body of the IB program. ibid@ibo.org

Also, make sure you email Texas A&M and question why they would sponsor or have ties to this school. Thanks.

It would also be nice if other teachers could talk to their admin and see about getting him a position for next year (in a good school, of course).

Maybe even people with connections in the US could try to get him a job there. Not saying the US is perfect, but at least he wouldn't have to worry about being arrested. Also, since he teaches chemistry there is a high need for those teachers in the US. Just putting that out there because I'm sure he won't want to go anywhere near the ME again and who could blame him.

Yes, I know a little bit about Bayan School. Our school is quite new and many of our teachers came to us from Bayan. They are all outstanding teachers and if that is any indication then it appears they have a good staff there. I don't know too much about their curriculum. Another teacher told me that she thought it is a pretty good school and she wouldn't have any issue working there (and she's been in Bahrain quite a long time). I think they have a good package and like I said earlier living in Bahrain is very easy (a nice mix of Middle East and western). So I'd say it's a pretty good school.