Search found 320 matches

by mamava
Sat Mar 21, 2015 1:37 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: ESL Jobs in International Schools
Replies: 11
Views: 17046

Re: ESL Jobs in International Schools

For what it's worth, my former tier 1 school in Beijing has 2 EAL teachers K-2, 3 teachers for 3-5, 3 teachers for middle school and 1 for high school.
by mamava
Wed Mar 18, 2015 5:39 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: SAUDI: SALARY/PACKAGE
Replies: 12
Views: 17833

Re: SAUDI: SALARY/PACKAGE

Also keep in mind--Saudi is pretty sterile. We live in the Eastern Province so we have easy access to Bahrain (relatively, given causeway traffic) and if you go there every weekend, you'll spend for hotels, drinking, eating, shopping. Other than that there's not much to spend money on in Saudi. We basically spend on groceries and bit of eating out--every couple weeks but that's just our style. That gives us quite a bit to save, even with travel. If your housing, flights and utilities are covered, the salary is good and it's up to you to decide how much and what to spend.
by mamava
Thu Mar 12, 2015 2:49 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Biographical History help Search Associates
Replies: 10
Views: 11456

Re: Biographical History help Search Associates

For what it's worth, we both wrote about what lead us overseas (we had never been out of the US until we headed off to Tanzania working for a start-up NGO with our 3 kids), what we learned about ourselves in the process, and how an international world view has shaped our children. We kept it light and informal, and steered away from educational philosophies, experiences, etc. as employers can get that in other parts of the interview process.
by mamava
Tue Mar 10, 2015 11:58 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Moving to China, you will want to watch this
Replies: 16
Views: 16230

Re: Moving to China, you will want to watch this

It's not just pollution...of course people will always go places and China has so much that's worth experiencing and there will be people (including us for 5 years) that will deal with the down side to experience the highs of being there. But...a fair number of companies and organizations are starting to consider China a hardship post...not only because of the pollution, but also because of the increasing restructions on Google, etc. The Great Firewall of China has grown again in the past few years and it does affect a company's ability to conduct international business. The pollution does put people off. There will be ramifications for the pollution in China....if not for China itself, but for the rest of the planet, as the pollution in the air doesn't respect any border. We all bear the brunt of what any country does.
by mamava
Sun Mar 08, 2015 7:13 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Top 10 Schools in Middle East
Replies: 13
Views: 31897

Re: Top 10 Schools in Middle East

BAE is British Aerospace. They do have schools, but they may only go up to Key Stage 2 (elementary). For example, the BAE school in Khobar, Sara Village, runs up to Year 6 (Grade 5) and then students move on to Dhahran British Grammar School. In this case, the Sara Village school is part of the ISG (International Schools Group) "district" so their pay is the iSG scale, which would not be the highest in the ME.
by mamava
Tue Mar 03, 2015 6:58 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Special Education newish teacher, what are my chances?
Replies: 18
Views: 25994

Re: Special Education newish teacher, what are my chances?

Of course I can only speak from the experiences I have had. The 3 times I have job transitioned I have found, applied for, interviewed for, and finally hired for learning support jobs that existed in existing programs. One of the jobs I'm fairly sure I got because my husband was an administrator hire. Another I'm pretty sure I carried him along a bit with my experience. The quality of a programs that I applied to were less contingent on the "tier" of a school and more on the overall ethos and organization of a school. A highly organized well-managed school that seeks to provide a complete education for every child it takes in is more likely to have a viable program. Schools that pop up the LS label as lip service obviously are less likely to have a real program, but they are probably also less likely to have developed organized programs and systems in other areas.

The learning support programs that I have worked in are very familiar with have defined students who need LS support as students who are struggling to meet grade level expectations and for whom teacher directed differentiation is not sufficient or creates a burden. That encompasses students who have been assessed and found to have a disability by virtue of a discrepancy in their learning profiles as well as students who may be behind or off the mark because they have switched curriculums, moved often, been out of school for some reason, etc. For every student the programs I'm familiar with have applied a structured documented procedure to try to determine what the student needs and how best to provide that. I work with a lot of students who need some remedial or instructional support for a term or a semester. Others a bit longer, still others are clearly going to need long-term support. We also work very diligently with teachers and parents so that they can also support that child's development.

As I've said, I can only speak from my experience--and I feel very fortunate that working in special education, both in the States and abroad in vastly different types of settings, has been a very positive experience for me. The fact that poor programs exist or that schools only pay lip service to them is no different to any other type of issue that schools have.

The original poster wanted to know about working in learning support--jobs are out there at different levels, they exist in different formats and have different levels of quality, but they do exist and a person who is interested in looking at doing learning support overseas should be encouraged to do so. It's up to them to sort out the best fit and options when they arise.
by mamava
Mon Mar 02, 2015 2:00 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Special Education newish teacher, what are my chances?
Replies: 18
Views: 25994

Re: Special Education newish teacher, what are my chances?

To return to the original post, I have found that LS positions exist at all levels of schools and on all continents. The challenge, of course, is that they are limited position in that there may be only 1-2 positions in a school (my experience in Beijing with such a large department is definitely reflective of the status of the school and not the norm in the international field). My current position is at a school of about 675-700 students. There are 2 LS teachers and 1 EAL teacher and we have no TA support. We run full-on schedules every day, but do have difficulty addressing the needs of all students from preschool through high school.

One thing that has been attractive in hiring is teachers who do have experience with behaviors, ADHD, spectrum, etc. They do tend to be much less common on the international circuit, and the students I've worked with would not raise an eyebrow back in the States, but they tend to stand out more because it's much less common. And, teachers who have worked overseas for long periods of time can be out of practice and perhaps not up to date on what is going on in terms of working with those issues. I've run into a lot of out-dated and old-fashioned ideas and being able to stay current and provide support to teachers and the student has been a draw for me personally. If you can build that experience and talk knowledgeably about what you can bring in those areas, schools may take a look at you, even though they don't have serious needs in those areas.

I have seen LS positions, like many elementary positions, go to spouses of desirable candidates in math and science. That may make it difficult for you. While a lot of schools will hire experienced teachers, those at lower levels or in less desirable places to live may be willing to consider a teacher with less experience and you might have a chance at getting a foot in that way. Sadly but true, there are schools do offer LS services, but don't really believe in them, and may be willing to hire a less-qualified or experienced person in that scenario as well.

My husband returned to teaching (social studies) after 15 years as an administrator and I'm LS, so as a couple we don't have the volume of available positions to choose from as other couples, but we've found that we have been strong candidates (and hired) on the basis of both our backgrounds...he has "carried" me at times, and my experience has done the same for him.

Give it a shot, but be willing to continue staying "home" and build up the experience as well
by mamava
Mon Mar 02, 2015 4:00 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Is mould considered a "China" thing?
Replies: 8
Views: 8867

Re: Is mould considered a "China" thing?

Mould has to do not only with the weather, but poor ventilation, poor construction, and poor management in terms of getting rid of it. When I lived in Beijing, which is very dry, we never had an issue with mold, but a high-end compound did all the time. A lot of my friends on high-end corporate contracts were plagued by mold--and it was just scraped and painted over repeatedly. Another family kept having respritory problems and found it growing all behind cabinets, etc. A health concern for sure! If you live in very humid areas like HK, Singapore, etc. you have to be aggressive with dehumidifiers and other devices to combat mould. Friend in S'pore hang some type of bags in their closets that absorb the moisture, use dehumidifiers, etc. to keep things as dry as possible. Some moulds are really toxic and exist despite repeated attempts to get rid of them.
by mamava
Mon Mar 02, 2015 3:25 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Special Education newish teacher, what are my chances?
Replies: 18
Views: 25994

Re: Special Education newish teacher, what are my chances?

I am a special ed. teacher (20 years experience, and have never taught a general ed. classroom) and learning support is not relegated to the top schools. I worked at an elite school in China, I work at a so-so school now, and I've been contacted by really crummy schools during that time for jobs. The quality of learning support, like the quality of teaching, depends on the level of quality and integrity of the board, the admin and the school itself. My school in China had an ed psych, 10 learning support teachers, 9 EAL teachers, and 9 counselors. Obviously, the school has the money to put to the resources, but the whole school was well-organized and well-managed. Teachers were highly professional and there was a commitment to the highest learning for all students. That ethos leads to the understanding of the need for a well-developed support system for teachers and students. My current school does have those elements in place and consequently the value that is placed on learning support and EAL is pretty low, with more of the philosophy of "if you can't do it the way we teach it, maybe this isn't the school for you." It's much harder to develop student skills and programming because there isn't a general consensus and philosophy about teaching and learning.

As for "special ed lite" it's true I don't see the range of disabilities. I don't have middle schoolers reading at a 2nd grade level or students in and out of the juvenile justice system. I don't have cognitively impacted children physical impairments, children with high levels of ADHD or behaviour disorders, and hardly any on the spectrum. I do see children terribly neglected (even the wealthiest 1%) and children that deal with a levels of stress that are probably not as common in the States. The immense burden of federally-mandated paperwork is gone, the attention to specific qualification criteria is gone, and I'm free to use best practice and develop our own policies of who is eligible for services, which means a lot more children can get some help. That part is great overseas. For the majority of the children I work with, I am doing what I did in the States, so when people say "there's not special education" I have to disagree. Schools needs to have a good understanding of who they are and what they can provide so that parents and teachers have a clear understanding of the types of needs that a school cannot or will not provide.
by mamava
Sun Mar 01, 2015 2:26 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Is all experience born equal?
Replies: 31
Views: 29316

Re: Is all experience born equal?

You have to remember, too, that you would also be adjusting to life in a foreign country with all of the ups and downs that that entails. If you haven't done it before, it's hard to understand how much time and effort that takes, especially your first year teaching. I've moved 4 times and each time it still takes a lot of settling in, and I can see that I (and my colleagues) are not at the top of their game that first year, no matter how experienced.

I worked at an elite Asian school that had HIGHLY experienced teachers, but also hired teachers from the States with 3-4 years of experience under their belts, and they weren't in high demand areas. They had the right qualities, though, that allowed them to jump in and teach and contribute and grow. If you have the drive and ambition, your efforts will get noticed, I think, by ITs, even if you don't have overseas experience. The one thing that I've noticed about my overseas colleagues compared to my back-at-home colleagues was ambition. The overseas teachers I've worked with and the ones that have picked up great jobs at every change have been that--pushing themselves to learn more, to contribute in different ways, to participate fully in the growth of the school. Because teachers move so much more overseas, the resume building is something that I think teachers may pay more attention to than back in the States, where mobility is not rewarded.

I can't speak for anyone else, but I would caution on just taking any job anywhere, just to get overseas. There are some really terrible schools out there--and you do spend the majority of your time at work. A bad school or situation can be expensive, not just in costs, but in your attitude, your professional growth, your frame of mind. Don't sell yourself short just because you're a newish teacher or have a history background (so does my hubby and we've never had a problem). Focus on developing yourself as a teacher, contributing to the school you're at while you look for a job that's a good professional and personal fit.
by mamava
Sun Feb 15, 2015 7:29 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: New teacher. Loads of questions. Thanks for any help!
Replies: 16
Views: 18221

Re: New teacher. Loads of questions. Thanks for any help!

The problem with dependents isn't just the tuition. Schools offer a 2 year contract to start, but they often want teachers to make a longer commitment to add stability and get good value. Hiring someone knowing they can't stay after the 2nd year might not be seen as in their best interest.

It's the other benefits that are important that are at issue as well. Trailing dependents get insurance, housing, and flights home...you might not get (or be able to afford) the size of housing you'd need. Could you afford additional housing, insurance, and flights for your family?

Once, in a difficult year, we were interviewing with 3 children (and both of us teachers). The school had a policy of only 2 dependents and told us the 3rd dependent was the deal-breaker. It was a good school, one that we wanted to make a 5-7 year commitment to and our oldest would have been a senior. We worked it out and figured we could pay tuition, insurance, and flights for him for that one year. It would be hard, but worth it to be able to get into that school and stay for a longer stretch. The school was out nothing in terms of resources and benefits--and they still passed us over.

Three children aren't a deal breaker as we know--but you technically have 4 and you're a new teacher. That's a lot of baggage...
by mamava
Sun Feb 15, 2015 7:20 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: ISIS in Jeddah
Replies: 23
Views: 39916

Re: ISIS in Jeddah

I currently work in KSA (although not Jeddah) and yes, international school teachers were specifically mentioned as good targets and particular schools in Jeddah were named. The idea is to look at international schools and teachers as good targets that would be high profile and very disruptive. It has been a very unsettling year.
by mamava
Sun Feb 01, 2015 5:11 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: When did you get hired?
Replies: 35
Views: 36238

Re: When did you get hired?

Job 1: February--no job fair (but we were willing to meet the school head where he was attending a fair)
Job 2: Bangkok Job Fair
Job 3: Mid-December, no job fair

In the first 2 jobs we had easily contacted 50+ schools. On Job 3, we hadn't fully committed to leaving, so we targeted 17-20 schools and had decided if it wasn't one of those, we'd stay on. We got the interview and the job right before Christmas break.
by mamava
Sun Feb 01, 2015 4:31 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Does your school have high turnover? Why or why not?
Replies: 26
Views: 35244

Re: Does your school have high turnover? Why or why not?

My current school has probably low turnover because of the money and savings potential. We have a lot of first overseas and first teaching job people here. My former school would vary. When I left, there happened to be a big move out that year, but not for a specific reason.

When looking at schools, I generally tend to favour schools that have a good mix...a few people staying on for the long haul, most probably in the 4-10 year range, a few that move on after initial contract. I want a school where people are ready to commit to growing and learning and contributing, but who are not afraid to move on to something different. Really low turnover can (depending on the school) be a sign of stagnant teaching. Consistent high turnover can be a danger sign.
by mamava
Thu Jan 29, 2015 3:40 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Which Schools
Replies: 10
Views: 11958

Re: Which Schools

We have 2 teens with us. Our compound is fantastic for those families with children 8-9 and under. It's small and kids can very safely roam from house to house,to the little park, etc. and play their hearts out. Because there are really no community activities, families and children make their own fun. With teens, who are more interested in going out an about, who are looking for more than just hanging out at home a lot, it may be harder, and it was for us. We had heard that from other families who had lived in Saudi in the past. For those families with the younger children, they have found it to be really great.