Search found 72 matches

by GrumblesMcGee
Fri Jun 21, 2019 8:34 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Contract done. Change schools in same country. Consequences?
Replies: 7
Views: 8830

Re: Contract done. Change schools in same country. Consequen

Above posters are echoing everything I've heard so far. It varies, protect yourself, etc. Any school worth working at knows they're getting a huge benefit if you're already familiar with the country/city (vs. a similar candidate who lacks that experience), and they shouldn't be exploiting that further by trying to screw you.

Something worth underscoring, though: negotiate. If you're in that middle ground because you're already living in-country (or even the same city), I don't see any harm in bringing up your situation (at the appropriate time) as a negotiating point. This could manifest itself in a few ways.

Preemptively, you could raise the question of "flights home" or point out that you "call [Chicago] home but have really enjoyed the time in [Shanghai] so far." This plants early seeds that you're still an OSH (i.e. a LH package isn't appropriate) but that you have advantages (e.g., you're far less of a homesick-runner risk, you'll be less of a handful when it comes to adjusting, you may not need a full relocation budget). Plus it can offset some of their potential concerns about other issues that might make you more expensive (i.e. dependents) if you won't be as expensive to relocate.

On the post-offer side, there's also some opportunity here. Line items like shipping allowance, settling-in allowance, etc., will have far less value for you. It can't hurt to try to leverage that in some way (e.g., "I'd be happy to waive those benefits if we could consider adding X to my professional development budget, as I would really like to pursue Y"). My admin experience doesn't extend to IE, but I'd feel a lot better spending to help a teacher get their master's or IB training than to buy new furniture (especially if they don't need it).
by GrumblesMcGee
Fri Jun 21, 2019 8:16 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: PGCE vs Teach Now
Replies: 13
Views: 34523

Re: PGCE vs Teach Now

1. I think we're going to need some updating on the acronyms page(s). They're really scant and just in this post I'm seeing plenty that aren't on the other (https://internationalschoolsreview.com/ ... nym#p51859) two (https://internationalschoolsreview.com/ ... ARY#p43795) PsyGuy lists that popped up when I searched. Right off the bat: TCL/TRA, GTC, TPI, OTT, APT...

2. Similar question to the OP and SideOut. Now that I'm jumping ship to IE, another former colleague is thinking of joining me. They have a Ph.D. and are going to get an ABCTE (American Board) certification. I doubt they'll need a state-issued license (I didn't, but it looks like I could've gotten one in WI), but what are the best state options for them if they want the license? Early research suggests WI, MA (although that would require additional exams), and maybe MO and HI (HI's wording was vague).
by GrumblesMcGee
Tue May 21, 2019 11:59 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Finally found an IT position!!
Replies: 9
Views: 12095

Congrats!

I wish you the best in Italy!

It's true that the application process can be a soul-crushing grind. I admire you for sticking with it. If I had approached that number of applications, I probably would've just quit. After a few weeks where I wasn't getting results (lack of follow-up, relatively few interviews), I had to reassess. I suspected the IT market would be less "responsive" than I'm used to, as my previous field is somewhat narrow and I'm particularly selective when it comes to only targeting jobs I think I'm a front-runner for. When things were starting to worry me, I contacted someone from ISS who had been helpful and friendly in person. We chatted about things and she was a bit surprised I wasn't being flooded with offers, so she asked what schools I was looking at and within a few days I had multiple emails from recruiters. So maybe it's "who you know" with some parts of this circle.
by GrumblesMcGee
Mon May 20, 2019 5:44 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Is only using Search Associates a mistake?
Replies: 43
Views: 53861

Re: Is only using Search Associates a mistake?

DomeVet wrote:
> It looks like Schrole has merged with ISS. Are there any advantages to
> this? Has anyone had any good or bad experiences with this?

I had a very good experience with ISS-Schrole.

They have a good database (consensus is that Search's is more robust), good fairs, and are far less distasteful than Search. As a somewhat outside-the-box IT, I needed a little more inside knowledge / advice than some, and ISS was extremely helpful on that front. Search was completely silent, and several people I met at fairs had similar experiences (this actually prompted me to follow up officially with multiple people at Search, and we'll be writing an article about it).

Ironically, Search (deceptively) fashions itself as an "executive" / hands-on agency that is there to help you with your job hunt, telling you that you have access to a team of "associates," but I found ISS actually fits that bill more than Search. And for less money. And with a bit more institutional commitment (although to be fair, some people have had issues with ISS not backing them up, too).

So, advantages and disadvantages:

Cost: ISS-Schrole (< 40% the cost, and you keep your access even after you're hired)
Responsiveness: ISS-Schrole
Institutional Commitment: ISS-Schrole
Database Size: Search (there is some overlap, and there are some exclusive ISS and exclusive Search schools)
Fairs: Slight Edge to Search (both have major fairs)

In the end, it comes down to your FOMO and/or willingness to give Search ~$225 of your money (and a big commission) for database access. I wish more people would stand up to Search, but I get that some are willing to hold their noses.
by GrumblesMcGee
Mon May 20, 2019 5:16 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Is only using Search Associates a mistake?
Replies: 43
Views: 53861

Re: Is only using Search Associates a mistake?

I can write (and have written) a lot more about this.

The answer is simple: yes.
by GrumblesMcGee
Tue May 14, 2019 12:58 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Getting a real job at a real school without experience
Replies: 90
Views: 81033

Re: Reply

PsyGuy wrote:
> 2) Its pretty easy you go to the SA website:
> https://www.searchassociates.com/
> Click on "New Candidates" on the left hand bar, then click the
> "Lets get started" button in the middle of the screen, and when
> you get to step 2 it will ask you if you ant to apply as an
> "Intern" push that button, or you can just email Diana Kerry,
> shes the intern associate, her bio page and email link is here:
> https://www.searchassociates.com/associ ... ana-kerry/

She won't respond. I've got a group of ITs working on a website all about this, and Diana Kerry was one of the Search folks that was reached out to (repeatedly) and completely nonresponsive.

My anti-Search bias is pretty clear, but I'll recognize the other side of the coin that PsyGuy and some others have echoed: they have the database, like it or leave it, etc.

For me, Search is a nonresponsive exploiter making money off the backs (and fronts, in the case of non-intern-class) of ITs, and they don't deserve your patronage. For many others, they're an acceptable evil. For a few deluded souls, Search is actually a positive force in IE. It's all up to how you balance principles/convenience/FOMO (i.e. whether you're willing to say no to paying Search and/or feeding Search a hefty commission and risk having to work harder in your search or even miss out on an occasional opportunity).
by GrumblesMcGee
Wed May 01, 2019 1:52 pm
Forum: Forum 2. Ask Recruiting Questions, Share Information. What's on Your Mind?
Topic: Package ??? Love it or leave it
Replies: 31
Views: 92462

Re: Package ??? Love it or leave it

wrldtrvlr123 wrote:
> No one is asking you to adapt someone else's opinion (or god forbid ever
> admit to being wrong). But when you twist yourself in knots with
> ridiculous/illogical arguments that even you don't really believe, it just
> makes you look silly and gives your occasionally good input less
> credibility. Out.

Exactly. It'd be easier if PsyGuy never had anything of value to add. Methinks there's a very carefully constructed semi-troll persona at work here.

@PsyGuy

Let's just agree on these simple points:

1. One of the most important calculations (arguable the most important from a financial perspective) a person should make in evaluating a contract is SAVINGS POTENTIAL.
2. Savings potential is highly influenced by:
a. Local factors (i.e. cost of living)
b. Benefits (e.g., free meals, tuition)
c. Individual circumstances (e.g., family size)
d. Lifestyle choices (e.g., whether they prefer to cook frequently, just "grab a pastry and iced coffee)
3. Not everyone is you.

Every dollar you don't spend, be it on groceries, coffee, pastry, or street food, is a dollar saved. Savings is worth just as much as salary. (You could argue that a dollar saved is worth more than a dollar earned, as the additional dollar earned may be subject to taxes, but let's not overcomplicate it.) The relevant calculation isn't what something costs a school, it's how it benefits you.

You can spin benefits and categorize them as "major" or "minor" all day long. That's based on your preferences, lifestyle, and circumstances. That doesn't even account for convenience, which may or may not be a significant consideration for a person.

The OP is in a family of five. Financially, that's 10 meals each work day. The "replacement cost" of those ~1,800 meals is a factor in calculating savings potential. And the convenience aspect can be considered alongside other "quality of life" / workplace factors.
by GrumblesMcGee
Sun Apr 28, 2019 1:24 pm
Forum: Forum 2. Ask Recruiting Questions, Share Information. What's on Your Mind?
Topic: Package ??? Love it or leave it
Replies: 31
Views: 92462

Re: Reply

PsyGuy wrote:
> Thats great that its a big deal to you, for some people cup holders are a
> very big deal when buying an automobile but like the free lunch/breakfast
> its still a trivial benefit and minor convenience.

For most civilized humans, it's more than a "trivial benefit and minor convenience."

PsyGuy wrote:
> Im dismissive of trivial benefits and minor conveniences because they are
> minor and trivial.
>
> Id prefer taking the 1000 and cook myself.

Seeing as how you then slammed someone else as living in a "fallacy world," your use of argument by definition and circular logic here is beautiful.

How's this for data? I'd love to see you cook 180 meals for 5 people (450 breakfasts, 450 lunches) and then write a detailed and carefully proofread treatise on how you profited $0.37 over the course of a year compared with another school offering you the "minor and trivial" benefit of free meals. And I'm sure that'd be some healthy cooking, too.

Since you're all about "penny wise and pound foolish," look at how you assign value to your own time. Let's conservatively say it's an extra 10 minutes of shopping per week, 20 minutes per day of food preparation, packing, and cleaning. That's almost 2 hours per week. That's ~80 hours a year spent to "take the money."

I don't know about you, but two full weeks of my life are worth more than $1,000, let alone whatever's left of $1,000 (likely nothing) after paying for 900 family meals. But squeeze those pennies! They're not "minor or trivial," after all.
by GrumblesMcGee
Sun Apr 28, 2019 1:10 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Job sites for NQT's
Replies: 10
Views: 11588

Re: Discussion

PsyGuy wrote:
> You dont even need to give SA a strong argument, you can register as an
> intern class IT with less than two years experience, which provides you the
> same jobs database as everyone else.

Right there you've provided more information about their "intern class" status than Search itself does on its website, after direct contact to their "intern class" Senior Associate, their administrative assistant, their president/CEO...

That ought to tell you something.
by GrumblesMcGee
Sat Apr 27, 2019 9:20 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: getting US teaching license
Replies: 29
Views: 30098

Re: getting US teaching license

NatashaM wrote:
> Hi everyone,
> I read several posts about obtaining US teaching license but I'm still
> unsure if it applies to me and I would appreciate any feedback and tips. I
> have a Bachelor's degree in secondary education with a concentration in
> English language and literature from my home country (Serbia). that is
> basically a teaching degree for English teachers K-12. I also completed my
> Master's in Curriculum and Instruction from American College of education
> last year. I have been teaching internationally for 9 years, 4 years in
> Egypt and 5 in China. I've been teaching at a WASC accredited school for
> the last five years as an elementary teacher. So my dilemma is if I can get
> US license without doing TEACHNOW program cause of my work experience?! Is
> Hawaii my only option as being non US citizen.. Any suggestions and advice
> will be greatly appreciated!

Natasha,

Others on these boards have a much deeper understanding of different programs and licensing paths, but I'll throw in another option.

Given your situation, ABCTE (American Board) might be worth considering. If you're looking to teach in the United States, it can help you in 12 states (each of those states will require a slightly different process for translating the credential into a "license.") You'd have to put up $1,500-$1,900 (their prices fluctuate) and a little effort, but I doubt studying for the exams would be much of a challenge given your education and experience.

ABCTE "certification" for international jobs is a bit odd, as terms like "certified," "licensed," and "credentialed" are often (and incorrectly) used interchangeably. Since most U.S. states don't grant a "license" unless you also have a job, it's tough to get a U.S. license through ABCTE if you're teaching abroad. You would be "certified," and that certification can lead to a license in 12 states--usually with some other paperwork, evaluation, or mentoring process. Some states are much easier than others.

Given that you're already credentialed in Serbia, and have a master's, AND have loads of experience, I'm not sure international schools would quibble over which U.S. certification you hold. If anything, they'd view it as a plus--evidence of both a U.S. credential and your commitment to continued professional development. But it all comes down to what you need and whether or not you can get your current coursework accepted through other paths.
by GrumblesMcGee
Sat Apr 27, 2019 6:08 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: International Pension Recommendations
Replies: 22
Views: 22051

Re: International Pension Recommendations

Heliotrope wrote:
> This forum changes the word 'MiIIionaire'
> into the word 'Poor' (I used two capital i's to circumvent).

Um....why?
by GrumblesMcGee
Sat Apr 27, 2019 6:01 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Job sites for NQT's
Replies: 10
Views: 11588

Re: Job sites for NQT's

Zebra750 wrote:
> It's not true that Search Associates won't let you sign up with them with
> less than two years. You just have to make a strong argument as to why you
> feel that you would be qualified. It's what I did, and I managed to sign
> up.

While I'm glad things worked out for you (presumably), this made me LOL.

Search Associates currently uses an online questionnaire system that filters out "unqualified" candidates (translation: those who do not meet the criteria to pay them $225.00 for database access and the potential for a lucrative placement fee). The questions probe whether you: have a bachelor's degree; have two years of "recent full time" [sic] primary or secondary experience at a "recognized school," have a teaching certification, are "open to working anywhere in the world," and have a non-teaching spouse or dependents.

As of this past winter, if you have a provide a less-than-ideal answer to these questions, you get a tiered response. If it's a minor issue or two (dependents, not open to the entire world), you'll get a red flag indicating that "you might find your job search to be challenging. You can discuss your ability to be a competitive candidate with your Associate at any time." [editorial note: HAHAHAHA! As if the Associate will talk to you.] If you fall shorter of their standards (e.g., no certification, you answer "no" to the two-years experience question), you'll hit a brick wall: "it does not appear that you would be a competitive teaching...candidate." You're then invited to direct your questions to a "Senior Associate" or Search's "Executive Administrative Assistant, Melinda Williams" (for whom two different email addresses are provided on different pages).

SparkleMotion wrote:
> Just out of curiousity, what kind of compelling argument did you make?

Heliotrope
> "Pleeeeeeeeaaaaaaase?!"

It seems like it. I've read a lot of great commentary on Search on these boards (and elsewhere). Even many of the complimentary takes on Search are balanced by "you're a commodity to them." So that's the rosy view: you're begging and pleading to allow someone to make you a commodity--and to pay them $225.00 for it, regardless of whether you are successful in your search.

I've read so many horror stories of people who are mistreated by their schools--often in blatantly illegal, contract-terminating ways (e.g., not being paid)--that end in a similar way: Search blacklists them and sides with the school. Even if they stick it out through hostile circumstances, Search will side with a vindictive administrator who wants to kneecap their careers. Is there another side to the story? Search doesn't want to hear it. You saved evidence? Doesn't matter. It really clashes with Search's bizarre claim about the "quality" of their schools: "Since 1990, we've been assisting thousands of teachers, administrators, counselors, librarians, and interns to find jobs in our over 700 carefully vetted, quality international schools located in 120 countries around the world." You have to accept that Search isn't a neutral intermediary between teachers and schools. That would be great. But alas, you're just the product, not the consumer.

The more neutral perspectives on Search are telling, too. They involve indifferent "associates" who don't lift a finger to help. Search markets itself as an executive search agency that provides hands-on assistance with your job search. As even Search advocate PsyGuy admits, they're anything but. You're paying for access to their database and possibly an invitation to a fair, nothing more. In return, they get a STEEP fee from you and thousands more should you sign a contract with a school through them.

Whether you're OK with that sort of exploitation is up to you. For me, I'm initially skeptical of any company that's going to profit to the tune of thousands of dollars based on my success. If I'm also directly putting up half a month's rent, I'm expecting to be treated well. So, before signing with Search, I decided to do some research.

Over the course of the winter, I spoke with four people who either had issues connecting with Search or opened with "Search rejected me." As I was deciding whether or not to use them, I took an interest and reached out. Silence. So I tried to register...silence. So I contacted Melinda Williams and Sally Gordon, the Senior Associate for one of my regions (I divide my time between two places)...silence. I tried phone numbers and got only voicemail prompts. I sent emails. Silence.

Search has another path for "intern" teachers. The path seems geared toward younger teachers who are paid more by schools with dedicated "intern" positions. It's not really a path for someone like me, with 15 years in education and a lot of letters after my name, but I figured I'd explore it. I contacted the Senior Associate for interns, Diana Kerry...silence.

At this point, I already had a full schedule of interviews and knew I wouldn't need Search, so I decided to poke the bear a little bit. I wrote to Diana Kerry, Sally Gordon, Melinda Williams, and Search's "President/CEO," Jessica Magagna. Guess what I heard in response? Silence.

One day, after I already had job offers, I decided to try the phone again. Melinda Williams (perhaps by mistake!) actually picked up the phone. We spoke for a few minutes, and she deflected a bit, suggesting that she thought the President was going to answer my email. She explained that their screening system is really effective and important because, "the schools we work with require two years experience" [not true in many cases] and "most of those countries they won't be able to get someone a visa without it" [not true in most cases]. But far be it from me, a lowly career educator, university-press-published author, and someone who had an active interest in reviewing the hiring policies of international schools and the laws they are bound by, to contradict the long-time administrative assistant to Search's big wigs.

On its website, Search claims: "Whether you're new to international teaching and looking for an adventure or a seasoned international educator looking for your next position, Search Associates wants to earn your trust." Meh...it sure doesn't seem like it. I'm skeptical that any company that systemically can't be bothered to return calls or emails is suddenly going to flip a switch once they cash a $225 check.
by GrumblesMcGee
Thu Apr 25, 2019 4:20 pm
Forum: Forum 2. Ask Recruiting Questions, Share Information. What's on Your Mind?
Topic: Package ??? Love it or leave it
Replies: 31
Views: 92462

Re: Package ??? Love it or leave it

DiggyA wrote:
> Ok.... so that went down the rabbit hole...
>
> Just for the record... the free meals is a VERY BIG DEAL to me. lol.
> Knowing that my 3 kids can eat a whole breakfast every morning that I don't
> have to prepare or go through a drive through line for is a luxury that I
> am seriously looking forward to. The school has boarding for the students
> and has onsite catering. I asked her what a typical breakfast and lunch on
> campus looks like and basically its a buffett offered to all the students
> who live on campus with chinese and american staples. Breakfast is bacon,
> pancakes, scrambled eggs, fruit, muffins, toast, and some other stuff that
> I can't spell... Lunch has a rotating menu but pizza, chicken tenders, rice
> dishes, and spaghetti are on the menu along with dumplings, noodles, and
> other stuff. Plus I hate to cook. So yeah. Big points for the food.

Jordan fades back...and *that's* the game!

On a more serious note...right? I don't get how PsyGuy can be so dismissive of this, given his love of "data." I mean, I have no kids and have lived most of my life alone, and even I can appreciate the life-improving value of "little" perks like this. I can only imagine how nice it would be to someone in your situation.

Is it a reason to turn down an extra $10,000/year? No. But it's "penny wise and pound foolish" to take an extra $1,000 and have to scramble around every morning to make breakfast and lunch for 5 people.

> And PsyGuy, your posts and responses do come off as overly harsh and
> unnecessarily critical. I don't need fluff, but its almost like you
> contradict yourself for the sole purpose of being negative... it's a little
> strange to be honest. You obviously have a wealth of knowledge, but your
> delivery sucks.

^This
by GrumblesMcGee
Thu Apr 25, 2019 4:16 pm
Forum: Forum 2. Ask Recruiting Questions, Share Information. What's on Your Mind?
Topic: Hoping to get my foot in the door
Replies: 32
Views: 78002

Re: Reply

PsyGuy wrote:

> Ive never professed to be a scholar of anything.

That's a relief.

> Okay maybe I did use the terms excellent and very fine, and what not to
> include ISs in the third tier,

Awww, how cute.

> I believe there is more to existence than knowing Latin, of which your
> position is that of stating by fiat your conclusion and position is self
> evident, its not, your claims arent self authenticating because you deem
> them to be.

Fiat is Latin. Game over.

> Truth doesnt matter, truth is an illusion it implies that your senses,
> observations will allow you to know. You never know the truth, there is no
> 1.00 perfect validity. Only data matters.

Please, tell me more about truth and data. It's cute to watch laymen at work.

I've just now realized what you are. You're the apocalyptic street preacher of these forums, mixing just enough reality and logic into your bizarre IE eschatology. Everyone has a role, I suppose.
by GrumblesMcGee
Thu Apr 25, 2019 4:08 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: American at a British school?
Replies: 11
Views: 12919

Re: American at a British school?

McQwaid wrote:
> Just a little tip of caution as well - it’s OK to be an American in a
> British school, but it’s not the greatest fit to be the only American in a
> British school ;)

Yeah, this has me worried.

I looked at some really good British schools this cycle, and got the sense that I'd be a major outlier. As someone who was already an unusual candidate, I felt even more vulnerable in a situation where I went through 25+ faculty profiles and found almost all Brits (and maybe one Canadian or Irish).

Strangely, if not for that, I thought I would've fit in nicely.

A funny thing happened with one such school. I applied to a really cool position that suited me at a posh British school in SE Asia (and the application process was a bear, as they had specialized everything and weren't with ISS), and two days later got a job offer, followed by a second the next day. Once it became clear I was taking one of the jobs, I contacted the British school and politely withdrew my candidacy. They acknowledged my email and wished me the best.

Yesterday I got a boilerplate rejection email from the British school. I haven't responded, but am tempted to throw a little dry British humor at them. I think it's great that *some* schools out there are actually letting ITs know that they're no longer candidates. But "rejecting" someone who withdrew their candidacy, and telling them you'll keep their application on file, is an (accidentally) insulting thing to do.