I just found out over a few beers with a member of ESLT that I have been under investigation for about a month. I knew nothing about it - I believe that's called an ex-parte investigation?

The ESLT member swore me to silence because it's "confidential" but I'm tempted to march right into the acting head's office and demand an explanation. I don't want to mess this other person up though; he was drunk when he spilled the beans and I can tell he regrets it.

Any thoughts on how I should proceed?

TIS? Do you mean TES? That's a free site with online postings.
JoyJobs is a good one.
Teachaway and Teacher Horizons.
eTeach International

Where do you teach? I thought teaching in the ME and Egypt was definitely hard but teaching in Asia is a dawdle in many ways. The students are better, parents are less confrontational, favorable exchange rate and incredible travel opportunities - and the savings potential is much better.

I'm eager to get started on finding a job for the 2019/2020 school year but I don't want to seem too eager or possibly annoy a head who is focused on the 2018/2019 school year.

When is the soonest I should start sending around resumes?

I received my certification through Teacher-Ready. I completed all the course work overseas and went back for the testing. It works for UNI, Search and anywhere I apply. I thought it was a very cost effective program and worth looking into if you need certification.

mickeymoo wrote:
> Yes, of course bad teachers need to be called out. But which is more
> constructive, a heart to heart private meeting where the specific issue of
> teaching is addressed, plans being devised, and if expectations are not
> met, non renewal or dismissal; or a public announcement of who is a bad
> teacher, where the reality will be, the commencement of a witch hunt,
> entrenchment of cliques and the beginnings of a hyper political
> environment.
>
> These types of HOS are the reasons why a lot of international schools are
> toxic.
>
> Saying that, the HOS could have been instructed by the board to do this,
> but any HOS with any sense of integrity would resign upon hearing this
> demand.

Actually a "bad teacher" was literally publically called out in April - I mean literally named and shamed - and since then, there has been an atmosphere of suspicion and paranoia. This was under the old HOS regime so I was disappointed that the incoming HOS regime is doing much the same thing but at least its not public naming and shaming. The school is part of a chain and is run by an investment corporation, which has a few of its people on every campus. I'm certain the HOS was just doing what he was told.

On the other had, there has never been a complaint against the school for breaking a contract, they pay on time and I received all reimbursements within a month of my arrival. Even the teacher called out as a "bad teacher" was supported and is being allowed to finish his contract.

The enrollment though is declining fast and I don't even think that they are breaking even at this point so teachers are wondering how long they can continue to honor all contracts.

[quote]Don't play, you will immediately, be on the negative side of the HOS. He/She is not really doing it to identify the bad teachers, but more likely to see who he'she can rely upon.[/quote]

Damn! I already played! I identified 3 good teachers and tried to beg off identifying 3 bad teachers but the person was insistent and not wanting to get on the wrong side of the new HOS, I complied.

Thanks for the feedback.

I would like to get some feedback from other IS teachers about a question the new head of school has asked.
I'm working at a school in Asia, which has been going through some turmoil over the last 2 years. We have gone through 3 heads and a new head has been appointed for next year. Also we are loosing students and the projection is that only 75% of our current student body will be returning next year.

The new head for next year paid a visit to the school and met with foreign staff and asked 2 questions:

1. What is good about the school and what is bad about the school?
2. Name 3 teachers whom have had a positive effect on the school and name 3 teachers who have not lived up to expectations.

I'd like feedback on the second part of the second question.

I should add, other than that question, everything about the new head is fine: experienced, articulate, professional but the "name 3 bad teachers" type question is really worrying me especially since this is a country that takes all contracts with a grain of salt. It honestly seems inappropriate and the beginnings of a witch hunt.

Thanks for any input.