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Ageism in International Schools

Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2013 5:14 pm
by autumnrain
Has anyone experienced or known anyone who has experienced ageism when applying to international schools? (Thinking specifically of tier 1 & 2 schools.

Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2013 10:29 pm
by heyteach
I know I was turned down even for a few interviews at the sign-up at a fair when they asked my age--they simply said they would not be able to get me a visa (and I was only 52 at the time!)

I suspect my age (and long experience) was a factor in my last job hunt; a school can hire someone with just ten years' experience for a lot less; I have topped out the salary scales at my last three jobs.

On the other hand, I had a lengthy interview with a desirable school at my last fair when they frankly said they were looking for someone older, who would be seen as more "authoritative" for that specialist job. And a school in the last city where I taught specifically looked for teachers 30 years plus, with MAs.

Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2013 12:04 am
by autumnrain
Thanks for the response, HeyTeach. What countries were the schools in who told you they wouldn't be able to get a visa? And on the flip side, which countries/schools tended to want older teachers with experience? I taugh internationally for several years a while back. I'll probably head back overseas once my parents pass away. Don't get me wrong, I hope they are here for a good little while both they are both 85 years old with declining so it is what it is. I'm 47 now but could very well be in my mid 50's when I decide to go overseas again. Just trying to plan for the future because I adored working abroad. I'd probably retire early here and then head on out. You've been on this forum forever and I always appreciate your input. I forgot where you are... aren't you in Egypt or was that an old post for you?

Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2013 2:22 am
by heyteach
I can't remember which countries although Tanzania was one; their cut-off was maybe 53. I think some African countries were the most strict (although it was Addis Ababa that wanted a battle-axe like me ).

Colegio Americano and Academia Cotopaxi in Quito hire experienced teachers, though Americano will also hire freshly-minted teachers.

I'm in Oman, and while my school hires experienced teachers, I don't know about the others. One half of a teaching couple has to retire this year as she will turn 70 soon; they were hired ten years ago, both pushing 60. I was offered a position in Egypt but turned it down.

Reply

Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2013 4:52 am
by PsyGuy
Its pretty common actuallyOnce you hit 50 if your not an admin things start getting harder for you. In addition to caps on immigration issues, schools in general try to stay away from those who are going to have healthcare issues.

Re: Reply

Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2013 5:20 am
by Nemo.
[quote="PsyGuy"]Its pretty common actuallyOnce you hit 50 if your not an admin things start getting harder for you. In addition to caps on immigration issues, schools in general try to stay away from those who are going to have healthcare issues.[/quote]

It is same in UK - if older (like myself) the safe choice is the beaming 25 year old. Except in reality they may fall to pieces under stress (or binge drinking) and have lots of sick leave and I am built like an ox - never take a sickie. I am reliable and produce results way above benchmarks. But no one ever got fired for going for the safe candidate

Now in international ed I have to be SLT although I prefer the classroom though, and I get way above standard results, but such means nothing in interview in a market saturated with youngsters. With such a large choice play safe.

So first tier is never for me.