From: Top School Jobs (.org)
http://resources.topschooljobs.org/tsj/articles/2008/09/11/international_cc.html
By Liana Heitin
Whether for experience or adventure—or both—many teachers seek short-term positions in foreign countries. This can be a practical option at times when the teaching job market in the U.S. is tight, particularly for educators in need of some resume building.
International Schools Services (ISS) is a nonprofit organization that helps develop and manage more than 300 schools worldwide. Teachers and other qualified candidates looking for opportunities overseas can establish a professional file with ISS and attend interviews with school administrators at International Recruitment Centers (IRCs). All applicants are subject to a screening process and notified when a position for which they are qualified becomes available. Laura Light, director of educational staffing and publications, recently answered a few questions for us about teacher placement through ISS.
What percentage of qualified applicants are offered international positions?
Approximately 60 percent of our candidates are offered international positions after they become a candidate with us. This number is steadily rising, though, as more schools are looking for more teachers! Schools that are already established are growing, which means the school heads are actively hiring more teachers, and new schools are starting all the time. There are exciting things happening in schools all around the world—and the time is ripe to consider teaching abroad!
How long does the placement process take?
The placement project is generally about a six- to eight-month process. We recommend teachers contact us in September or October. The creation of a dossier does take some time (as we need transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.) before moving ahead. Once we have all the paperwork, we do encourage people to attend our conferences held each January and February. These conferences are hiring conferences where the heads of schools come in from all around the world looking for teachers to fill open positions they will have in the following school year. Last January and February, we had well over 160 schools looking for teachers and administrators -and there were many opportunities for people wanting to teach abroad! The heads of schools do like to meet teachers or administrators wanting to work in their schools, so we do encourage attendance at one of those conferences.
Are teachers with particular qualifications more likely to find positions?
Schools overseas do really like to see teachers who have at least two years of experience, but even that is changing. ISS is now accepting candidates who are recent graduates from colleges or universities. These schools want qualified teachers, who are up to date on current teaching practices, and are excited about teaching.
How do you match teachers and schools?
We do not really "match" teachers and schools. We are a facilitator who bring people together. We vet the teachers and schools to make sure we are working with quality candidates, but the interviewing and contract process are all done between the teacher and the school.
I understand that most teachers are on a two-year contract—is it possible for teachers to stay longer?
Yes, most contracts are for a two year period—but staying on is not a problem at all! Schools do like to have teachers commit to more time. I have taught overseas for many years—some of my contracts ended when I wanted, after two years, but I stayed as long as seven years in a place I loved! This is something each teacher or administrator needs to talk about with the school they are interviewing with. But, I know that schools will say they do encourage teachers to consider more years.
Do teachers receive training before heading to their host country?
Each school handles the transition differently—but I do not think any of them offer any training. Schools will work with new teachers coming to their schools and give them a huge amount of information. Teachers currently working at these schools often contact the new teachers to help guide them through the process.
How do international standards and curriculums compare to those in the U.S.?
The standards at each of these schools is generally very high! The curriculums do vary, considering the school you are going to be working in, but almost all of these schools are college preparatory. These children often return to the United States to enter a college, so these schools worldwide know they have keep the standards very high. It is a hugely satisfying place to work, in one of these schools, as there is always a lot of administrative support, great parental support, and a great team to work with inside the school walls.
Are teachers generally satisfied with their international teaching experiences?
Honestly, a huge percentage of teachers absolutely love working abroad. There is a general comment about how "it gets in your blood" and how teachers stay in the overseas circuit. Yes, some people do find that it is not for them—but most people really find it a great scenario to be in. The schools are incredibly supportive and well run, the travel experiences are fantastic, and the people you meet are top-notch. It really is fun to work in a place where you feel valued, where you have some outstanding colleagues, and where you feel like you are really making a difference.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Dress to Impress
From: NEA
http://www.nea.org/tomorrowsteachers/2008/classroomcon.html
You’ve gotta look the part to be at the head of the class.
We’ve all heard the phrase “dress for success,” but what does it really mean? And why should you care about it? For an aspiring educator, knowing curriculum and classroom management aren’t the only things that make you a teacher. You also need to dress the part.
“Your attire says so much about you,” says Diana Pemberton-Sikes, an author and personal image consultant. “Too fashionable says you’re superficial. Too sloppy says you’re not into details. A well-groomed, appropriately dressed person will always enjoy more success than their poorly dressed counterparts.”
Dressing professionally also boosts your self-esteem and self-confidence, not to mention your employer’s confidence in your abilities.
“When you dress well…you make a better impression on your clients or students, and you may be looked upon as a better employee by your supervisor,” says Brian Earle, who teaches business etiquette at Cornell University.
But in many schools, dressing professionally isn’t just a smart choice. It’s a requirement under the employee dress codes that districts like New Hanover County School District in North Carolina have adopted.
“By creating a focus on professionalism and modeling high standards of personal conduct, we establish and maintain a more effective and positive learning environment for our students,” says John A. Welmers Jr., the district’s assistant superintendent for human resources. “In essence, we wanted to differentiate the professional staff from the look and actions of the students.”
How can you keep your look professional and avoid a serious fashion faux pas? Here are a few guidelines:
Understand your school dress code, if you have one “The new hire should ask about the dress code for both the students and the faculty. This will give an indication of the culture and leadership of the institution,” Earle advises. “If there is any question about the definition of the dress code, ask for examples of what is considered appropriate.”
Don’t dress like your students. “The biggest problem new teachers seem to have, especially at the high school and college levels, is separating themselves from their students,” says Earle. “If you dress exactly like the students it compromises your authority regardless of how well you teach.”
Pemberton-Sikes agrees. “As a teacher, you want to be seen as relatable, but also as the leader of the class,” she says. “To accomplish this, you need a shirt with a collar and/or a third layer, like a vest, a cardigan, or a jacket.” Avoid tight-fitting, revealing, or trendy clothing, Pemberton-Sikes adds, but make sure your grooming is current and consistent. “You want your students to pay attention to you and show courtesy, not make fun of your attire or 1980s hairdo.”
Select clothes that suit your teaching duties “Dress needs to reflect the activities of the teacher,” says Earle. “I don’t think an elementary school teacher wants her supervisor to stop in while she is sitting on the floor and leading an activity in a short skirt. Likewise, a male gym teacher would probably not want to play soccer in suit pants and wingtips.”
Slacks are a good choice for teachers who spend time on the floor with students, suggests Pemberton-Sikes. Meanwhile, a science teacher, or other educator who works with chemicals, may want to a wear lab coat, she adds. Comfortable, supportive shoes also are a must.
Don’t bust your budget with expensive clothes. Updating a wardrobe of jeans and T-shirts to suits and ties can be expensive. But find out what your school requires before you invest in pricey threads. Districts like New Hanover County School District, for instance, let teachers wear khakis with polo-type shirts and blouses and other economical options.
Remember, “dress for success” really works. “Raw talent will get you only so far,” says Pemberton-Sikes. “Cultivated talent polished with appropriate attire and nice manners will take you anywhere in the world you want to go.…Package yourself appropriately and ‘the sky’s the limit,’ as they say.”
—Maren MacIntyre
http://www.nea.org/tomorrowsteachers/2008/classroomcon.html
You’ve gotta look the part to be at the head of the class.
We’ve all heard the phrase “dress for success,” but what does it really mean? And why should you care about it? For an aspiring educator, knowing curriculum and classroom management aren’t the only things that make you a teacher. You also need to dress the part.
“Your attire says so much about you,” says Diana Pemberton-Sikes, an author and personal image consultant. “Too fashionable says you’re superficial. Too sloppy says you’re not into details. A well-groomed, appropriately dressed person will always enjoy more success than their poorly dressed counterparts.”
Dressing professionally also boosts your self-esteem and self-confidence, not to mention your employer’s confidence in your abilities.
“When you dress well…you make a better impression on your clients or students, and you may be looked upon as a better employee by your supervisor,” says Brian Earle, who teaches business etiquette at Cornell University.
But in many schools, dressing professionally isn’t just a smart choice. It’s a requirement under the employee dress codes that districts like New Hanover County School District in North Carolina have adopted.
“By creating a focus on professionalism and modeling high standards of personal conduct, we establish and maintain a more effective and positive learning environment for our students,” says John A. Welmers Jr., the district’s assistant superintendent for human resources. “In essence, we wanted to differentiate the professional staff from the look and actions of the students.”
How can you keep your look professional and avoid a serious fashion faux pas? Here are a few guidelines:
Understand your school dress code, if you have one “The new hire should ask about the dress code for both the students and the faculty. This will give an indication of the culture and leadership of the institution,” Earle advises. “If there is any question about the definition of the dress code, ask for examples of what is considered appropriate.”
Don’t dress like your students. “The biggest problem new teachers seem to have, especially at the high school and college levels, is separating themselves from their students,” says Earle. “If you dress exactly like the students it compromises your authority regardless of how well you teach.”
Pemberton-Sikes agrees. “As a teacher, you want to be seen as relatable, but also as the leader of the class,” she says. “To accomplish this, you need a shirt with a collar and/or a third layer, like a vest, a cardigan, or a jacket.” Avoid tight-fitting, revealing, or trendy clothing, Pemberton-Sikes adds, but make sure your grooming is current and consistent. “You want your students to pay attention to you and show courtesy, not make fun of your attire or 1980s hairdo.”
Select clothes that suit your teaching duties “Dress needs to reflect the activities of the teacher,” says Earle. “I don’t think an elementary school teacher wants her supervisor to stop in while she is sitting on the floor and leading an activity in a short skirt. Likewise, a male gym teacher would probably not want to play soccer in suit pants and wingtips.”
Slacks are a good choice for teachers who spend time on the floor with students, suggests Pemberton-Sikes. Meanwhile, a science teacher, or other educator who works with chemicals, may want to a wear lab coat, she adds. Comfortable, supportive shoes also are a must.
Don’t bust your budget with expensive clothes. Updating a wardrobe of jeans and T-shirts to suits and ties can be expensive. But find out what your school requires before you invest in pricey threads. Districts like New Hanover County School District, for instance, let teachers wear khakis with polo-type shirts and blouses and other economical options.
Remember, “dress for success” really works. “Raw talent will get you only so far,” says Pemberton-Sikes. “Cultivated talent polished with appropriate attire and nice manners will take you anywhere in the world you want to go.…Package yourself appropriately and ‘the sky’s the limit,’ as they say.”
—Maren MacIntyre
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