How To Get The NEXT International Teaching Job
Recently, I was asked by an international teacher to provide advice on how to get that next job. My first taste of international education was as a student teacher in Munich, West Germany in 1977. I was hooked. Along the way to a long career, I was told, ‘No thanks’ many more times than, ‘Yes, you’re hired!’ It happens to all of us. I’ve also written about the attributes that lead to success in international education.
Here are a few strategies on getting the NEXT international teaching position. My experience and expertise are with a North American curriculum and pedagogical practices. Making the right hire for the right position is among a school leader’s most important decisions.
Your Reputation
It is a small international education world. The work you did in Santiago, Chile is known in Shanghai, China. Just like you, other teachers and administrators move around to different schools and they take your reputation with them. When I am interested in a veteran international teacher, it does not take long to find someone I trust who knows you from a previous position. Investigative questions center around your impact on school culture, staff morale, collaboration, and connection to kids.
Do Your Homework
Schools provide a ton of information on the website about their vision, mission, values, and initiatives. Don’t just go to the ‘jobs’ section and fire off an email. Explore all aspects and discover important areas where the prospective school connects with your philosophy AND experiences. Of course, network with people you know at the prospective school, who already will be sharing the reputation you created.
Make Contact
In the age of flattened leadership, I advise finding the appropriate divisional principal and make email contact but be sure you are also following requested procedures. In large schools, only contacting the school head or HR department can easily lead to a dead end. Don’t apply for positions that are not a good match with your certification and experience.
Tell Your Story
Keep the first contact email short and include attachments and links. Obviously, your resumé is completely up-to-date with recent photo and current supervisor listed. Not listing the current primary supervisor is a red flag for multiple reasons. Your cover letter reveals the homework completed on the school and allows the administrator to start envisioning you as a member of his/her community. If you don’t have a professional website, create one! I highly value teachers telling their story through a personal website, blog, Twitter. Your classroom blog is helpful but not enough. I am not interested in the homework you are giving. By the way, can you answer, ‘Why do you give homework?’
Recruiting Fair Or Not
Recruiting season starts in October. Many schools have shifted to Skype and other media to jump-start the process. Veteran teachers at large schools with demonstrated successful stints are highly likely to get offers without attending a fair. I recommend registering and preparing to attend a fair. There are many factors that affect which fair to attend but earlier is better, Bangkok in January or among the first winter fairs in the USA or UK. Not all openings are solidified until December/January (even later in Europe). You should keep this option open, if necessary.
The Interview
Either virtual or real-life, much of the result rides on the face-to-face meeting. Coming across as friendly, confident, and knowledgeable may not be easy for you. Practice interviews help most of us perform well. One of my first questions usually is: What are you seeking, both personally and professionally, in your next school? Again, here is the opportunity to share how your experiences are a good match with the school’s direction. Be sure to provide a concrete response to a concrete question. We are validating your actual experiences, not hypothetical situations. Recruiters are continually processing how you will fit in with the teacher team/school and how you go about building relationships within the entire school community. Lastly, be yourself.
Odds and Ends
Despite great credentials and interest, sometimes a match cannot be made. Schools wrestle with host country restrictions around hiring and administrators often refer to the hiring season as ‘putting together a puzzle.’ Like it or not, high school AP/IB teachers and counselors at all divisions rule the process. These are the first hires schools like to complete and will hold open other positions while waiting to fill these.
So, your dream school may not work out this time around. If you are truly intent on building a positive reputation and continuing a successful international career, you will still find the second or third choice school full of great experiences, memories, and kids who need you.
Good luck and get your story out there.
Image credit: Ben White Photography