The start of a new school year was not typically the time when teachers planned their next adventure but things are changing. A new school year is increasingly becoming the time when teachers reflect and think about not only about their classes for the upcoming school year but also their personal futures as well. Have you been restless, itching for a change? Have you been feeling complacent and unchallenged recently? If so, it might be time for a new adventure. Often as teachers, we like to stick with the familiar, but there comes a time when the realization hits us and we realize that boredom or lack of challenge in our professional career can affect our performance as well as our students’ performance.
Most teachers working in international schools are on fixed-term contracts, these vary in length from one year to three years renewable. Schools are now beginning their recruitment processes earlier and earlier each year. You may begin to see adverts for jobs in the next school year from as early as October of the current school year. If you are in any way feeling the need for a change, or you have the desire to explore new opportunities, the beginning of the school year is the perfect time to start planning your next move. Here are a few tips to help you to begin casting your net in order to land your next professional challenge.
- Make a list of your pros and cons for staying and going. This is the first way to explore your next move. Write down all the reasons for a change. No reason is too silly, put it all on the list. Be honest with yourself.
- Review your list. This can help you make your decision. Are you are serious about looking for a new job and if so, what positions would you be interested in exploring. Maybe it is time to move out of the classroom and into administration.
- Update your CV & Teaching Philosophy. Updating your CV is an important step. Take time with the revision and make it relevant to your newly determined goals. This is your first impression with future employers. Be sure to make it a great impression.
- Where do you want to work? Location is everything! If you are feeling unsatisfied at your current school research possible locations that you would suit you or your family better. Start searching for job opportunities in your desired location. Think about language, travel, quality and availability of good healthcare and safety when choosing a potential new home. You should also take into consideration income versus saving potential for the location you have chosen. Often countries with lower cost of living pay less, but the income saving could be much higher.
- Research and Registration. Registration with Recruitment agencies can be time-consuming, but often the top tier schools use specific agencies and guarantee your CV will be seen. There are agencies that charge but the choice to pay the recruitment fees is entirely up to you. There are cost-efficient ways of job search available as well. Most recruiters charge the school and not the applicant. You can also search for specific schools in your preferred location and visit the school’s website to apply directly.
- Work your Networks! Social Media- Linkedin and Twitter can be used for networking, job hunting and professional development. These accounts are quite useful in job search, and can often be more powerful than paid agency memberships.
It is easy to sink into complacency and feel trapped, but if you feel it is time to move on to a new adventure, don’t ignore those feelings or discount them. Remember to take care of you and best of luck in planning your next adventure in education.
By: Chassie Selouane
