When we see articles about school and education, we rarely read topics that apply to teachers. You know, other than suggesting teaching methods that might want to use in class, there are no other tips for choosing the kind of school they can get teaching experience from. Or, maybe a couple of teaching hacks when dealing with unruly kids. Which is why we want to change things up a bit and talk about a topic that teachers may be discussing with each other. For this article, let us explore what teaching in an international school entails.
The Current Image of International Schools
There is a stigma with international schools – that it is filled with spoiled brats from all walks of life. You are already dealing with enough of those back home, what makes you think you can endure that in an international scale, right? But allow us to tell you now that this myth, while understandable, is complete and utter nonsense.
International schools started out as a way for expatriates to provide “western” education for their kids while they are still working half-way across the world in 1924. In this way, their kids can still quality for western universities or colleges. So the negative image international schools have stemmed from an age-old reason for establishing them because it connotes a certain kind of exclusivity that, if viewed with the ideals and standards of today, is in bad taste.
Today, there are about 1,003 English-medium international schools, and if the study made by the Independent Schools Council (ISC) is anything to go by, the demand for more international schools is coming from locals and not expatriate families. International schools have come a long way from being west-centric. Instead, they are championing diversity in a way that no other school has done.
As educators, we want nothing more than to teach kids the value of being open-minded, to listen before drawing conclusions. There is no better landscape than one which offers a global perspective.
Now that’s out of the way, let’s talk about what you should know about teaching in an international school.
Most Educators Teach in English
Because the student body is so diverse (literally coming from every country in the world), most classes are taught in English because it is the common language. Of course, there will be students who will still have a hard time understanding English, especially those still in their formative years. You do not have to fix this problem on your own, the school will help you create a learning plan that you can use specifically for them.
A Spacious Campus and State-of-the-art Equipment
For some reason, most teachers imagine impoverished cities and dilapidated schools when they think of teaching in an international school; but that is far from reality. If there is one place where teachers will have all the tools they want to teach effectively, it will be in international schools. For instance, one of the best international schools in Singapore right now is the One World International School. They are known for their globally-recognised “values-based approach” to holistic education, but more than that, they utilise modern equipment to support teachers in their work. Laboratories and classrooms are fitted with the latest technology for recording results for experiments, smart boards, and more.
Not to mention, international schools have the biggest campus. They believe that providing both teachers and students a relaxing atmosphere is part of making the campus conducive to work and learn. You will not just be confined to the four walls of the classroom or your faculty office, you can literally take walks among dozens of blooming trees, watch a footie game happening, or even just lounge about on the benches during breaks.
The Teaching Incentives are Competitive
Teaching is more than just the salary you are getting, but it would not hurt if the packages being offered to you are competitive right? International schools are known to offer qualified educators excellent benefits such as health insurance, allowances, and housing. And depending on the country, you might be given tax-free salaries so you can save more.
When applying for an international school, all you need to remember is you have to believe in their philosophy as well. Look up their school mission and vision and see if it fits your own personal vision for your students. It is more than just being a credible and qualified educator, they want someone who will perfectly fit their multicultural landscape. Someone who will contribute in producing well-rounded leaders who are not just knowledgeable, but will also be socially-aware leaders in the future.
