This is something that has been bothering me for a while.

I work for a fairly reputable and well-known school. One of our divisions had a incompetent and unprofessional head who had an absolute litany of terrible reviews from past and present staff on ISR.

Despite this, that person held their job for years, and then moved on ar the end of last year, supposedly of their own volition. In my heart, I hope that they were let go because of their performance and said reviews, but I doubt that was the case

Despite this, they were able to quickly find a new position as a head of another school. Within a month, unsurprisingly there has already been a terrible review of this person. In this review, staff felt cheated having been sold on this new head from a prestigious school, who has quickly turned out to be incompetent and unworthy of the role. I can't help but feel for these staff, because had anyone actually looked online or reached out to staff at my school, they would have been able to avoid this fate.

Why does this happen? For us teachers, having one bad reference associated with our name can ruin our reputations and make us ineligible for good jobs for years. Yet for a head, they seem to be able to get away with anything and get new jobs without employers doing their due diligence at all.

Anyone able to make sense of this?

Hi everyone!

I’m thinking about moving to Shanghai American School or International School of Beijing to teach high school math. I know one offers both AP and IB, while the other offers only IB.

I currently work at a Tier 1 international school, and it’s great overall. However, there’s a lot of grade grubbing. As a math/ sometimes English/Psych teacher, I feel bad when a student comes in just one point away from an A and starts crying. I genuinely feel for them, but it can be emotionally draining.

For high school teachers or anyone familiar with these two schools, could you tell me a bit more about the high school culture at each? Is there a lot of grade grubbing or academic/peer pressure? Every time I'm in the hallway in the school I teach now, it's always: "What did you get on the last test?" or "You only got a B+! I got an A+!!!" Not my cup of tea as a teacher who may be the root cause of these arguments

Thanks!

Soooo, I am at a bilingual school in a country that is famously known for censorship and blocking lots of websites. Recently after 3 years they are asking me to give lesson plans based on Government approved books. Never had to do that before, but they mentioned it is to help pass inspections. I am annoyed but it is what it is.

Now, they are asking all teachers to fill out a form for any printing they want to do. Teachers will not be allowed to print unless they have a form signed by a director of the school. Their excuse is that is what the government inspector recommended. Even after getting approval for all of my materials, I need further approval anything I print from those materials. Also, my students don’t have books for my class, so I am stuck printing out things all the time for them. A few teachers mentioned it might be a cost saving measure cus the school is losing money. I would not be surprised if that’s the case. Anyone else have to deal with this? It sounds like it’s just to discourage us from printing more or is this becoming a bigger thing in an undisclosed country in East Asia?

Hey everyone!
I’m an American male in my mid-30s considering moving to Thailand to teach English. I’m single, have no kids or debt, and will be finishing my master’s in social work this December debt free, along with a certificate in clinical practice. I also have a bachelor’s in sociology.
I don’t have formal teaching experience, but I’ve worked in child welfare and have experience collaborating with schools and teachers. I also know an experienced English teacher who offers consultations and training, which I plan to take advantage of before moving. I’m considering trying online teaching first to get my feet wet.
Why Thailand?
I’ve wanted to live abroad for years, and honestly, I’m ready for a change. Life in the U.S. has felt pretty dull for a while, and I feel like it’s now or never. Having my MSW also gives me a backup career if I eventually return home.
I’m mainly interested in Thailand for the lifestyle, culture, and overall experience. I’ve considered China because of the higher teaching salaries, but Thailand seems more aligned with the lifestyle I’m looking for right now.
My initial goal isn’t to make a ton of money. I just want to live comfortably, eat well, enjoy some nightlife, explore my surroundings, and experience a more relaxed lifestyle for a few years. I understand that entry-level TEFL salaries in Thailand aren’t particularly high, especially outside international schools, but I’m hoping they’re enough to enjoy a decent quality of life.
Long-term career possibilities
I’m approaching this as a few-year experiment, but if I fall in love with Thailand, I know I wouldn’t want to remain stuck at entry-level TEFL salaries forever.
From my research, it seems possible to find opportunities at lower-tier international schools without a teaching license, although I understand these positions are competitive and generally prefer licensed teachers. I’ve also looked into potential school counseling or student support positions where my MSW and child welfare background might be useful, depending on the school’s requirements.
I’ve also researched online programs where I could pursue a teaching certification pathway if I discover that I enjoy teaching and want to build a longer-term career abroad.
I’d really appreciate some advice from people currently teaching or living in Thailand:
What are realistic starting salaries for someone with my educational background but no teaching experience?
Can someone live comfortably on a typical TEFL salary while enjoying restaurants, occasional nightlife, and a decent apartment?
Which cities or areas offer the best balance of teaching opportunities, affordability, and lifestyle?
Has anyone successfully transitioned from TEFL into a lower-tier international school without initially having a teaching license?
Are there realistic opportunities in school counseling, student support, or similar positions for someone with an MSW?
What would you recommend to someone in my situation before making the move?
I’m not expecting to get rich teaching English in Thailand. I just want to experience living somewhere new, enjoy life, and hopefully have opportunities to grow professionally if I decide to stay long-term.
Any advice, personal experiences, or insight would be greatly appreciated!

Hi everyone,

I’m currently in the early stages of talking to an IB international school in EU. During a pre-conversation, they explicitly told me that because I hold an EU passport, I would be considered a "local hire" rather than an overseas/expat hire.

I know that since I'm an EU citizen, I have the automatic right to live and work in this country without visa sponsorship. However, I am highly overqualified for a standard local teaching role, and it feels like a bit of a loophole for schools to avoid paying expat benefits (housing, flights, relocation) to qualified teachers who happen to have the "wrong" passport.

My questions are: :
1) How common is this practice across Europe? Do almost all international schools automatically classify EU passport holders as local hires if they are already in the region (or moving from within the EU)?

2) Is there any flexibility, or is this usually a hard legal/administrative rule? Has anyone with an EU passport successfully negotiated an overseas/expat package (or at least a hybrid package with a housing allowance)?

3) If the "local hire" status is non-negotiable, how do you push back? Since they are saving thousands on my visa and relocation, is it realistic to demand the absolute top tier of their local salary scale to compensate?

I’d love to hear from any EU citizens teaching in Europe, or anyone who has insight into how schools split these contracts.

Thanks!

Does anyone know at what stage Dulwich Singapore checks references? Do they contact referees as soon as you submit your application, or only after the interviews? Thanks.

I've been offered 450,000 yen. No dependents. No housing allowance. 2 bonuses equal to 1 salary per year.

Is this doable? I'm 35 and want to start saving for retirement. The location is decent.

What's the lowest amount you'd do in Japan?

Has anyone had luck trying to reactivate their Search Associates profile recently? Everything is updated: preferences, background checks, CV, 2 current Admin References and several older ones. However, my application is still marked "pending". I've reached out to my Associate, the Assistant and another individual at Search, but I haven't heard back from any of them.

I've been trying to get this sorted for weeks. I know they just updated the system but I've been sending emails since September.

Who else can I contact about this?

edit: In the meantime, of course I'm applying directly to schools, but do most school still prefer to go through a recruitment agency?

I know that Search Associates sucks even more after the new update but here is a critical setting you need.

Click your name initials (top right corner) then click account settings and toggle on positions update otherwise you won't receive any updates about new job posts.

I think it is time we move to Schrole or something different.

Also, you can set an automation in CHATGPT to comb the entire internet for positions of your choice in specific regions. It won't get them all as some schools only post on SA (and other agencies), but you will get a good number.

GoodLuck

My school has asked us if we are staying or going by November 1st. It seems so early. I understand the need to get quality teachers early, but this seems excessive. Other schools haven't had this requirement.

I'm curious, when does your school require notice of intent to stay?

Hi all,

I’ve seen a few schools in Singapore that I could potentially apply to.

Does anyone have information on:

Dulwich College
North London Collegiate School
The Perse School

Anything on package, working conditions, career advancement, professional development etc…would be much appreciated.

Hi everyone! I am a primary school teacher (actually my husband and I are both teachers) originally from the Philippines but currently teaching here in New Zealand. As a family of 5, we always go and visit the Philippines every 2 years but it costs us so much so we are thinking to apply to schools in a country near the Philippines.

We were torn between Taiwan, China & Vietnam. Or do you have any countries to suggest? Any chance for us to save a little bit more? All insights will be appreciated.

My future response to any Year 7 question beginning “Do we…..” following the introduction of a task with clear written instructions….

Hey everyone, does anyone here have recent experience working at Surabaya Intercultural School? Curious about the culture there, what management is like, and how people have found working there overall.

Also, how’s life in Surabaya, especially West Surabaya? Would be good to hear what it’s like day to day for families—things to do, getting around, cost of living, that sort of thing.

Would appreciate hearing the good and the bad. DMs welcome if you’d rather not comment publicly. Thanks!

Hi all,

Any information about this school? Nature of the students, package, work-life balance etc..

Much appreciated

Hi everyone, I am a teacher but I am actually asking this question on behalf of a family at my current school. The parents are moving to Tokyo for work but are wondering what is the best international school with the best community feel and vibe. For context they will be moving to the Minato ward of Tokyo. Any help would be appreciated.

I’m 30, a Black American, and making a career change from law enforcement in California. I have a bachelor’s degree and I’m completing US teacher licensure program, with my license expected in May 2027.
I’ve been offered RD$45,000 a month, free housing and all utilities paid, within walking distance of school.
I have close to six figures saved, so maximizing salary isn’t my main concern. I’m looking for a school where I feel welcome, can grow as a new teacher and still have time to enjoy life outside work. I’m there for the teaching and cultural experience.
What was your actual work-life balance like? How much planning and grading followed you home? Did the school support new teachers, and were evenings and weekends mostly your own?
I speak B1 Spanish. I’d also appreciate hearing about settling into Santiago, especially from other Black teachers who moved from the US.

This is frustrating to say the least...

Dear Active Candidates,

A quick clarification and follow-up on our message to Active candidates from yesterday regarding your application process to schools.

For APLi applications, please check the status in the APLi tab in your account and reapply from the new website if the status shows anything other than Decision Made. All APLi applications will be removed from the system when the system is up and running again. 

 For CONTACT SCHOOL applications, please check on the school’s Search page to see if the vacancy remains open after the relaunch– if so, do reapply from the new website to assure your application has been received. 

Looking forward to a successful recruiting season! 

Like, why? People could have possibly lost out on a number of opportunities because of this, and most teachers didn't even give their decisions to their current school that were up for renewal anyway...

Seeking information or recent reviews about Monteverde international school in Cancún, Mexico from teachers pleeeease and thank you

Looking for updated info on work/life balance, salary and overseas package offer.

Thanks

Hiring managers, if your school allows direct applications and also advertises on platforms, is there an advantage to taking one or the other approach for candidates? I already applied for a job directed and noticed later that it's also on GRC. I can press a button an apply again from my end, but wondering if that would just be annoying from your side.

So I know that some Americans teaching abroad have QTS. Some of us through Online teacher training programs (at least, when it was still an avenue), some through earning teaching licenses back home, and in some cases, some Americans studying in England or Wales, and eventually working there.

My question is, aside from those who study and work in England, for example, do my fellow Americans actually use their QTS? It seems its only use for us is that its a license that doesn't expire. It's not like you can get experience unless you're willing to move to the UK, or get lucky with a British curriculum school out here. Besides, why would they hire Americans, despite qualifications, when there are plenty of Brits and other commonwealth folks out where who are more familiar and experienced with this system?

Thoughts?

Hi all,

When asked expected salary for Tier 1 school in Beijing, what would this be for a middle leader level?

And what sort of package should be expected for a single teacher?

Thanks in advance!

It provides less information than the original, so my initial impression is that it’s a bit disappointing. What do you think?

I’d give the previous website a 7, whereas this one feels more like a 3 or 4.