ISS Alum Geoff Ward: IT “Integrationist” -Turned Secondary Assistant
“I wanted to teach as a way of making a positive impact on the lives of young people. Having had many strong influences in my own education from caring and supportive teachers, I felt a strong obligation to give back that same gift to others. ”
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I am just approaching my 46th birthday. My family includes my wife and 10 year old daughter. We came to be part of the overseas community midway through our careers with me being an upper elementary teacher in public education for over 15 years, and my wife was a medical laboratory technologist. We were very happy in Calgary but felt the need to experience the diversity and adventures of working in an international school setting.
My first overseas position was as an IT integrationist in Japan with my wife filling an administrative assistant role. Although we loved the country and school, we returned back to Canada for our family. After only a short period back at home, we felt the addictive draw of the overseas lifestyle calling us back. Through the help of ISS, we moved to Bahrain to start up a new ISS school where I am now the secondary assistant principal. We love the overseas lifestyle and the advantages it brings to us all.
How did you get into teaching – what inspired you?
As is the case with many teachers, I wanted to teach as a way of making a positive impact on the lives of young people. Having had many strong influences in my own education from caring and supportive teachers, I felt a strong obligation to give back that same gift to others. I have also been very fortunate in working with very strong school leaders whose focus on student success and achievement has been truly inspirational. I am grateful to every school and group of students I have been fortunate enough to work with. The lessons I have learned about working positively with diverse student populations has been incredibly valuable in my work as an international school leader.
How did you make the jump to teach internationally?
We have some very close friends who made the move to international teaching a number of years before us. Each year they visited, we were treated with stories of exotic travel, and exciting experiences they had while teaching abroad. At first, we were very nervous about making this commitment. We were comfortable in our current positions and were well on track for successful careers back home.
That said, there were some very enticing features of teaching abroad that drew us to make that initial jump. The first was that we were able to find a school with a focus on current educational practice, amazing facilities, close teacher community, great student population and very well resourced. It was clear that this environment would be a terrific place to teach, and for our daughter to grow up in. The second was the potential for so many exciting travel opportunities. Travelling as a family has truly been a rich and rewarding experience for all of us. The third and most convincing reason was the potential to experience this adventure together as a family. As an international family, we are closer than ever. With my daughter in my school, I see all her school presentations, activities and events. I am available for every parent conference and can share in all school experiences. The connection to our child’s education is the greatest gift that this experience has given us.
How did you decide to use a recruiting service like ISS?
Although I found my first international teaching position without a job service like ISS, I quickly found the need for this type of service. In order to gather information about prospective schools and have the contact information easily available to research and apply for positions, a service such as ISS is a must. Since my first position, ISS has been very valuable in all subsequent job searches. For me the most valuable feature has been the up-to-date posting of positions as many of the most desirable schools in the world post their positions on the ISS website. Being a member of an ISS school has also provided me additional benefit of career consultation through our ISS representatives.
What was your experience at your first IRC like?
I have actually never been to an IRC. Although I have used the ISS search site to find and apply for positions, and have been registered for a couple of fairs, I have been hired before needing to attend the ISS fair. My first experience at an ISS IRC was as a recruiter.
What advice would you give to new candidates who may be considering teaching overseas?
The first suggestion I would give to someone just beginning would be to start by preparing yourself well. Whether it is creating a professional portfolio, website, or journaling responses to sample interview questions, preparing yourself helps you fully understand your philosophies, strengths and thoughts on key teaching and learning issues. Knowing yourself well as a teacher will help you to find schools who match what you believe and have to offer.
I would also recommend starting early. If using an agency like ISS, submitting your documentation early in the year will help you to take advantage of job opportunities as soon as they come available. It is also important to find out as much as you can about your top choices to see how your experiences and strengths match with the missions of those schools.
Apply to schools before the fair. This will allow potential schools to make initial contact with you and then allow for follow up interviews during the fairs. I also recommend that whenever possible, you personalize your cover letter to highlight your potential match with the school and its mission. This shows potential recruiters your commitment to their school and highlights your strengths in the context of the school’s goals.
Did you have IB experience when you began? Did it matter when you were "selling yourself?"
I am just now gaining IB experience. Having it is certainly a positive for many schools, but not a requirement for all. Some of the schools I applied to did not require IB experience while others did. Without this experience, I needed to show that my practice was solidly grounded in current teaching and learning research with a strong focus on student learning. I wanted to show a history of continuous professional growth and a commitment to being a positive influence on the students and school community. While I knew I could not have everything that every school was looking for, I tried to share my strengths and future areas of development within the context of each school. I tried to communicate how I could contribute the success of the school, its programs and each student I worked with.
What did you think living and teaching in the Middle East would be like, and has anything surprised you?
After five years in Bahrain, we are moving to a school in Singapore. This will be our third international school. We are excited about the move but will miss Bahrain, our current school and the friends that we have met while here. The people we have met in Bahrain have been very welcoming. We have formed some strong friendships with both colleagues and families in the school. We loved being involved in the new school building project at our current school. It was a tremendous amount of work but the rewards of building a strong program with terrific colleagues was worth it. The Middle East was an amazing hub from which to travel the world. It would be difficult to run out of travel destinations in this region.
What final advice would you give to anyone like you who may be considering teaching overseas?
The decision to become an overseas teacher is a significant one. There are highs and lows with every experience. With an open and positive attitude, it can truly be a wonderful experience. Some of the last minute advice I would give would include:
- Make sure you do your homework. Be clear in what you are looking for in an overseas experience and what strengths you can offer to a potential school. Find out as much as you can about the countries of the schools that you are interested in. Be aware that there is no scenario that is perfect in every way. Finding out about the school and country helps to determine both if you are a good match for the school, as well as if the school and country are a good match for you.
- Be open-minded. International teaching is an amazing experience but it is one that requires you to be positive and open to diversity. Some people have difficulties coming to terms with the fact that life abroad is not just like life at home. Different cultural norms and experiences add to the richness of the experience. Embracing these differences add to your experience.
- Be willing to go to a number of different locations in the world. The world is a big place with many fantastic options for international teaching. Don’t narrow your choices down too early.
- Have fun. Whether you are with your family or on your own, reach out and take advantage of the many opportunities and friendships that present themselves.
Finally, let me say ISS has been terrific for my family and our school. They have been supportive to our school at key times in its development and provided advice for myself and family at critical junctions in our career. There are many divisions of ISS that have been extremely supportive, such as human resources, school supplies, finance, and leadership. All divisions have been world class in helping us build our school. I am very happy with the relationship we have formed and would have no hesitation recommending others to become involved with them in any capacity.
ISS Educator Melissa Lassers Reflects on How to Make the Most of Recruiting Fairs
ISS Educator Melissa Lassers reflects on her and her husband’s foray into international teaching, and reflects on how to make the most of recruiting fairs and the recruiting process
Can you tell us about yourselves?
I am 46 years old and have been teaching in Washington State in the Vancouver School District for 10 years. Thomas and I are going as a teaching couple to the same school, and we found out that we will actually be teaching a class together, which we are very excited about.
Can you tell us about how you got into teaching in general - what inspired you?
What inspired me to teach is that it is in my blood: my parents were teachers as were my grandparents! I wanted to make a difference in the lives of children, and have an impact upon them, in a positive way. I wanted to connect with them and let them know that school was a challenge for me, but I learned to work through those tough struggles and really make something of myself. I wanted kids to know that anything is possible, if you work for it.
How did you make the jump to wanting to teach internationally- away from home? What about this career and lifestyle appeals to you?
As for making the jump from teaching in America to international teaching, it happened through people who taught in America and then went on to international teaching...they LOVED it and encouraged us to look into it! Our kids are all grown, we have no grandchildren (yet), and decided that this was the time to go for it! We also love the idea of world-wide travel. I will be very honest here, what appealed to us was the small class sizes in international schools, the opportunity to immerse ourselves completely in another culture, and the opportunity to have more involvement in curricular decisions in the school.
What was your experience at your first IRC like?
We decided to attend the Atlanta IRC "just to get our feet wet," we had planned to attend the San Francisco conference as well, but we did not need to as we got jobs at the Atlanta fair. We were surprised at how small the Atlanta fair was, but it was very easy to handle all of the interviews, and a great first conference. If people can afford to go to both, I definitely recommend doing it! The connections you make there are really worth every penny! One thing that really surprised me was the emotional ups and downs....even though you are told that it is early in the season and not to worry, you still do, but that is where the expertise of your team comes in, and we thank ISS for that. :)
How was your experience with ISS?
ISS came highly recommended by two groups of our friends. Your fee also helped us greatly, we felt like it was something we could afford, especially for all the support that came with that fee. We did not attempt to do it alone, I think that would have been much too overwhelming! I was overwhelmed at times as it was and all I had to do was e-mail one quick question and I would have an answer back in no time! I even talked to you guys on the phone, you talked me down, when I was stressed, and shared in my joy when we were hired. Without ISS there is no way we would be as well prepared as we were for this whole adventure!
What advice would you give to newbies?
I would tell newbies to get a portfolio together, but not a HUGE one! Be creative, make your portfolio as well as your thank you cards POP, and make them stand out away from the crowd. Additional “tips” include:
- We put mints (Breathsavers) into each interviewer’s mail box with our card creatively attached, and many said those were great!! You could also give granola bars (without peanuts) to the interviewers as well, they get hungry!
- Be sure to have MANY copies of your resumes and put them in the school's mailboxes the first chance you get with a note requesting an interview and expressing interest in their particular school!
- Do your research on the schools! The more you know the better prepared you will be!
- We used Vista print and had our thank you cards match the portfolio cover and our cards (which was a super unique drawing done by one of our students!) If you can, avoid just buying store thank you cards, make them personal and make them pop, tie them into your whole theme so you are remembered.
- Be sure to have evidence of the connections that you make with parents and other staff members.
Do either of you have IB experience, and did that help or hurt you in the interview process?
No, neither my husband nor I have any IB experience, but we definitely said that we would love to be trained in IB and were open to that. We definitely made sure that our passion for education/ our students came through in the interview! We were enthusiastic and honest about our strengths, if we perceived a weakness about ourselves, we put a positive spin on it and stated that we wanted the opportunity to stretch ourselves out of our comfort zone! Every interview we went in to was more like a casual conversation with people who were genuinely interested in us. It was a very cool experience to interview together as well, you get to see your partner in a whole new light.
Where are you going to teach next and what are you most looking forward to?
We are going to teach in Dalian, China at the Dalian American International School! I am most looking forward to challenging myself to be outside my comfort zone and handling that with dignity and respect. I am looking forward to the small class sizes, the travel, and the unique food and culture that is China!
What final advice would you give to anyone like you who may be considering teaching overseas?
The final advice I would give to those who have the smallest desire to teach overseas is to: GO FOR IT! You will learn so much even before you leave. Keep an open mind as well, we never even had China on our radar, but we took the ISS advice, to not pick just one area in the world, have many options; we did and are so thrilled, and honestly, a bit nervous but from what we hear that is normal!
ISS is the one who deserves all of the credit!! If it were not for all of you....we would never be where we are today. The work that you put into these conferences is astounding, yet you never sweat a thing, it all goes off without a hitch. I was at the S.F. conference helping out a friend so I got to see two of your conferences and I know of what I speak! Thank you is simply not enough!
ISS Alum Couple Brent and Cheryl Fullerton reflect on a long, successful career and raising a family overseas
“We started our overseas teaching career in 1997 and have been fortunate to work and raise our family in the countries of Jordan, Cambodia and Indonesia. During the summer holidays we travel back to our home in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, to enjoy connecting with family and friends and rejuvenating in the sweet mountain air.”
Can you tell us about yourselves?
My wife Cheryl and I are intrepid educators living the dream. For the past six years, we’ve been living in Borneo, an island full of rich tradition, diverse culture and wild animals. We teach at Pasir Ridge International School, located in Balikpapan. We started our overseas teaching career in 1997 and have been fortunate to work and raise our family in the countries of Jordan, Cambodia and Indonesia. During the summer holidays we travel back to our home in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, to enjoy connecting with family and friends and rejuvenating in the sweet mountain air.
Cheryl has been teaching PE, Swimming, and Health for the past seventeen years. She has also served as the Activities, Aquatics and Athletic Director at several posts. In June 2013, she will complete a Masters in School Counseling. For fun, Cheryl likes playing tennis, competing in triathlons, ice skating and creating jewelry.
I have been a Grade 5 and MS Generalist for most of my career, and I am currently teaching a 1:1 blended learning classroom. Recently, I earned a Masters in Multidisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Educational Technology. When I get time to selfishly indulge, my interests include baseball, rock climbing, tinkering with technology and riding my bike.
How did you get into teaching – what inspired you?
We both had outstanding mentors and teachers who inspired us early on. Cheryl was a gifted athlete. Living in Minnesota, Cheryl had an incredibly loving community of people and teachers supporting her. As a college athlete, Cheryl’s professors recognized her potential and encouraged her to follow her ambitions to do what she loved--teach.
The baseball diamond is where my inspiration to teach began. I learned the game from two instrumental coaches. Both men taught us so much about the game of baseball and life. At university I was one of fifty undergrads accepted to the Flagstaff Professional Teaching Partnership ‘Block’ Program, led by Professors Drs. Ray and Peggy VerVelde. This duo inspired us on how to effectively model and motivate children.
We believe these are some of the experiences that led to our desires to positively impact the lives of our students that we teach today.
How did you make the jump to wanting to teach internationally?
Both of us have shared an affinity for adventure and to try new things. We’re risk takers. We had each enjoyed traveling to other countries while in university. Before we got married we camped around Europe together for the summer. After a fabulous hike in the Swiss Alps, we decided to make a go at living overseas. The idea of teaching abroad was appealing. We wanted to be able to grow professionally as educators and also have enough time and financial freedom to travel and discover the world. It’s been a blessing to teach overseas and witness some of the most amazing things that life has to offer.
How did you decide to use a recruiting service organization such as ISS?
After returning to home from our trip to Europe, we heard about ISS from another teaching couple that had spoken highly about their recent experience of being offered jobs to teach in Paris at an ISS IRC. Paris! That sounded great! Actually, we ended up applying (as a couple) to several teaching abroad services including the DoDDs, JET and ISS programs. Several weeks later ISS called us back to ask questions about when we were planning to get married and confirm our IRC registration. We were heading to Seattle!
What was your experience at your first international recruiting conference like?
Each of our international recruiting conference experiences has been very memorable--and that first one in Seattle was no exception. The day before interview sign-ups, we arrived early and found our candidate folder. Inside was a note from Dr. Gary Duckett, the director at the time of the American Community School in Amman, Jordan. Jordan? Where in the world was Jordan? What would our parents think about us living in the Middle East? We had to go and look it up on map. That night we spent several hours talking with Gary. It was our first time to interview for a position as a couple, yet he made us feel comfortable. Afterwards, I think all of us felt really pleased with the interview and the idea of living in the Middle East. Gary made invited us to have dinner with another couple that had been working in Amman so we could ask more questions and get another perspective about living and working abroad.
We probably could have signed a contract that first night; however, Gary told us how important it would be to experience the entire process and make a decision after weighing all the options. That’s exactly what we did. We were able to interview with several schools and hear from many people about life as an international educator. We also met another director who told us how Jordan was considered a gem—this was reassuring. We ended up working at ACS-Amman for six amazing years. Our families came to visit us and we developed some amazing friendships that still continue today.
What advice would you give to those considering a career overseas?
Go! Just do it! Participating in a job fair has many benefits. Besides providing an opportunity to get work overseas, it gives you a chance to meet a lot of directors and teachers from around the world. You can learn so much by engaging in conversations, asking questions and networking with other teachers. It also helps you to hone your interviewing skills. It is quite possible to have several interviews in a day. We like being able to sit face-to-face with a potential director/principal and ask questions. We can get a real sense of the school, the person we might work for and learn about the perks and quirks of location. We believe the experience of attending an international recruiting conference has been worth every penny we have spent to get there and participate.
Where are you going to teach next year, and what are you most looking forward to?
Beginning August 2013, we’ll be teaching at the Dostyk American International School, located in Atyrau, Kazakhstan. Cheryl will be the PreK and Art teacher and serve as the Counselor. I will be the Technology Facilitator and Drama Coach. We are also looking forward to offering our expertise in the after school activities program.
The whole family is excited about this next chapter in our lives. After spending the past nine years in South East Asia and the tropics, we are getting jazzed about exploring the Central Asia region and giving our kids the experience of living in a cold climate (really cold). In addition to traveling around “the ‘stans” there’s a few other projects we’ve been throwing around, like climb Mount Elbrus, ride bikes in Georgia, visit Moscow’s Red Square, and camp in Mongolia.
What has it been like raising children overseas?
One of the greatest benefits of international teaching has been the opportunity to raise our two children overseas. They are healthy, happy kids who are getting the chance to see the world. We believe that our children are receiving an outstanding education--both in and out of school. The quality of teachers and small class sizes has been ideal. We get to eat lunch with our kids everyday at school. That’s cool! Also, the locations we have lived in have allowed us the financial flexibility to hire domestic help. Having extra helpers at home has provided us more time with our kids. We have gone on some amazing trips, like skiing in Switzerland, trekking in Nepal, rock climbing in Thailand, and traveling into the heart of Borneo. Who could ask for more?
There are challenges to raising children overseas, too. One challenge is being so far away from extended family. Not being able to share special holidays and traditions with family such as Christmas and Thanksgiving can be hard. To alleviate this we make it a priority to spend quality time with the grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins during the summer. Now with email, Skype and Facebook we can stay more connected with friends and family back home.
It’s important to understand that each location will have its’ unique hardships. How you deal with these challenges as a parent can make a big difference in the lives of your children. We are trying to teach our kids about empathy and understanding for others. We call these “me too” moments. Take the time to get your family involved in the culture you are living in. Teach them how to enjoy the idea that different can be good.
What final advice would you give to anyone like you who may be considering teaching overseas?
The life of an international educator is rich and rewarding. Whether you are brand new or at the end of your teaching career, it is worth exploring the idea of teaching overseas. For the certified educator, teaching overseas can be an incredibly rewarding experience both personally and professionally.
Finally, how was your experience with ISS?
It was a pleasure to meet the Ed Staffing team who had helped us along the way and get to know them a little bit better. Their friendliness and supportive enthusiasm really helped us throughout the whole ordeal. There were a lot of things we saw the team was doing behind the scenes that helped to promote us as well as other candidates. These little things may sometimes go unnoticed. Well, we noticed. Thank you for all your support!
We believe ISS is striving to provide more ways to make the recruitment experience more relevant and effective. The recent improvements on the ISS website were definitely helpful to us this time around. We were able to link our professional websites, wikis, blogs and video/media presentations to our file. This use of technology broadened our exposure and gave recruiters easy access to our digital story. It’s evident that the use of technology is changing the recruiting process. We feel that ISS should continue to look for ways to expand their online communities by using social media tools like Twitter, Facebook and Google+.
Brent won 2nd place in the first ISS multi-media presentation contest, Cheryl was in the top 10 runners up… check out the winners of the first ISS Multi-Media Presentation contest, where videos and multi-media presentations give you a glimpse into the interesting lives and careers of 13 international teachers, as well as how they are highlighting their portfolio to recruiters.
Meet Chris Polley: A Unique Start in Global Education, Becoming an Author & the Surprising Power of Ultimate Frisbee
“I made the jump to the overseas teaching market because... I was in danger of getting laid off. It seemed like a fairly simple process, and I decided to check it out. I got my first overseas position at a school in Japan and it has completely and utterly changed my life, my views on the world, my demeanor, my attitude, and my dreams.”
Can you tell us about yourself, and how you got into education?
My name is Chris Polley and I am 36 years old, single and a school counselor in Shanghai. How I got into education is a really long but interesting story… I used to work on Wall St. and the road to this job began on 9/11/2001. The story of that day can be found on this blog post.... http://bit.ly/17i1vKC
Basically, I became a school counselor because I didn't want to go into a classroom in New York and teach 30 kids in a class at the same time, and I wanted to work with kids and help them to realize that taking a job or getting into a career for the sole purpose of making lots of money was a path to living an unfulfilled life. I was living proof of that. So I became a school counselor and I love working with students and encouraging them to live on their terms and find jobs or careers that are in line with who they are and that makes them happy.
How did you make the jump to wanting to teach internationally?
I made the jump to the overseas teaching market because I was working in Colorado. The budget did not pass one year, and I was in danger of getting laid off. My friend told me about international schools and I decided to look into it. It seemed like a fairly simple process, and I decided to check it out. I got my first overseas position at a school in Japan and it has completely and utterly changed my life, my views on the world, my demeanor, my attitude, and my dreams.
I always wanted to travel to interesting places and exotic locales. I would always daydream about how people lived in different cities and countries. I got very lucky with my first overseas teaching/counseling job. It paid very well and gave me a very comfortable lifestyle. I was able to work with appreciative students, top notch colleagues, but also the ability to travel to a few different countries each year. When I was working in the States, I was always broke and now, I am not struggling financially at all; my student loans are almost paid off ($80k).
What was your experience at your first recruiting fair like?
My first impressions were that it would be a free-for-all with people clambering to get in front of directors. That was not it at all. There is plenty of time to meet with directors. I didn't expect interviews to be in hotel rooms...a little weird to me. You're going to somebody else's room to talk, which seems shady at first, but it turned out to be fine.
I arrived in Northern Iowa at 3:30 AM in the morning and was up at 6:30 AM to get ready for the fair. I was very anxious at first and the round-robin can be intimidating and competitive, but it doesn't have to be if you have a solid strategy and forethought. I researched beforehand and contacted the schools I was interested in. I then went to the tables to meet with the directors that I corresponded with to set up interviews.
I had seven interviews and ended up with three job offers by the end of the fair. I wanted the job in Japan and they gave me two hours to decide, so I went to a quiet corner of the conference hall and called a close friend and my uncle to talk it through. I knew I was going to take it, but I just needed to talk it out with somebody else.
What advice would you give to educators who may be considering this path?
Do lots of research beforehand and do NOT limit yourself when it comes to regions of the world. Be open to all regions and countries. Send emails to the schools where you might not see yourself at, you might get a bite and can then have options and a little leverage. I didn't think I would love Asia, but I was open to it. I also considered the Middle East and Colombia too.
Did you have IB experience when you began?
I did not have IB experience when I began. It was not as essential for me because I am not a teacher, so I just had to be familiar with how the Higher and Standard Levels, the Extended Essay, and CAS worked. It did not matter when I was selling myself. I just told them that I did not have experience with it, but I was reading the IB website to become more familiar with it.
I sold myself as the young, single guy with lots of different experiences (community college, then transferred to a 4 year college, Wall St. experience, was almost a fighter pilot in the Marines, worked in construction, and coached Ultimate Frisbee teams). The director at the school in Japan said that the Ultimate Frisbee coaching was the thing that stuck in his mind. It's funny because I then joined an Ultimate Frisbee club team in Japan and played with them in the World Championships in Prague in the summer of 2010 (THAT was absolutely amazing!).
Where are you now, and what is that like?
I am currently working in Shanghai, China and it is the complete opposite of Japan. It's definitely cheaper, but it is an emerging economy as opposed to the mature economy of Japan. The Chinese people are trying to get their piece of the pie. The food is not as good and it is more polluted, but it is more international in my mind because it is emerging. More English is spoken here because of this.
At first, I thought being a school counselor at an international school was going to be more stressful than working at some high pressure New York City private school, but it's just not like that at all. People are extremely helpful and they understand there is a tremendous learning curve. The parents are more appreciative of my knowledge and what I'm trying to do with their kids.
Something that surprised me? I never thought my experience in catering would help me so much in this job. I have planned many parent nights and some college fairs, and I have had to coordinate all of the little details that go along with putting on an event. I have received great feedback from people that have come to these fairs (maybe I have another career on my hands).
What final advice would you give?
Saying yes and making a commitment to go is the hardest part. Like I tell my college bound seniors when they are applying to college, just apply and see what the college says. If they accept you, then it gives you another option as opposed to not even applying. As Wayne Gretzky said, "You always miss 100% of the shots you don't take." Just take a shot. You can ALWAYS come home if it doesn't work out.
Finally, tell us about your new book?
My eBook is simply how I came to do this overseas "thing". How it came to be was kind of in a roundabout way. Every time I go home and people ask what I do, I tell them I'm a school counselor. They ask where and I say (or said) in China (previously Japan). They then ask how if I don't speak the language. People don't understand and don't know that it is a possibility or that international schools even exist. I didn't know about it until 2007.
I was talking to a colleague and she mentioned that when she goes to a conference in the states, people are always asking her how they can work overseas. So I said to her that we should do a conference session about it. That got me thinking about teaching a class on it through "The Learning Annex" in NYC. I proposed a class to them for the summer of 2012, and it was accepted. I set up a basic website with some details but not much else. Then, "The Learning Annex" told me that the summer was their slow season and that I should move the class dates to September or October. I was moving to Shanghai in August so that was not feasible. I said to myself “ I'll do this on my own and it will cover all of the U.S. and Canada." I then started to write my story of how I came to work here and turned it into an eBook. I put a lot of effort into it, hired a great eBook designer and editor on www.elance.com, and I'm very proud of the final product. It doesn't go into ALL of the little details; otherwise it would be 1000+ pages. It is a relatively quick read and gives the most direct route to people to get a teaching job overseas. It also encourages them to make the leap by giving examples of people that are just like they are, people with the same dilemmas with respect to children, pets, and mortgages. The eBook is the cheerleader for working as a teacher/administrator/counselor/librarian/school psych/ESL teacher/speech path etc. at international schools around the world.
I can't imagine where I would rather be, and I can't fathom going back to the U.S. public education system anytime soon.
ISS President Roger Hove reflects on his start in international education
ISS Alum Barry Mernin: 23-Year Veteran Elementary Teacher and Blogger Extraordinaire
“Honestly, it was a combination of things that got me thinking about moving overseas...I was living paycheck to paycheck in my Adams Morgan apartment in Washington DC. George W. Bush was just inaugurated. I was on the outs with my girlfriend at the time. I wanted to see the world, somehow on a teacher's salary.”
Barry, tell us about yourself...
Hello all. I am a 45-year old elementary teacher. I have taught for over 20 years in either 4th or 5th grade. Currently, I teach at a world-class international school in Hong Kong. I am not part of a teaching couple. My beautiful wife stays at home, reads about economics and studies Traditional Chinese Medicine. I have taught overseas for nearly 13 years now.
How did you get into teaching – what inspired you?
Teaching is the family business. So many of my brothers, aunts, uncles, and cousins are educators. My mom and dad are still my most memorable teachers. My mom read to me every night. My dad taught me the beauty of literacy. My dad was a laborer and a union man and taught me to value every single person. My mom raised five boys and a girl while working as a medical secretary. Whatever I didn't learn from them, I learned from my extended Boston Irish-Italian family. We laughed, hugged and cried a boatload. Still do, whenever we get together.
How did you make the jump to wanting to teach internationally?
Honestly, it was a combination of things that got me thinking about moving overseas. I had a teammate that had just returned from a two-year contract in Egypt. She couldn't stop talking about her adventures. I was living paycheck to paycheck in my Adams Morgan apartment in Washington DC. George W. Bush was just inaugurated. I was on the outs with my girlfriend at the time. I wanted to see the world, somehow on a teacher's salary.
How did you decide to use a teaching job service like ISS?
This was pre-Google. I found ISS after doing a little search on my Netscape Navigator browser. I remember reading a blog from this teacher dude who was having a blast in Costa Rica. I filled out the application and sent in my references, toute de suite. A month later, I was flying to Miami for a job conference. I know there are other services out there which help secure teaching and admin positions. Personally, I had an incredible experience with ISS. Working with ISS actually changed my life
- I got three great jobs through ISS, and in a way feel indebted
- I would have never met my wife had it not been for ISS!
What was your experience at your first IRC like?
My first experience was wild. I remember thinking that I was either going to a school in Paris or Italy (I ended up in Singapore). My recruiter gave me an offer I couldn't refuse. I signed the first day and spent the next two and a half days on North Beach.
What advice would you give to newbies who may be considering finding a job through a recruiting fair?
I have been to three fairs with ISS, so far. My best advice is to live in the moment. The recruiting fairs are nothing if not exciting, plus you get to spend time talking about yourself for hours on end. Be yourself, be honest and listen intently.
What is your advice for new international teachers about going after other credentials?
There are so many factors that come into play. IB experience would certainly open some doors, I imagine. I have a limited amount of experience with the PYP programme. My passion for my job was the main factor in my securing employment.
For more insights from Barry, including recruiting tips, what he learned in his first year as an Expat teacher, poignant reflections on watching parents age from a distance, and more, visit links to his articles in our Living Overseas Resource Center.
To see more educators in action, check out the winners of the first ISS Multi-Media Presentation contest, where videos and multi-media presentations give you a glimpse into the interesting lives and careers of 13 international teachers, as well as how they are highlighting their portfolio to recruiters.