1st Edition
Becoming an International School Educator Stories, Tips, and Insights from Teachers and Leaders
This resource elucidates and helps teachers navigate the international school recruitment world.
Designed for current or aspiring international school educators, this practical resource explores current issues that are relevant to the unique needs of teachers when they transition to the international school sector. Full of experience-based tips, insights, and stories from principals, curriculum coordinators, directors, school counselors, department heads, support specialists, advisors, and classroom teachers, this book explores the topics of wanderlust, English language teaching, identity and belonging, curricular standards, inclusion, diversity, and equity.
Whether you are a student or novice teacher plotting career options, a new international school hire, or an experienced educator looking for a rewarding change, this valuable resource will help you prepare as you embark on what is often considered "the best kept secret" in education.
Introduction
Meet the Authors
Section One: The Portable Profession: The What and the Why of Teaching Overseas
Introduction to Section One
Chapter 1: When Are You Going to Settle Down
Kelly Scotti
Chapter 2: Getting into International Teaching as a Student
Mick Hill
Chapter 3: Trailing Spouse
Sally Edwards
Chapter 4: Professional Development Edventures
Jay Brownrigg
Chapter 5: Principals, Don't Wait for Retirement to Work Overseas
David Lovelin
Section Two: A Journey of Connectivism
Introduction to Section Two
Chapter 6: My Whirlwind ESL Teaching Experience in China
Elizabeth Onayemi
Chapter 7: Building Bridges in a Globally Diverse Setting
Sandra Chow
Chapter 8: Community in the International Classroom: The Power of Storytelling
Jamie Bacigalupo
Chapter 9: Belonging
Tsayli Lily Chang
Chapter 10: The Healing Power of an International Community
Elizabeth Heejin Cho
Chapter 11: Doing Change Well
Brenda Perkins
Section Three: Challenges and Adversity While Teaching Overseas
Introduction to Section Three
Chapter 12: The Many Faces of China
Ann Marie Luce
Chapter 13: Cultural Understanding in Bali
Beccy Fox
Chapter 14: Culture is Complex
Nicolas E. Pavlos
Chapter 15: No - I’m Not a World Language Teacher
David Han
Chapter 16: One of a Few
Alex Munro
Chapter 17: MacGyver Teaching, Connected Learning: Making Social Studies Learning Relevant, Uplifting and Compelling for International School Students
Laura Benson
Section Four: Meeting the Needs of International Students: Same Same But Different
Introduction to Section Four
Chapter 18: A Classroom Teacher’s Perspective on Special Education in International Schools
Philip Allen
Chapter 19: The Long Road to Inclusion
Lori Boll
Chapter 20: Cultivating Community and Continuity Through Learning Support
Erika Hardy
Chapter 21: The Importance of Educating the Community about the Role of a School Counselor
Cheryl-Ann Weekes
Chapter 22: International Counseling: A Perspective
Rebecca F. Stallworth
Chapter 23: International Educators Touch Lives and Shape the World
Monika Dewan
Appendix A: Common Vocabulary Used Within International Schools
Appendix B: International Recruiting Agencies
Author biographies
Biography
Dana Specker Watts is the Director of Learning, Research and Outreach for International Schools Services.
Jayson W. Richardson is Professor and Department Chair of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies in the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver and Director of the Center for the Advanced Study in Technology Leadership (CASTLE).
