TieOnline - Articles Preview
ARTICLES
Recent articles in TIE have covered such issues as international test scores in math
and science, teacher shortages and new assessment practices. Provocative
editorials and op ed features stimulate discussion on topics such as accreditation,
the role of school boards, and curriculum reform.
Once you become a subscriber you can view articles like the samples below.
OVERSEAS TEACHING JOBS INCREASE SUBSTANTIALLY
Teachers and Administrators for Overseas Positions
in Short Supply
by Forrest Broman
With the overall growth and expansion of American overseas
and international schools throughout the world, the need for qualified
overseas teachers and administrators has put serious pressures
on recruiters. For example, last June the number of schools seeking
to fill overseas teaching positions nearly doubled, as measured
by those advertising in TIE's June issue.
Many believe that lack of a sufficient supply of teachers and
administrators for overseas vacancies stems from the severely
limited knowledge the average US or Canadian teacher has about
the overseas teaching experience. For example a recent survey
made in a suburban school in Massachusetts revealed that only
1 out of 95 teachers knew anything at all about the international
network of overseas schools.
Even less is known about the tremendous financial and professional
opportunities in overseas teaching or administration. For example,
most overseas teachers will receive a salary and benefits that
allows them to save from $5,000 to $45,000 annually, depending
on location and cost of living. For, except in Western Europe,
overseas teaching jobs offer tax-free salaries and housing benefits
that make significant savings a certain reality. The Far East
tends to offer the highest salaries, approaching $100,000 in Japan;
followed by the Middle East.
Overseas teaching jobs offer far more professionally, including
small classes (well under 25), strong staff development opportunities,
and very talented overseas teachers as colleagues and friends.
And, overseas administrative opportunities abound for those seeking
leadership experiences. Many overseas administrative positions
are filled internally; and the 10% to 25% turnover rate experienced
by many schools guarantees that new overseas jobs in supervision
will be available.
Many of those teaching abroad get hooked on the experience and stay
in one school for 3-5 years then move into another exciting overseas
teaching or administrative position. But those who return after
their first international assignment find they have been tremendously
enriched by the experience. For those with school aged children,
all of whom have tuition-free enrollment, the educational benefit
is incomparable. These children gain maturity, knowledge and a
marked broadening of perspective from their experience abroad,
in schools where learning is paramount and individuality is respected
and developed.
So what is keeping the hordes of teachers dissatisfied with
their current situations from applying for the thousands of overseas
teaching vacancies available every year? Probably just a lack
of knowledge and understanding of what great international opportunities
are out there.
TIE (The International Educator) is committed to vastly increasing
the knowledge of US and Canadian teachers about these rich and rewarding
overseas teaching opportunities. Tune in now and we'll look for
you next year in Tokyo? Singapore? Hong Kong? Madrid? Lima? Cairo?
Wherever!
Severe teacher shortage in U.K. by Ivan Rosen
At the start of the new term in January, the U.K. was facing an
unprecedented shortage of teachers from state schools. Over 10,000
vacancies were unfilled, requiring the use of temporary staff. In this
worst shortage in over 20 years in Britain, the number of unfilled posts
for teachers has risen by 60 percent in the past two years. Particularly
hard hit by the shortages are secondary math and science positions.
Earlier this year the U.K. government announced it will add pay for
performance initiatives to retain more qualified teachers and attract
new candidates. Union opposition to the move is widespread, however.
The teacher shortage mirrors the vacancies open for head teachers.
For this term it is estimated that over 500 primary and secondary
schools are lacking permanent heads, thereby making it necessary for
schools to rely on temporary appointments of many untrained
personnel. If implemented, the government's new compensation plan
will give successful teachers a 2,000 pound sterling increase. Heads
who demonstrate high results will be able to earn up to 70,000 pounds
per year.
SUBSCRIBE NOW!
|