Finding and retaining the best teachers is one of the most critical challenges faced by international school leaders. As the number of international schools continues to grow, the pool of qualified educators willing to teach internationally is shrinking. This widening gap between demand and supply makes it increasingly difficult to secure and retain the best teachers. Our industry is changing and adaptability is at a premium.
How can using the International Standards of Practice support schools in hiring?
Ensure quality across the various educational systems.
International schools are diverse in their structure, ranging from British and American schools to International Baccalaureate (IB) and local curriculums. With this variety comes the challenge of ensuring that each educator hired meets the rigorous standards expected by the institution, regardless of where they come from or their previous educational background. By using a set of clear standards in the hiring process, international schools can create a consistent baseline for assessing the qualifications, experience, and teaching philosophy of candidates.
These standards help ensure that teachers are not only knowledgeable in their subject areas but also skilled in pedagogy, classroom management, and cultural competence. Educators in international schools often work with students from multiple nationalities, which requires a strong understanding of diverse learning styles, emotional and social needs, and how to adapt teaching practices to a multicultural environment. Hiring based on standards ensures that teachers can navigate these complexities successfully.
Create transparency and address bias in the recruitment process.
One of the most significant benefits of using standards is the transparency it brings to the hiring process. When all candidates are assessed against the same set of standards, there is less room for unconscious bias or personal preferences to sway decisions. Ensuring fairness in hiring practices is crucial; this is especially important in international schools, where teachers may come from different countries and cultural backgrounds.
When we lay out clear standards, school leaders can focus on finding the best match between the school’s needs and the candidate’s skills and experiences. Transparent criteria helps both the hiring committee and applicants understand what is expected and valued, leading to better alignment and, ultimately, better hiring decisions.
Support future professional development and growth.
Standards for hiring can also serve as a roadmap for professional development within the school. Once teachers are hired based on well-defined competencies, these same standards can inform ongoing evaluations, mentorship programs, and training opportunities. Schools that use standards for hiring are better positioned to identify areas where teachers may need further development and can provide targeted support to ensure that their staff grows professionally.
TIE has built on this approach by creating a Growth and Appraisal Tool (GAT) aligned with the Standards of Practice. By hiring based on standards, schools can then use these same benchmarks to guide teacher development and appraisal, ensuring that the goals and growth of educators are in line with the criteria used during the hiring process.
As international schools navigate the growing challenge of attracting and retaining top teachers, using the International Standards of Practice and GAT together offers a powerful solution. In an increasingly competitive and dynamic field, leveraging standards can help schools adapt and thrive, ensuring they have the skilled, culturally competent educators needed to shape the future of international education.
Stacy Stephens is the Director of TIE.