What do you need to do to get an international teaching job?

A teaching job abroad can be an excellent opportunity to explore a new place, develop new skills, and gain valuable experience. It can also tie in well with your field of study. Teaching in another country allows you to learn about other cultures and languages, as well. International teaching is a great way to broaden your horizons and experience new things. However, teaching abroad can also be a rewarding experience. These benefits can be extended to you from a teaching job abroad.

The academic and industry expectations for the teaching profession are changing and are not in line with today’s expectations of student-centred teaching. The teaching profession is more than the traditional classroom setting. It is about a partnership between the classroom and the individual learner. It is about teaching the individual’s strengths and interests, offering personalised instruction that is not prescriptive, and providing opportunities for the individual to use their strengths to their advantage.

Applying for a teaching position can be a long and confusing process, especially since there are several different application processes, tests involved, and so on. The steps and processes you need to take are different in every situation, so the first thing you need to do is figure out what you’re going to need to do to get your international teaching job. These steps will then form the basis for your job search. Secondly, you need to think about your application. You can have a great application, but if your application has too much stuff on it, your chances of getting an interview will be very slim. Thus, below are some ways to get an international teaching job.

• Get a teaching qualification that meets regulatory requirements:

For teaching abroad, there are certain qualifications teachers need to have like a teaching qualification, teaching experience, teacher training certificate, language fluency, etc. Each country has mandatory regulations on how international schools will hire. So, check for all those eligibility criteria before applying. An international teaching qualification like PgCTL course is designed for those interested in becoming professional teachers abroad and get qualified to teach anywhere in the world easily. It is recognised by many countries, including Australia, the UK, and Canada. The course aims to combine theoretical knowledge and practical experience to boost teachers’ capability to understand the concepts and apply them in teaching, making them aware of international best practices.

• Networking:

This is one of the most critical factors for landing your dream job. There are multiple opportunities for networking in the education sector. You can attend career fairs, participate in volunteering events, and attend job networking events and booths. You can also create meaningful networks by volunteering for non-profit organisations, serving on a non-profit board, and participating in service clubs and professional organisations. For optimum job-search results, you should be networking with people in your profession when applying for jobs. Networking is all about building relationships and making connections. Sharing resources and information is the most valuable thing you can do as an educator. Networking is the easiest way to gather information and put yourself in the best position to impress hiring managers. To increase your chances, search out connections with other graduates in your field who have already landed teaching jobs.

• Create a Portfolio:

You must have a portfolio that reflects your teaching abilities, both in terms of your teaching practice and the impact of your classroom teaching across subjects and grade levels. It should show the impact of your teaching over time, and each piece of work should show how your pedagogical approach to teaching can be applied to another situation. It’s a collection of your best work demonstrating both academic and industry expertise. Not only does it allow you to show your skills, but it also encourages you to keep developing new ones. Getting an online certificate for teachers to upgrade your skills can be advantageous for your portfolio.

• Get ready for interviews: 

You must be prepared to prove that you have the necessary skills to succeed in the teaching profession. At the same time, you must stay positive and keep a positive outlook on the situation. When you are interviewing for a teaching position, you will have to focus on the primary competencies of the position and what the expectations are from the employer. Make sure your resume is well-written and you have a clear idea of the questions to be asked. Develop an elevator pitch that is easy to understand and easy to follow. Have a clear idea of the position you have applied for and the course you have completed. Make sure you have a resume that covers this and is written in simple terms.

• Know the hiring timelines:

It is imperative to know the timeline for the hiring process at the respective institution. The hiring process has to start with the candidate being selected and to be hired. The school has to make sure that the candidate is well-prepared and also has the required qualifications, skills, and experience to be successful in the competitive job market. To be hired, the candidate has to submit the application and follow the hiring procedure. Private school hiring timelines vary considerably by country and institution. While some schools advertise, they will begin looking for new hires 10-15 months before the beginning of the school year, many hiring events are advertised at the start of the semester, and the positions are filled early on in the term.

• Look into the school and its culture: 

Next, learn more about the schools you are considering applying to. Check out if the school follows any particular teaching style, what is the school’s environment and what is its mission statement. Also, check out the website, staff bios, photographs and more. This information will not only help you determine if this is the right school where you’d like to work, but also help you prepare for the interview. If it’s a government teaching programme, speak with other teachers or alumni.

So, with these handy tips, get ready and start applying to get your dream job.