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 DownKelly Scotti Chapter 2: Getting into International Teaching as a StudentMick Hill Chapter 3: Trailing SpouseSally Edwards Chapter 4: Professional Development Edventures Jay Brownrigg Chapter 5: Principals, Don't Wait for Retirement to Work OverseasDavid Lovelin Section Two: A Journey of Connectivism Introduction to Section Two Chapter 6: My Whirlwind ESL Teaching Experience in ChinaElizabeth Onayemi Chapter 7: Building Bridges in a Globally Diverse Setting Sandra Chow Chapter 8: Community in the International Classroom: The Power of StorytellingJamie Bacigalupo Chapter 9: BelongingTsayli Lily Chang Chapter 10: The Healing Power of an International CommunityElizabeth 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 StudentsLaura 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 InclusionLori Boll Chapter 20: Cultivating Community and Continuity Through Learning SupportErika Hardy Chapter 21: The Importance of Educating the Community about the Role of a School CounselorCheryl-Ann Weekes Chapter 22: International Counseling: A PerspectiveRebecca F. Stallworth Chapter 23: International Educators Touch Lives and Shape the WorldMonika Dewan Appendix A: Common Vocabulary Used Within International Schools Appendix B: International Recruiting Agencies Author biographies

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).