Anyone know about teaching jobs at international schools?

[Weta]

My DH would like to apply for a teaching job that has come up at an international school here in Luxembourg.

Only problem is that they ask for a 'current teaching certificate' and we're not quite sure what that means - is it his teaching diploma, or some kind of registration certificate?

He was a teacher in NZ up until 2005, but his registration there has now lapsed. If they do want registration, I'm guessing it's non-negotiable, or does anyone know of a way round it?

Talk to the school: they will know what they want. You cannot second guess them. Is it a British International School? Is he working in the UK at the moment as a teacher? You need to go over the details with their admissions.

If you put in an application trying to blur around the edges you may lose out: if you determine exactly what is acceptable to them, they may blur the edges for you. Hopefully.

No, it's not a British International School. It says it's an independent school, and was previously an American International School.
They do the International Baccalaureate qualification.

Unfortunately he has been out of teaching since 2005 as we were living in France and his qualifications were not recognised there - which is why he doesn't have current registration in any country.

I'll pass on your advice about contacting the school to see what they need!

Sorry I can't help more. But you may find international schools flexible.. may. Definitely worth a try -- he should arm himself with the number of years he's been teaching and say that first.

Otherwise, at least it will give him a heads up for the next one he applies for. Definitely worth it.

I suspect they mean the teaching diploma or capability to BE registered in a country because teachers from other Int schools probably won't have a teaching registration but definitely ask.

Application wise: highlight any experience of teaching in the IB style - NZ is I think quite good for this in early years, not so sure about secondary - and work with EAL students. An 'international' approach is a bonus, which you've got from being from NZ and having lived in France. Get him to arm himself with knowledge about the IB system and IBO and research the school very, very thoroughly. Use teacher and parenting forums for insight too!

Thanks... I was thinking actually that most teachers in international schools wouldn't be able to stay registered in their own country since they want you to teach there. And in fact they say 'current teaching certificate or equivalent', so who knows what that means!

I've had a long chat to my dad who teaches IB in NZ, and he seems to think the IB approach to physics is quite similar to the NZ curriculum as it has a strong focus on experiments + internal assessment.

They are asking for IB experience, which he doesn't have, but we figured he should apply in case they don't find anyone who has it, plus he'd be happy with a part-time position if they needed someone to fill a gap.

Are EAL students non-native speakers? He did have lots of international students (from south-east Asia and Europe) in NZ.

He's actually French himself so has always taught cross-culturally and grew up going to French international schools in various countries.

I also met someone who teaches at this school, so will pump him for more info

Fingers crossed - we don't hold out great hopes since he doesn't strictly meet the criteria, but you never know.

Physics is usually a shortage subject so that's a good thing. Plus they often need substitute teachers. If he can teach other sciences in MYP that might be a bonus too.

How come he never took the CAPES in France if he's French so he could upgrade his teaching certificate? Presuming it wasn't the language barrier!

EAL stands for English as an Additional Language so yes, students from SE Asia and Europe are a great example to use, particularly if coming from national curriculums. It's something students coming into the IB system have to struggle with so if he's used to integrating students from different teaching approaches to one similar to the IB then that'd great.

Does Luxembourg require a teaching certificate for all teachers, even those in the independent sector? If so, I imagine that is what the school means.

He is, of course, free to apply, as long as he makes his status crystal clear.

I second what has been said about sub work. It can be invaluable.

A teaching certificate tends to only be issued for places you were authorised/registered to teach. The 'or equivalent' bit would make me think that they do mean your original certificate or teaching licence. He may have to get a bit of paper from NZ to show he was never de-registered for being naughty though.

Thanks both of you - have emailed the school to ask what it is they want.

MmeB, when you say 'as long as he makes his status crystal clear', do you think he should spell it out in the covering letter? I think at the moment he was going to put something to the effect that he had been a fully registered teacher in NZ when he was working there.

He can also teach chemistry...

As for the CAPES, he didn't want to waste a year doing all the study when the pass rate is only 17%, especially as he was always someone who scraped through academically, at least in France. And even if you do get a job, you can't choose where and they send new teachers to the grottiest schools. Just didn't appeal Instead he retrained as an optician and we lived in the south of France, but I wasn't expecting to get a job in Luxembourg back then!

I would just put worked in NZ as a fully registered teacher tbh. It's truthful and they should take it at face value.

Weta, I taught in independant schools and they were usually more flexible than state schools. Didn't require certification like state schools. Only wanted to know my experience, age groups, etc.

Hope you get a positive answer! good luck!

Thanks Rosietoes, will keep my fingers crossed!

The pool of qualified English speaking Physics and Chemistry teachers with relevant international experience isn't going to be huge in Luxembourg, so I think he should apply - I expect all they want is a teacher who is qualified and has experience rather than any old person.

Hi Bonsoir... yes, that's certainly what we're hoping! and I'm thinking Luxembourg probably isn't a highly sought-after destination for such teachers, not like the Côte d'Azur or Paris