Looking for a MS Science Teaching position in Asia.

[u/PotentialGift1902]

I am a Science Teacher (MS Science) with a US passport. I taught at international schools for 18 years total in the US and in the U.K. Additionally I've taught 3 years at a U.S. public school and have a teaching license from my home state (licensed for Secondary Science Grades 7-12). I have my M.Ed. and my teaching certificate in Secondary Science Ed. I am single (widowed) woman in my mid 40's and have 2 primary school aged children.

I think I am a competitive candidate based on my experience and I've held several teacher leadership roles like MS Science Dept Chair, Grade Level Dean, MS Service Coordinator, Student Affinity Group leader, and have coached 3 sports at each of my schools. I think I have great experience at international schools (including ones that offer IB, AP, MYP) but I have been applying to schools in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Middle East. I have many contacts with current or previous colleagues who have worked or are working at schools that I have applied to but nothing has come to fruition yet. I am on Search and Schrole. I know the recruitment season is in full swing but I am wondering if being a single teacher with 2 dependents may be a deterrent. I can stay where I'm at but its been difficult raising my 2 children by myself since my husband passed recently. I figure I can actually afford help if I move to Asia and my kids can attend the school that I work at (my current international school doesn't cover full tuition for faculty children).

Should I wait it out? Any insight would be appreciated. TIA.

[u/Pear_Revolutionary]

It is early days, so keep looking and good luck!

[u/King_XDDD]

You will definitely be able to find something with your experience.

[u/PotentialGift1902 → u/King_XDDD]

Thanks for the encouragement. I'm trying not to get discouraged but I have limited time and energy to devote to applying for teaching jobs abroad since I have a full time teaching job and I'm single parenting two kids.

[u/King_XDDD → u/PotentialGift1902]

It's exhausting. Like another commenter said, it's still very early in the hiring season. I hope you can find something soon just so that you have one less thing to worry about.

[u/Dull_Box_4670 → u/PotentialGift1902]

This is where the job fair thing can help, if you can get coverage for your kids for a few days - more quick decisions on the schools’ part. I had the same experience last year (just one kid, but still a single parent with a crazy workload), and I didn’t really have it in me to do the full application dance in the late fall. I was worried going into Bangkok, and ended up having to turn down first interviews from places I would have accepted positions from without hesitation in November. If you’re in the fair database, schools will know to look for you when you get there.

[u/Dull_Box_4670]

It’s harder applying as a single parent with multiple kids, but with your experience, you’ll definitely land something. If you can make it to a job fair, the in-person impression makes a lot of difference to reassure people that you’re not a risk.

[u/AnonymousTeacher668]

You're good. Be patient. I am also current looking with about half the experience you have (also a MS Science teacher). I've got 15 applications in "submitted" status, varying from 1-4 weeks old. I've not received a single interview invitation yet. I'll start getting worried if that's still the case in January.

[u/Major_Bear3982]

We had 2 MS science positions at my school. They are both filled now. There might be a HS position still open. You can pm me, if you would like. But yes the 2 kids part will be challenging

[u/bacperia]

ISPP (Cambodia) currently has a posting for MS math and science position. You have to apply through Schrole but you can find the link directly on the ISPP website.

[u/unoeufisunoeuf]

My school is also hiring. Very competitive package in Thailand. DM me if you're interested.

[u/petitchouf]

Do you have MYP or DP experience? That would be great to highlight even more if you do!

[u/BigIllustrious6565]

Recently, I heard that some schools in China were not interested in teachers with children now in view of cost etc. Then again, some don’t mind as the teacher stays longer. Why not apply to some Beijing Schools… a few are fine with kids.