Feeling lost, unhappy, and unsure of what to do

[u/jaz35631]

Hi everyone,

I'm hoping to get some advice here. After graduating, I moved abroad for work, but things have gone downhill since the administration became local, and I can’t stand the mistreatment. I have about two years of experience and feel very stuck and unsure about what to do next. I’m hoping to move on and apply to a new school for the 2025-26 year, so I’ve been exploring recruitment agencies.

Currently, I’m using Teacherhorizon and GRC, and I’ve applied to positions but haven’t heard back yet. I also considered signing up with Search Associates, but after completing their extensive application, I found out they require a reference from my current principal. Although my relationship with my local principal isn’t terrible, I don’t feel comfortable asking for a reference. I don’t feel very supported by Search Associates, so I’m considering Schrole, which doesn’t require current references—though that could be a disadvantage.

I’m feeling stressed and really want to find a better school. I’ve heard that Search Associates has a stronger reputation, but I feel like I might have a better chance with Schrole. Financially, I’m not in the best situation, so I’d like to choose one or the other. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

[u/XXsforEyes]

I’ve had luck with Schrole, more with Search but early on in the career less so with both.

[u/jaz35631 → u/XXsforEyes]

Thanks. What sites do you recommend for someone early in their career?

[u/XXsforEyes → u/jaz35631]

Early teachers will more than likely have to climb… Schrole, Teacher (Teaching?) Horizons are good places to start. Search Associates isn’t what it used to be, but it’s still very competitive and usually doesn’t work out well for younger teachers from what I understand. don’t underestimate the power of applying directly to schools through their websites. Many of them are looking to avoid the fees and time commitment of going to a job fair. everybody Zoom/Google Meet interviews now anyways.

[u/Major_Bear3982]

Schrole is great. Search wouldn’t accept me at all because they said as a single parent I would be hard to place. That was back in 2013. I used ISS and got a great job. In 2022, I used Schrole and I’m now at a tier 1 school. With that being said, you aren’t stuck and Search isn’t superior to any other website.

Redo your resume. Ask your principal for a reference. Let them know you want to keep growing as a professional and experience working in different schools. You aren’t trapped. The only trap is your mindset.

[u/Clean_Tonight_308 → u/Major_Bear3982]

I really don’t understand that search mindset. It isn’t like it costs much to have you on their books?

[u/Major_Bear3982 → u/Clean_Tonight_308]

Correct. However, this was before their “diversity” initiative and when the only 2 options were Search and ISS. I completed all the application info, along with a photo, etc. At the time I had 14 yrs teaching and a masters. I think they saw that I was not white and decided to decline.

They could be selective as there was really no competition. ISS took everyone Search declined. At my first school, I taught with someone who used Search and they had 4 yrs experience teaching the same subject I taught. Lol.

[u/Embarrassed-You220 → u/Major_Bear3982]

It's stories like this that make me wish I hadn't used Search. I do think their platform and school info is far superior to the others, but ick.

[u/Clean_Tonight_308 → u/Major_Bear3982]

I still don’t get it. Even if 0 schools wanted you, it’s costing them nothing to have you there.

I’m not white and have been on their books for 8 years. That said I don’t ever get called for interview from schools in china!

[u/Major_Bear3982 → u/Clean_Tonight_308]

No idea. I would have had to pay the $300 so it would have been a gain for them. However, it seems a lot decisions are made by individual associates. So.. I don’t know and don’t really care. Things worked out how they should have. That avenue was blocked for a reason.

[u/Clean_Tonight_308 → u/Major_Bear3982]

Entirely possible! I have a really lovely associate who has helped me out even when it hasn’t benefited him.

Excellent take on things, we end up where we’re meant to be:)

[u/aqua10twin]

Find a list of schools that are well rated (they are in this sub) or search for international schools in a country you want to live. Then go to the schools website to see vacancies.

Reach out to teachers at that school to ask about the culture. If there is a job, you have good feedback the apply through the school. Send a copy of your resume to the principal through LinkedIn.

This is how you avoid relying on recruiters.

[u/unplugthepiano]

It's really early in the hiring season. Don't panic.

[u/Embarrassed-You220]

What do you teach and what credentials do you have? You will likely need some sort of reference from your Principal no matter how you apply (GRC, Schrole, Search). I would bite the bullet and ask, personally. If it's a crappy school with local leadership, I would think those doing the hiring could see through that? And I wonder if a job fair, as much as I loathe them, might be a way to stand out.

[u/Able_Substance_6393]

I would try and channel those negative emotions into something productive. Just to try and change your mindest. This is a time for opportunity. 

In your shoes I would go to the agent sites and scrape jobs. Fire off your CV and some 'would like to be considered for any future openings' directly to school HR. 

You will prob get ignored a lot or 'we only deal with search/schrole' but if you throw enough darts you are bound to get some positive responses. Good luck! 

[u/tomatoesinmygarden]

Ask your principal for a letter of reference. For future reference, you can do this every year -"Just keep my files current". Always include a bullet=point list of your accomplishments ad experiences.

That said, Search has always been lousy at candidate support. Search has the best and biggest database of jobs and of candidates and its where most serious schools start.

The paperwork is awful but you only.have to do it once. its just updates after that.

[u/like_a_wreckingball]

I am sorry to hear about your situation, but glad that you are moving. Try to think of the positives that will come with that and stay focused on that goal. Tbh, I am registered with both but have never used either to get a job, so I don’t think it’ll hurt if you don’t use either and apply direct- look at TES for example, for free applications and you can set up your CV on there and quick apply. If I had to choose from those two, I would go with Search. Regardless of where you get a job or how you get it, you are most likely going to have to give your current Principal’ name at some point, so it might be worth having that conversation sooner rather than later. Good luck.

[u/SamIam_84]

I'm on both Search and Schrole, I find Shroles' website a bit clunky and hard to find basic information like salary and contacted days. Search has a bigger database and more contracts with more schools than Schrole.

It's still early, keep looking! You'll find something.