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Western Academy of Beijing

Apr21
2011 Leave a Comment Written by admin

The Western Academy of Beijing is a non-profit, co-educational day school that provides educational services for students from Nursery to Grade 12 (ages 3-18). WAB was founded in 1994. It is an IBO World School. WAB is accredited by the Council of International Schools, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the National Center for Curriculum and Textbook Development.

There are approximately 1,500 students from 57 countries and regions. US citizens make up the largest block of the student body followed by South Koreans, Brits and Australians. WAB has 187 teachers from around the world.

Mission
WAB has an incredible short and direct mission statement: “Connect, Inspire, Challenge, Make a Difference.” This is a mission that everyone can remember and direct their activities in the school towards. If you want to see how WAB describes their mission, check out their mission page.

Facilities
The school is built on a park-like campus and has six separate buildings: Early Childhood Center, Elementary School, Middle School, High School and the HUB Sports, Arts and Technology Center which is shared by the middle and high schools. The school also has the Miao Liang Environmental Education Center located in the Miyun Mountains. School facilities include: 3 gymnasiums, a swimming pool, Adrenalin Fitness Center, 2 Astroturf sports fields, an athletics track, 5 Tennis courts, indoor and outdoor basketball courts, 3 theaters, 3 libraries, computer labs, science labs, music, dance and drama studios, specialist classrooms and dining courts and cafes.

Curriculum
WAB is an IB World School with authorization to use the PYP, MYP and IB Diploma Programme. The IB programmes emphasize the interconnectedness of subjects and encourage students to develop higher-order thinking skills, positive attitudes and respect for other cultures.

Extra-curricular Activities
WAB has an extra-curricular program called WABX. These programs allow students to develop their interests and skills in areas outside of the normal parameters of the school curriculum. Among the activities offered are: interschool sports, band and drama, choir, student council, Model United Nations, social activities, arts and crafts and community service. Older students can participate in the several international sports associations, including the ISAC (International School Athletics Conference). Sports include tennis, basketball, swimming, soccer, volleyball and more. WAB offers a wide variety of opportunities for young athletes.

Technology
WAB is a high tech school and has been a leader in educational technology for years. The school integrates technology across the curriculum to help students. All students use wireless laptops as an essential tool in their daily learning. The Middle School works on a 1:1 laptop environment and most students own their own laptops; the rest borrow them from the school. High school students are required to have their own laptop.

Professional Development
Professional development is a high priority item at all IB World Schools. WAB strongly believes that by engaging in meaningful professional development activities, teacher will be better able to fulfil the school’s mission. PD activities at WAB center around IB workshops.

Employment
WAB wants teachers who are experienced and qualified, who fit WAB’s Philosophy and Values, who have a high level of professionalism and commitment to the school, who are child focused, who are team players, who are committed to professional growth, who are stable in their personal life and flexibile both inside and outside the classroom and who have experience in leading extra-curricular activities. Preference is given to teachers with training and experience in IB. Job openings are listed online. No information is available about what recruitment fairs the school attends. Try sending your CV and a letter of interest to hr@wab.edu.

Salaries are paid in the RMB and can be converted into most major currencies through the school’s association with a local bank. WAB has a 16-step salary schedule. New teachers may enter the schedule at Step 8 depending on their experience. Starting annual pay runs from RMB 332,919 to RMB 431,981. These are gross salaries from which Chinese income tax is deducted. The school website doesn’t mention just what the tax is. The salary schedule is available online. Benefits include relocation airfare, shipping charges and insurance, housing allowance, R&R travel allowance, child dependent benefit, child dependent tuition allowance, settling-in allowance, Chinese income taxes, pension, visa, residence permit and expert card, health insurance, personal accident and disability insurance and professional development.

Posted in asia, international schools, international teaching positions - Tagged , , , , , ,

American International School of Guangzhou

Mar25
2011 Leave a Comment Written by admin

The American International School of Guangzhou was founded in 1981 and was originally known as the American School of Guangzhou. AISG is an independent, co-educational day school that serves students from Preschool through Grade 12. The school has a 180-day academic year. AISG is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is registered with the People’s Republic of China as a School for Foreign Children. AISG is a member of the East Asian Regional Council of Schools, the Association of China and Mongolia International Schools, and the Council of International Schools. The American International School of Guangzhou is an IB World School and is authorized to offer the PYP and the Diploma Program. For those of you who don’t keep up with modern China, Guangzhou is the former city of Canton.

The school has approximately 1000 students that represent 38 nationalities with about 22% of the student population holding American citizenship. Class sizes range from 17-20 in the Elementary and Middle Schools to 8-22 in the High School. AISG employs over 100 teachers from around the world.

Mission
AISG has a simple, yet wonderful, mission – to nurture students to aspire and achieve. Great, I love this one. Working around that, AISG believes that all individuals have intrinsic worth, that individuals have the responsibility to work for the good of the community and to respect themselves, that learning is most effective in a secure, healthy and positive environment, and much more. Take a look at their beliefs online.

Facilities
AISG has purpose built facilities. The school is located in several sections of Guangzhou. The Elementary School is located on Ersha Island. Some of the facilities are: a gym, a computer lab, a library, an art room, a music room, a playing field and fifty classrooms.
The Middle School and High School are located in Science Park and has room for future expansion. The Middle and High Schools are housed in a brand new facility with room for expansion in Science Park, northeast of the city center. In addition to the facilities equal to those at the Elementary School, this campus also has three art rooms, three music rooms, and a theater. The campus is wireless.

Curriculum
The school has four divisions: Preschool, Elementary School, Middle School, and High School. AISG uses the PYP with primary age students. The Middle School uses a modified American curriculum that is suitable for an international school. The High School has an American curriculum and offers the IB Diploma and AP courses as well. Graduates from AISG earn an American high school diploma and/or the IB Diploma. Mandarin is a Second Language option at all grade levels. The SAT, PSAT and Iowa Test of Basic Skills are given to students each year. The school notes that their students have consistently high scores on these standardized tests.

Extra-curricular Activities
AISG offers a range of extra activities that supplement the academic program. These activities are organized along age groups and are supervised by the AISG faculty. Some of the extra-curricular activities offered at AISG include volleyball, basketball, soccer, rugby, badminton, drama, music, and the Model United Nations. AISG also sees community service as an important part of its program. Some community service activities are Habit for Humanity and working with mentally challenged adult.

Technology
AISG has an outstanding technology program. Beginning in August 2011, students in the Middle School will be working on a 1:1 program. The following year, this will be expanded to the High School. AISG expects students in the Elementary School to use portable digital devices like iPads in the future. This is another international school that is migrating to the Mac platform. You can read about their decision to go Mac on their technology page. There are over 700 computers in the school and both campuses are wireless. AISG believes in the integration of technology throughout the curriculum and they begin this in Kindergarten. The school employs a technology facilitator to help teachers with technology integration. Older students have the option of taking a variety of IT courses.

Professional Development
The AISG website only mentions that PD opportunities exist as one of the benefits of employment. I couldn’t find anything more specific on the site.

Employment
AISG is looking for teachings with the following qualifications: the minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree, teaching certification, three years experience, a willingness to sponsor extracurricular activities, experience teaching in an international setting, IB or AP experience is a plus but not required, and finally a desire to live in an exciting Asian city and culture. Due to Chinese law, teachers are not offered contracts after the age of 60 so candidates must be able to complete at least a two-year contract before they turn 60. Sorry, but this is one of the downsides to working overseas, we senior citizens have very limited options.

Salaries are paid 100% in United States dollars. Teachers do pay Chinese taxes from their salaries. Salaries run from $31,200 to $67,000 net depending on teaching experience and educational coursework. This includes a 10% retirement benefit. Additional benefits include health and life insurance, sick leave, professional development support, tuiton fee waivers for dependents, housing allowance, shipping and settling-in allowance, annual home leave and personal days. All in all, this sounds like a good package. The school website has an excellent new teacher’s orientation guide.

Openings are listed on the school website. AISG attends the ISS and Search recruiting fairs and lists openings on their websites and TIEonline. If you are interested in applying to AISG, send your resume and a cover letter as PDF attachments to jstucker@aisgz.org. Resumes should include at least three references with telephone numbers and email addresses.

About Guangzhou

Guangzhou has a population of 12 million and sits alongside the Pearl River. As Canton, the city has a long and colorful history, especially as a center of international trade, culture and intrigue. Hong Kong is only two hours away.

Guangzhou is filled with interesting things to do. In addition to traditional attractions such as markets and historical architecture, there are a many modern activities such as fitness clubs, cinemas, art galleries, zoos, restaurants, bars and pubs, and nightclubs.

The city has a number of medical and dental clinics that cater to the expat population. This is a great benefit because if you become ill or have persistent dental problems, having to travel somewhere else to get them taken care of can be time-consuming, expensive, and painful.

Posted in asia, expat employment, international schools, international teaching positions, teacher recruitement - Tagged , , ,

Shanghai American School

Mar02
2011 Leave a Comment Written by admin

International teaching opportunities seem to increase monthly as China continues on at its phenomenal growth rate. Today I cover a school that has a long history in China and offers an excellent opportunity for the international teacher.

Shanghai American School was founded in 1912 and closed in 1949 after the Revolution. It was reopened in 1980 and provides educational services for students from Pre-K through Grade 12. SAS is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is an IB World School with authorization to offer the IB Diploma.

SAS is the largest international school in China. It has over 3,000 students that represent over 40 nationalities. The maximum class size is 18 and students are mixed to create a balance according to ability, gender, nationality, ability, and background. The school’s 373 teachers come mainly from the United States and Canada. Approximately 60% have a Masters degree.

Mission
The SAS mission is to help develop student potential in cooperation with parents so that each student reaches a balance of the academic, physical, social, emotional and ethical spheres of life and become life long learners.

Facilities
SAS has two campuses: the Pudong campus on the east side of Shanghai and the Puxi campus on the west side. The East Campus in Pudong was opened in 1998 and has facilities for students from PreK3 to Grade 12. It has large classrooms, a Library and Media Center, a new food court, and Art and Science building, an auditorium, playing fields, and 2 gyms. The West Campus in Puxi has separate buildings for the elementary, middle and high school students. It has large classrooms, IT and science labs, project areas, specialist rooms, library and media centers for all age groups, a black box theatre, a Performing Arts Center and athletic facilities including an outdoor track, playing fields, an aquatic center and 3 gyms.

image: Wechselberger

Curriculum
SAS uses an American-based core curriculum with the IB diploma and Advance Placement classes for high school students. The curriculum, based on the most current research, is aligned on both campuses so that students receive the same education. The outstanding facilities that SAS offers enhances the curriculum and allows teachers to work with students on an individualized basis to allow them to reach their full potential.

Extra-curricular Activities
SAS offers a wide variety of after school activities for students at all grade levels on both campuses. Three sessions are offered per year. Activities include arts, sports, and academics. Older students can participate in the Model United Nations and participate in activities sponsored by the Asian Pacific Activities Conference and the Association of China and Mongolia International Schools.

Technology at SAS
SAS recognizes the importance of technology in education, and they focus on teaching students 21st Century Literacy skills. To accomplish this, the school has a 1:1 laptop program for students in the middle and high schools, elementary classrooms have desktops and laptops along with interactive whiteboards and digital video projectors. Teachers are supplied with laptops as well. Technology is integrated in all curricula.

Professional Development
SAS has an excellent PD program that includes working on technology integration and curriculum mapping.

Employment at SAS
Teaching candidates for positions at SAS should be certified, experienced, willing to support the mission and goals of the school, and are able to work collaboratively towards creating an outstanding academic program. Salaries range from $30,657 to $54,476 with up to 15% paid in local currency. Benefits include retirement, medical, shipping, relocation allowance, housing and utilities, long-term disability, wellness allowance, home leave, sick leave, personal leave, bereavement leave, and end of contract completion bonus. The school hires singles and couples.

SAS attends the major recruitment fairs. Open positions are posted on the school website. Teachers who would like to submit an application should include a personal statement that describes why they want to work in Shanghai and how they can contribute to the school along with their experience in curriculum mapping and technology integration, a CV, and two letters of reference. These should be sent to the Human Resources Department at HumanResources@saschina.org.

Posted in asia, international schools, international teaching positions - Tagged , , ,

The International School of Macao

Feb11
2011 Leave a Comment Written by admin

The International School of Macao (TIS) was founded in 2002 to provide a Canadian curriculum for both local and expatriate students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. The primary language of instruction is English. TIS is accredited by the Alberta provincial government and students graduate from TIS with an Alberta High School Diploma. TIS offers boarding facilities for students from Grade 7-12.

40% of TIS students are local (Macao, Hong Kong, China) and 60% are from 40 other countries. There are 60 full-time teachers and 2 administrators. The average class size is 18. The school currently has 850 students with a capacity of 900.

Mission
Every school these days has to have written somewhere on their website their commitment to lifelong learning. TIS is no exception. They follow up this homily with five things that they want to teach students: Judgment, Critical thinking, Meaningful literacy, Collaboration, and Service. It’s good to see that they have some concrete words to back up their clichés.

Facilities
The school moved into a new purpose built facility in 2006. TIS has three buildings that consist of a five story classroom block, a three story central core, and a to story wing that has a multi-purpose hall attached to it. So maybe that makes four buildings. There are three science labs, two computer labs, open common areas, two libraries, and visual art and music studios. They also have playgrounds, a football stadium, a playing field, and three basketball courts. Of course, there are also classrooms that are sufficient for 900 students.

Curriculum
TIS uses the curriculum from Alberta, Canada. The OECD Programme for International Student Assessment is given to students at TIS. The program works from a language arts base along with the integration of technology. The academic curriculum is blended with excellent educational resources, a creative staff and varied extra-curricular activities. Students that graduate from TIS easily fit back in to their home educational system.

Extra-curricular Activities
TIS has a wide variety of activities in three sessions annually. Activities include clubs, visual arts, performing arts, music, student council and athletics. Students can participate in competitive sports such as basketball, soccer, badminton, tennis, swimming and track and field with schools from around China.

Technology
TIS is another school that has come to understand that technology is an integral part of education in the 21st century. All the classrooms have computers that are connected to the school network. There are computer labs and wireless laptops that can be used in the classrooms that have wireless access.

Professional Development
The school has two PD days per year. Teachers have a PD allowance that they can use for conferences, courses, and other PD opportunities.

Employment
So what about teaching at TIS? Some of the professional benefits include: daily collaborative planning time, small class sizes, extensive Canadian resources, state of the art technology and a new school facility.

Benefits include medical insurance, sick days, professional development allowance, a housing allowance, and more. The school website lists all positions that are open for the coming academic year.

About Macau
Macau is a multicultural city with a fast growing economy. This is a former Portuguese colony and is one of the two special administrative regions (SARs) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) along with Hong Kong.

Macau’s (or Macao) economy is heavily geared towards tourism, especially gambling. Macau is expected to receive over 24 million tourists in 2007. Other industries include banking, and export-oriented textile manufacturing.

Macau has a population of just over 500,000, and yet is one of the most densely populated places on the planet. The weather is temperate with an average around 72 degrees Fahrenheit. I’ve always wanted to visit Macau; what better way to get to know it than to teach there.

Posted in expat employment, international schools, international teaching positions - Tagged , , ,

Hong Kong Academy

Nov21
2009 Leave a Comment Written by admin

Hong Kong Academy was founded in 2000. It provides education services for students from Pre-K through Grade 10 with plans to add two more grades in the next two years. It is an independent, non-profit, co-educational day school. HKA is accredited by WASC and has authorization for using the PYP from the IBO.

The school has a low student/teacher ratio and classes are kept to a maximum of 18 in the Primary School. Students are predominantly expatriates.

Mission
The mission of HKA is to provide an excellent international education by nurturing and developing students to think critically, be ethical and work to develop themselves as individuals as well as members of the global community.

Facilities
HKA is located on Hong Kong island on the campus of the former Lingnan College. The school has an indoor sports hall, an art room, a library, computer and science labs. HKA is in the process of finding a new location for a new purpose built school.

Extra Curricular Activities
The school has a wide variety of after school activities. Some of these activities include: arts and crafts, chess, choir, dance, soccer, tennis, cricket, golf and more.

Curriculum
HKA uses an international curriculum that draws from the best teaching practices around the world. Teachers use an inquiry based approach. The Middle/High School employs a traditional specialist based approach with block scheduling, electives, and a lap top program. The Primary School uses the PYP, and the Middle/High School has candidate status for the MYP and IB Diploma.

photo by dice

photo by dice

Technology
HKA is heavily invested in using technology and integrating it throughout the curriculum. It has a one-to-one laptop program for students from Grade 6 and up. All teachers who work with students from grades 6-9 also have Macbooks. Students from fifth grade through eighth grade have electronic portfolios and the school is developing digital portfolios for students in the lower grades as well. HKA has a large number of Mac laptops and has some wireless capabilities on the campus. Every classroom has ceiling mounted LCD projectors as well as desktop computers.

Professional Development
HKA is committed to professional development. It uses a variety of approaches to PD including inservice, professional conferences, and visiting consultants. In addition to school planned PD, teachers are given individual professional development allowances. The school closes early every Wednesday for PD sessions that include team planning. Additionally, HKA has a partnership with Lehigh University that provides onsite graduate courses for teachers. This is a school that obviously places a high value on professional development.

Employment
This is a school that is not afraid to be quite upfront about the pay scale, benefits, and expectations for teachers. HKA is looking for teachers that are certified in their home country, are committed to professional development, have at least two years of experience, and are innovative.

The school lists openings on its website. Applications are taken throughout the year. HKA attends the main recruitment fairs although the majority of its teachers are hired at fairs in Asia and North America.

Interested teachers can send a letter of interest, a resume, and supporting documentation such as a statement of philosophy and letters of recommendation along with a recent photo and send it to:
Dr. Andy Page-Smith, Director
by e-mail to recruitment@hkacademy.edu.hk or
fax to (852) 2891-4461

The school has a salary schedule online. Salaries run from a low of USD 32,000 for beginning teachers to a high of USD 62,000. Teachers have to pay taxes on their salaries; these can run from 9-12% of your income.

Benefits include: a housing allowance, economy airfare at beginning and end of contract, economy airfare to home of record for summer leave, matching 10% retirement contribution, 10 sick days per year, international medical and hospitalization insurance, workers compensation, free tuition for dependents, work and residency visas, relocation allowance of HK$ 6,000 per single and HK$ 10,000 per couple, annual professional development allowance of HK$ 8,500 that can be accumulated for up to three years, free Mandarin lessons, shipping allowance of HK$ 8,000, a maximum of five days of leave to attend recruiting fairs, bereavement leave, and personal leave.

Once I took a look at this school’s website and what they have to offer in terms of curriculum, salary, benefits and an environment that sounds welcoming to teachers, I wished that I was younger and still looking for employment.

Posted in international schools, international teaching positions - Tagged ,
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