Career Development

What Does an International School Teacher Do?

Find out what an international school teacher does, how to get this job, and what it takes to succeed as an international school teacher.

International school teachers are responsible for teaching students from a variety of backgrounds about the subjects they’re interested in. They may teach English as a second language, math, science, social studies, or other topics depending on the needs of their students and school.

International school teachers must be able to effectively communicate with students who speak different languages and have varying cultural backgrounds. They also need to be flexible and adaptable—different schools have different standards and expectations when it comes to curriculum, grading systems, etc.

International School Teacher Job Duties

International school teachers typically have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

  • Creating lesson plans and teaching students using various teaching methods such as hands-on activities, lectures, or discussions
  • Developing specific objectives for each lesson and evaluating the effectiveness of the lesson afterwards
  • Providing academic counseling to students who are having difficulties in their studies
  • Providing individualized attention to students with special needs or disabilities
  • Using technology to enhance learning opportunities for students, such as providing online lessons or having students submit homework via email or websites
  • Creating a safe environment for students by following school policies and procedures related to discipline
  • Participating in staff meetings and other activities that promote teamwork among teachers
  • Creating materials for classroom use, such as textbooks, worksheets, and handouts
  • Maintaining discipline and order in the classroom by enforcing rules and procedures

International School Teacher Salary & Outlook

International school teachers’ salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the country or city in which they work.

  • Median Annual Salary: $47,000 ($22.6/hour)
  • Top 10% Annual Salary: $70,500 ($33.89/hour)

The employment of international school teachers is expected to grow at an average rate over the next decade.

The need to teach English to children who are new immigrants or whose parents are new immigrants will continue to drive demand for international school teachers. In addition, the increasing number of international students in the United States and the expansion of study-abroad programs may lead to more jobs for international school teachers.

International School Teacher Job Requirements

To become an international school teacher, you will likely need to have the following:

Education: Most international school teachers have at least a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field. Some international schools prefer teachers who have a master’s degree in education or a related field.

Many international schools also require teachers to have a teaching certificate. Candidates can earn a teaching certificate by completing a teacher preparation program. These programs typically take two years to complete and include coursework in education, child development and classroom management.

Training & Experience: International school teachers must complete a teacher training program before they begin working in their position. These programs are typically one to two years long and include coursework in teaching methods, classroom management, lesson planning and more.

Certifications & Licenses: All international school teachers are required to have a recognized teaching certificate. There are several international recognized certificates that you can pursue.

International School Teacher Skills

International school teachers need the following skills in order to be successful:

Communication: Communication is another crucial skill for international school teachers. They must be able to communicate with students, parents and administrators. They must also be able to communicate effectively in a classroom full of students from different countries.

Organization: Organization is another skill that can be useful for international school teachers. This is because they often have to plan and prepare lessons for their students, grade assignments and maintain student records. Being able to stay organized can help you save time and be more efficient in your work.

Collaboration: Collaboration is the ability to work with others to achieve a common goal. As an international school teacher, you may work with colleagues from other countries and backgrounds. Being able to collaborate with them can help you work more efficiently and build stronger relationships.

Patience: Patience is another skill that can help international school teachers be more successful in the classroom. Children may have different learning styles, learning speeds or behavioral patterns than other students, which can make it important for teachers to be patient with their students. This can help them create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and allow students to feel comfortable asking questions or expressing their thoughts.

Creativity: Creativity is another skill that can help international school teachers engage their students. They can use their creativity to develop engaging lesson plans and activities that keep their students interested in the subject matter. Creativity can also help them find ways to make learning fun for their students.

International School Teacher Work Environment

International school teachers typically work in a school setting, teaching students from a variety of cultural backgrounds. They may also travel to other countries to teach or conduct research. International school teachers typically work a standard 40-hour workweek, although they may work longer hours to prepare for classes and to grade papers and exams. They may also have to work weekends and evenings to attend school functions or to meet with parents. International school teachers typically have summers off, although some may teach summer school or conduct research during this time.

International School Teacher Trends

Here are three trends influencing how international school teachers work. International school teachers will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

More Focus on STEM Education

As the world becomes increasingly more technological, schools are placing a greater emphasis on teaching students about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). This trend is likely to continue as more and more businesses require employees with these skills.

International school teachers can capitalize on this trend by becoming experts in STEM education. They can also help to create a culture of innovation and creativity in their schools.

The Rise of Online Learning

The rise of online learning is a trend that is quickly changing the educational landscape. As more and more students choose to take classes online, teachers will need to learn how to teach effectively in this format.

International school teachers can utilize this trend by developing expertise in online teaching methods. This includes understanding how to use technology to enhance student engagement and create a positive learning environment. In addition, international school teachers should be prepared to work with students from around the world who may have different cultural norms when it comes to learning.

More Emphasis on Cultural Understanding

As globalization continues to impact our world, there is an increasing demand for people who can understand and communicate with people from different cultures. This is especially true in the business world, where successful communication is often the key to success.

International school teachers can capitalize on this trend by developing strong cultural understanding skills. By doing so, they will be able to better prepare their students for the global economy.

How to Become an International School Teacher

A career as an international school teacher can be a rewarding and challenging experience. It’s important to do your research before applying for any teaching position, but especially one that is located abroad. You should consider the school’s philosophy, curriculum, and student body; its location; and its reputation within the education community.

You should also think about what you want out of your teaching career. Do you want to work with students from different cultures and backgrounds? Do you want to travel and see new places? Do you want to teach in a multicultural environment? These are all important factors to consider when choosing a school and a teaching position.

Advancement Prospects

International school teachers can find opportunities to move into leadership and management positions within their schools. Some may also choose to move into education consulting or start their own international school.

International School Teacher Job Description Example

We are looking for an experienced teacher to join our team at the [School Name] international school. The ideal candidate will have a passion for teaching and a strong commitment to helping students reach their full potential. They will be responsible for planning and delivering lessons, as well as assessing and reporting on student progress. They will also be expected to contribute to the wider life of the school community, including extracurricular activities. The successful candidate will be a native English speaker with a recognized teaching qualification and a minimum of two years’ teaching experience.

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Develop and teach engaging lessons that meet the needs of all students in the class
  • Use a variety of assessment methods to monitor student progress and adjust instruction accordingly
  • Maintain accurate and complete records of student progress and development
  • Communicate effectively with parents/guardians about student progress and development
  • Develop positive relationships with students, parents/guardians, and colleagues
  • Serve as a positive role model for students
  • Follow all school policies and procedures
  • Participate in professional development opportunities
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the school administration
  • Teach classes in a culturally responsive manner that is respectful of the diverse backgrounds of the students in the class
  • Be aware of and comply with the rules and regulations set forth by the school district and state
  • Work cooperatively with others to maintain a positive work environment

Required Skills and Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in education or related field
  • Teaching certification from country of origin
  • 2+ years teaching experience
  • Cross-cultural sensitivity and ability to adapt to new environments
  • Flexibility and willingness to learn new things
  • Creativity and a positive attitude

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in education or related field
  • 4+ years teaching experience
  • Experience living and working in multiple countries
  • Native English speaker
  • Fluency in another language

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