I am often asked, "How can I find a good school to work for?"

So here are some things to look for and what to look out for when choosing a school. If you follow these steps, your chances of finding the right match will be much improved. There are LOTS of good jobs out there!


1. The first thing you should do when considering a job is to ask the employer for some contact email addresses of their current teacher(s). If the employer has a reason for not supplying the addresses to you, this should be a red flag.

Once you have the email addresses, ask the teacher's how long they have been there, why they are leaving (if it is relevant), what's a typical day like, how they found the job, how is their relationship with the school's director, about the materials used and the materials provided by the school, are they paid on time, have they fulfilled their contract, etc...

If a school has problems you will almost certainly hear about it from the teachers. There is one situation that comes to mind where a teacher might not be up front with you and that is if you will be the teacher that is prematurely replacing them. That is why you ask them if they have fulfilled their contract or are they quitting early. There might be some cause for concern if they are quitting early.


2. If a school is willing to hire you without talking to you on the telephone (if you are out of the country) or in person (if you are in country), this should be a red flag. Make sure that they are interested in talking to you either by telephone or in person.


3. Never sign a contract after you arrive. You can sign a contract from abroad either by going through the mail or by receiving the contract via email and faxing/mailing the signed copy back to them. If an employer offers you airfare and says to sign the contract when you arrive, go somewhere else.


4. When you are talking to your potential employer on the phone here are some things that you need to ask about.

• The curriculum, as in, do they have one? If they don't, that isn't necessarily a red flag but at least you will be prepared to create your own.
  
  
• Along with curriculum is materials and textbooks. Do they have them? What are they using? How about flashcards, listening cassettes, tape/CD player, supplemental resource books, copy machine, computer, printer, etc... Now, if an employer doesn't have all of these that isn't necessarily a red flag, it's just good to be aware of before you land.
  
  
• Teaching times and split shifts sometimes lead to frustrations and tension between the teachers and management. Make sure you are well aware of their schedule by talking to some of the current teachers. Additionally, many teachers have packed it in because they were required to do overtime. While the sweet 24hr/week contract looks great, make sure that is what you are really signing up for. See if overtime is mandatory or even available if you want to make some extra money. Also, check about weekend work. Do you mind working on Saturdays and Sundays?
  
  
• Where does the teaching actually take place. In one place or many? I know a teacher who was asked to teach not only at her institute but also at 4 other places, some over an hour away. If the employer does say there is off-campus work, how far is it away and do you get traveling money and moeny for travel time? A 15 minute walk to school does not constitute travel compensation, but an hour long taxi/bus/train ride might.
  
  
• How far is the school from western amenitites? If it's not important to you, skip it. Just remember, most contracts are 1 year and even the hardiest of travelers needs to escape back into their own culture every once in a while.
  
  
• How far is housing from the school?

5. While not necessary, I would prefer to see pictures of the school I am considering. Ask if they have a website or if they can send you some photos. You could also ask the teachers for this, but the director should not have any problem doing this for you.


This is by no means a comprehensive list. Please feel free to add to it.

Happy Job Hunting