International schools are well-known for their progressive and futuristic teaching and learning styles. They are not only progressive about holistic development of students, but also for the professional development of teachers. This is one of the many reasons teachers aspire to teach in international schools.
However, to keep up with their credibility, international schools look for teachers who are trustworthy and skilled and can fit perfectly into the teaching environment of the school. They want competent teachers who have the desired knowledge, skills and right attitude to teach the students. So, if you are a teacher who wants to grow in your career and are looking for a job in a top tier international school, keep reading to know in detail what these schools look for in their teachers.
Leadership skills are one of the most important things that top schools look for in their teachers. Afterall, a good teacher is always a good leader too. They want educators who can take up charge and extra responsibilities that may come their way with a positive and fearless attitude. Not only the leadership skills help the teachers, but when students are surrounded by strong-headed role models in the form of their teachers, they are more likely to learn and implement those behaviours. And, this helps to enhance and improve the quality of teaching and learning in the classroom.
Communication skills have become a crucial and desirable characteristic in any candidate irrespective of the profession. So, it is not an understatement that ‘you can’t be a good teacher if you’re not a good communicator’. Communication skills are the most important skills required for the teaching profession. International schools want their teachers to be the best communicators.
The difference between a good teacher and an excellent teacher is the ability to adapt to any situation seamlessly. In a classroom, there are various situations where students might need guidance and support while learning new topics and working on projects. In situations like this and more, it becomes the responsibility of the teacher to address the concerns of learners and resolve their queries.
There are many instances and moments in a teacher’s life where they are required to help out students in complex situations. So, having a problem-solving mindset is a necessary attribute in teachers that International schools look for. Problem-solving skills include learning how to deal with conflicts, reacting in stressful situations and taking the right action to reach a solution.
Apart from the above-mentioned skills, willingness to be a part of the school community is another major characteristic that international schools look for. They want teachers who understand their culture and can integrate well with the institution. The path to acquiring a job in a top international school isn’t easy but is definitely worth all the hard work that you put in.
Technology is a very powerful tool that enables effective teaching and learning. If not used safely, it can prove to be highly destructive.
We hear all the time, be accountable towards your learners, ‘go the extra mile’, ‘bend over backwards’ for them, ‘go above and beyond’. Accountability towards learners may sometimes seem like going the extra mile, but it is not.
Think about everything you need to be, do and know as a teacher. If you are committed to being, doing and knowing the things that you should, you are an accountable teacher.
