Calling all teachers - current and retired
By Tony Watts - Editor - 31/01/2007
If your career has been spent in teaching, and whether you’re retired or just thinking about a change, don’t pack away your chalk and duster quite yet: your skills and experience are still very much in demand. We have news of two organisations keen to talk to you.
When Rudi Powell was about to retire after 35 years of teaching in various schools including the last 10 years as a head of science in Penarth, he heard of a job opportunity in Vienna International School in Austria.
He’d always wanted to work abroad but with a good job and two children he decided to stay in Wales. Following the advice and encouragement of Angie and Andrew Wigford who run TIC (Teachers International Consultancy) and who had both taught at the school, he took up the post to teach chemistry in Vienna.
“I had been walking along those same Penarth streets, to and from work, for quite a few years and felt I could do with a change. Six weeks later I was a city dweller and working at a school that takes students from over 80 nationalities taught through the medium of English, all preparing for the IB (International Baccalaureate) Diploma.
“I had worked in a very successful school in Penarth and this experience was very useful in my new school, where students were also highly motivated and disciplined. Some students came to the school with little or no English, but within months they appeared to overcome this and make remarkable progress. I had never previously worked with the IB Diploma, but it is similar to A-level in standard though broader with more scope for special options and projects.”
Rudi’s advice to other teachers considering teaching in international schools is “Go for it. There are so many opportunities. I would however advise anyone considering this option to find out more about the school, location, conditions, teaching duties and accommodation. This is where the advice I received from Teachers International Consultancy, with their teaching experience, contacts and first hand knowledge was so useful.”
For more information about Teachers International Consultancy, call 029 2021 2083 or log onto the link below.
It’s exam time
The National Assessment Agency is seeking examiners in 2007 among retired teachers and lecturers, and others with subject specialisms.
Getting the results their work deserves in exams and national curriculum tests is vital to the future of young people. And the success of the examination system in this country depends upon the willingness of active or retired teachers to examine them as well. Last year the National Assessment Agency and the awarding bodies who set and market the exams had a record 63,000 applicants. But they still need more in 2007, especially in the key areas of English, history and religious studies.
For teachers retiring or taking a career break, examining offers an ideal opportunity to keep in touch with their field and changes to their subject. And it allows them to network with others at a potentially isolating time in their career.
It’s easy to get more information and to apply online – by visiting the link below - or calling 0870 0600 622.