working at a local vs. int'l school

[Brandy]

Hello,

Could anybody share some experience or offer advice as to the advantages/disadvantages of teaching at local vs. International Schools?

I'm not planning to move to SG until next summer but would like to prepare to start a teaching job in Aug/Sept, so won't have too much time by the time I return to start the search I imagine.

Also, if anybody knows how rigid they are about teaching experience. I hear 2-5 years everywhere I look. I have a master's in teaching from the states and I'm licensed, but do not have a lot of classroom experience aside from my practicum, tutoring [and teaching ESL in Japan for 5 years].

Thank you!

[lovetolove]

From what I hear, local salaries are around $ SGD 2000-3000 and working at an International School somewhere around $ SGD 7000. personally, I wouldn't go near a local school if I were you. But that's just me.

[k1w1]

It's doubtful that you will get work in an International School without more experience. Some people have managed to land jobs with no experience, but they were already in Singapore, so they don't get any expat benefits (this is good for the school too, as this saves them money).

Same deal with the MOE. Don't imagine they would hire you without some more experience. The salaries for expats are not as low as the above quote though - that wouldn't even be enough to support an employment pass application. With a Masters degree, you could try the Junior Colleges (which is essentially grade 11 and 12) as they pay far more lucratively.

My advice is to work at home for a couple of years and see what you can get then.