American teachers in Singapore

north · Post by **north** » Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:22 pm

Hi. I will be transferred to Singapore in the next few months, and my wife will be coming with me. She has her masters degree and has taught in the U.S. for 8 years (elementary school). Does anyone have any advice regarding: ease of finding a teaching position; pay scale; chances of working at the American School; which other schools are likely to hire qualified American teachers? Most likely she will look to start the next school year, and could commit to at least 2 years.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Matney · Post by **Matney** » Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:59 pm

My best advice would be for your wife to apply and accept a position BEFORE she moves here, otherwise she will be put on a local package with NO benefits. She would get a housing allowance, travel back home and school fee reduction for any children(some schools will cover the complete cost). Schools should be hiring from now onwards for next year. Most contracts are for 2 years. She should check the websites of the different schools in Singapore and to check for vacancies there. Good luck!

north · Post by **north** » Thu, 10 Jan 2008 1:42 pm

Thanks! That's great advice - we were planning on applying once we arrived. Does anyone know (general) salary and expat packages that might be offered?

Matney · Post by **Matney** » Thu, 10 Jan 2008 8:51 pm

Each school will vary as far as salary and benefits. I have a masters and over 15 years experience in the USA and Australia schools. I taught in Singapore for 2 years, finishing June 2007. I had a salary of over 75,000 pa with a benefit of my 2 teenager's school fees reduced by half. I wasn't at the American school, but I believe they do pay 100% of your children's school fees. Your wife can apply with the American school or any of the other International Schools. Again good luck.

north · Post by **north** » Fri, 22 Feb 2008 5:37 am

Thanks again for the advice. With regards to salaries at International Schools, do they vary much? If you don't have children (and thus not need tuition discounts), could the pay be higher? I tried to find a more comprehensive discussion on teaching at int'l schools with little luck, but if someone could point me towards another post or online resource (or advise based on personal experience), i would appreciate that greatly. Thanks!

Hoista · Post by **Hoista** » Fri, 22 Feb 2008 4:54 pm

Generally speaking (my wife is an intl. teacher in japan).
Schools use pay scales, so the pay will be based on your wifes experience. The extras such as school tuition for children. etc. are seen as perks to encourage good teachers who have children to go international.

Therefore not having children is not relevant in negotiating pay. The schools need to keep status quo to keep teachers happy, so giving a less experienced teacher higher pay will definitely end up with a morale problem in the school. Hence the use of pay scales.

north · Post by **north** » Tue, 15 Apr 2008 8:55 am

Do "local" contracts at the International Schools generally give health care benefits? retirement contributions? Thanks in advance...

Matney · Post by **Matney** » Wed, 16 Apr 2008 8:36 am

At the school where I worked, I was hired as a 'local' as my family were already living in Singapore due to husband's employment. I received a health policy of approx. $300 for doctor's visits. Never needed to use the hospital, so I can't comment on that. My children's school fee were cut in half. That's it. It would be to your advantage to land the job outside of Singapore: being hired as an expat.

As far as retirement, you are on your own. I could be wrong, but there is no retirement scheme for expats working in Singapore. You are expected to be responsible enough to stash it($$) away yourself.

SINGAPORE EXPATS FORUM
Singapore Expat Forum and Message Board for Expats in Singapore & Expatriates Relocating to Singapore

American teachers in Singapore

American teachers in Singapore

Who is online