Teaching is a noble profession, and teaching in an international school in Singapore is a unique experience that combines the joy of educating young minds with the thrill of living in a vibrant, multicultural city. But to land a teaching job in one of Singapore’s prestigious international schools, you need more than just a passion for teaching. You need specific qualifications that meet the high standards of these institutions. In this blog post, we will explore the top five qualifications that are essential for teaching in an international school in Singapore.
1. Bachelor’s Degree in Education
A Bachelor’s Degree in Education is the basic qualification required to teach in any school, including international schools. This degree equips you with the necessary knowledge and skills to teach effectively. It covers a wide range of subjects, including child psychology, curriculum development, and teaching methodologies.
Having a degree in education is akin to a chef having a culinary degree. It’s the foundation upon which your teaching career is built. It’s also worth noting that some international schools in Singapore may require a degree in a specific subject area, especially for secondary school teachers.
2. Teaching Certification
Having a teaching certification is another must-have qualification for teaching in international schools in Singapore. This certification is proof that you have undergone professional training and are qualified to teach. It’s like a driver’s license for teachers. Without it, you won’t be allowed to teach, no matter how good you are.
There are various types of teaching certifications available, such as the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in the UK or the Teacher Certification Program in the US. The type of certification required may vary depending on the curriculum followed by the international school.
3. International Baccalaureate (IB) Training
Many international schools in Singapore follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. Therefore, having IB training can significantly increase your chances of landing a teaching job in these schools. IB training equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to teach the IB curriculum effectively.
Think of IB training as a specialised tool in your teaching toolkit. Just as a carpenter needs specific tools to create intricate woodwork, a teacher needs specific training to teach the IB curriculum.
4. Experience in Teaching
Experience is a crucial qualification when it comes to teaching in international schools. Most schools prefer teachers with at least two years of teaching experience. This is because experienced teachers are often better equipped to handle the challenges of teaching in a multicultural environment.
Teaching experience is like seasoning in cooking. Just as food tastes better with the right amount of seasoning, a teacher becomes better with the right amount of experience.
5. Cultural Sensitivity
Teaching in an international school in Singapore means dealing with students from various cultural backgrounds. Therefore, cultural sensitivity is an essential qualification for teachers in these schools. It’s not something that can be gained through formal education, but it’s something that can be developed over time through exposure to different cultures.
Cultural sensitivity in teaching is like the ability to play different musical instruments in an orchestra. Just as an orchestra sounds better when all the instruments are played in harmony, a classroom functions better when all the students are treated with respect and understanding, regardless of their cultural backgrounds.
In conclusion, teaching in an international school in Singapore requires a unique set of qualifications. These include a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, a teaching certification, IB training, teaching experience, and cultural sensitivity. With these qualifications, you’ll be well-prepared to embark on a rewarding teaching career in Singapore’s international schools.
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