Meet The Teachanywhere Team

Welcome to the first in the series of our "Meet The Teachanywhere Team" where members of the team face a mini interview which we hope will help you to get to know us and what we do here at Teachanywhere a little bit better..... 

First up is Lisa Davenport.  Lisa is the UK team's Senior Recruiter.  Lisa works with a huge number of teachers to help them realise their dreams of an international teaching career and has been with the company for two very successful years..... 

  

1.        What made you want to work as an International teaching Recruitment Consultant?

I was working as a teacher and wanted to try something new whilst still staying involved in education, which I am passionate about.

2.        Have you taught overseas or travelled yourself?

Yes, I went to Spain to complete my Trinity TEFL qualification and stayed there for two years teaching. I then taught a further year in South Korea.

3.       What do you love about your job?

I love helping people with the first steps towards an incredible international experience, as I myself had.

4.       In your experience, what are the attributes which best befit the most successful international teacher?

Absolutely a positive, flexible attitude. Things are never quite as you imagined they would be or the same as at home so the ability to laugh off the frustrating and adapt is essential.

5.       What are some of the repeat difficulties you come across when recruiting teachers for International schools?

Often people have unrealistic expectations of salary for teaching abroad. Whilst overall the package offered will probably offer you a much more comfortable lifestyle than at home you will not earn double your salary tax free abroad.

Lots of teachers will know about certain locations through popularity or word of mouth but have done very little research themselves. Dubai for example is incredibly popular at the moment, everyone seems to know someone teaching there. Often I will ask teachers where they want to go? Dubai they answer. However when prompted what appeals to them about Dubai they know very little about it, answering “I have heard it is good”. I really recommend everyone do as much of their own research as possible. We can guide you to consider locations, as can friends but what suits one person will not always suit another.

6.       What location that might not spring to mind for teachers would you recommend and why?

Kuwait. Before starting this job it was a location I certainly knew very little about. It is also the location that often people consider as a backup location (to say Dubai for example). However since I have started this job it has consistently been the location I have received the best feedback about. Also it has proved to have the highest rate of teacher deciding to stay on once their contract is finished. Kuwait has a nice combination of Middle East meets West so that people can feel comfortable and not too alienated there whilst still having a cultural experience. But more importantly there is a huge expat community there with a large number of social clubs (sports, drama etc.) so it easy to make friends and get involved any way you want to.

7.       What 3 top tips would you give to teachers seeking international teaching roles?

1.       Do your research. A good place to start is on our website, there is so much information on different locations, things to consider giving you a good basis of knowledge ready to discuss your options with a consultant in more detail.

2.       Think about why you want to go abroad. If you are just going to get rich in the sun and do some travelling, perhaps think again. International schools have high expectations for their students and teachers; you will play hard I’m sure, but work even harder.

3.       Be open-minded. We are consultants, meaning we truly try to advise you on the best options given your personal and professional circumstances. If we suggest a location or school outside what you asked us to look for there is usually a good reason, at least give it some serious thought even if your final decision is in fact no.

8.       Why should a teacher sign up with Teachanywhere?

As you will see the teachanywhere staff is very international, most of us have lived and worked abroad at some time. So we can offer you not only professional advice but also personal from our experiences of living abroad which I believe makes all the difference. Plus, it’s free so there is not much to lose in hearing what we have to suggest! ; )