Meet The Teachanywhere Team

Meet Bryan Rooney, Senior Consultant for Teachanywhere North America.  Bryan helps teachers from The United States and Canada to relocate to International Schools across the globe.  Hear what he has to say about his role at Teachanywhere.....

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

I had a strong background in educational recruitment with another organization prior to coming to Teachanywhere.   I wanted to be able to use the skills and experience that I obtained working with teachers from 50 different countries to assist North American teachers in achieving their dreams of working abroad.   I have experienced first hand how powerful and rewarding it can be to cross cultural barriers and teach and learn from each other – it’s a beautiful thing.

2.        Have you taught overseas or travelled yourself?

Yes, I have a long history of travel, work, and study in other countries.   I have done short or long term studies in 8 different countries, worked in 4 countries, and travelled to more than 40 countries.

3.       What do you love about your job?

I love finding really committed educators who put children first and really want to contribute something to the world.  Each time I speak with this type of teacher I get excited – that has never changed in 20 years in this business.

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

A true willingness to adapt to, and to accept, other cultures; a strong interest in, and desire to learn about, the rest of the world; the ability to self-reflect and take responsibility for one’s own success and happiness

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

Current teacher shortages cause a lot of teachers to think about going abroad who otherwise wouldn’t consider it; hence, their hearts aren’t in it so they aren’t totally committed.  I have seen a trend of teachers focusing more on high salaries, length of work day, and accommodations. These things are important but should not be the reason one goes abroad.  Successful international teachers want to teach first (they have a strong passion for children and are committed to working hard to ensure the students and school communities needs are met), they want to learn about new cultures and have outgoing, adventuresome spirits, and they see the world far beyond its material components.  These are the teachers who make a difference. The desire to teach abroad must be a passion.

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

I think we focus too much on location and I’m not sure it is that important.  Having travelled as much as I have, I know that each experience is new and unique and that each experience has its own rewards and challenges.  In today’s world, every major city has its share of Western amenities. Every culture has something in it that is different, strange, wonderful, new, and inspiring – we can learn not only something about it; but also so much about ourselves.  Wherever we go we will find: colleagues who will become our best friends; locals who will find us amusing and of whom, at times, we will find the same; things that we wish were different or more like home; things that we may like better than at home; and an opportunity for personal and professional growth.  Each new experience is just that – it is new - it isn’t supposed to be like any other.  Location is such a small component – it won’t make you happy or successful in its self.

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

Go abroad for the right reasons – it is not to be taken lightly; self-reflect and be honest with yourself about who you are and why you want to work overseas.  If you aren’t committed and willing to take responsibility – don’t do it - because nobody wins when that happens. 

Do lots of research, not just about the areas you might be interested in going to; but also about what it is like to live abroad and what kinds of things you will need to deal with after arrival in your new country.  What is culture shock? Will my personal interests/ needs be met or can I give them up or replace them with new interests?   Are there societal or cultural things that I can’t adapt too? Know yourself, be honest, and ultimately; Make your own informed decision and then take responsibility for it!!

Remember that it will never be like home – It is not better, it is not worse, it is just different – and that is why you want to do it, isn’t it?

8.       Why should a teacher sign up with Teachanywhere?

Teachanywhere realizes the importance of building relationships with both our teacher candidates and our partner schools.  We provide accurate and reliable information and services so that good matches are made.  Happy teachers come back and pursue new positions when their contracts are complete.  Happy schools continue to put their trust in us to supply them with good teachers.  We have the experience and knowledge base to ensure that business is conducted professionally and efficiently and will be sustainable for the long term.