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Glossary of Terms

Glossary of Terms

"Advanced Levels" - typically a two-year course (equivalent to the last two years of high school, ages 16-18) A-levels are usually taken after successful completion of a previous level, such as GCSEs. A levels are most familiar in the UK, but are also used in a number of other countries worldwide.

Click for more information on A Levels at Wikipedia

Active candidates have completed the Search Associates registration requirements and are actively looking for a new job using the program. They also have access to our database of schools and vacancies and all other services and support offered by Search Associates.

(Administrator) - Indicates Senior Management / Deputy / Head / Programme (IB PYP, MYP, Diploma) Coordinator*, Section / Grade Level Leader*. 

* Note: Some schools hire coordinators and section leaders as teacher positions   rather than administrators.
The Advanced Placement (AP) program is a curriculum sponsored by the College Board which offers standardized courses to high school students that are generally recognized to be equivalent to undergraduate courses in college. Participating universities worldwide grant credit to students who obtained high enough scores on the exams to qualify.

This is the portion of the online application where candidates can expand on their background information in 2500 characters or less. If you need guidance, your Associate can help you develop content that promotes you as a candidate. Valid information includes the following:

  • Why you are a teacher
  • Why you are interested in international education
  • Your particular skills and strengths as an teacher
  • Your relationships with students, colleagues and parents
  • Your career experience so far and what you have learned from it
  • Your main achievements
  • Your goals in the next stage of your career
  • What you can offer an international school outside the classroom

A fully searchable online database containing the profile of each registered candidate, including their online application and confidential online references, biographical notes, and a photo (if submitted). School recruiters can search for the best candidates to fit their needs and then contact them directly through the web site. This database is password protected so that candidate details can only be accessed by schools approved by Search Associates. Candidates do not have access to confidential references. Candidates can, however, access their online application at any time to modify or update their online application as and when necessary.

  • Administrator ( Senior Management Candidate)

    • Indicates Senior Management / Deputy / Head / Principal / Director of Studies / Curriculum Coordinator, Program (IB PYP, MYP, Diploma) Coordinator*, Section / Grade Level Leader*, etc. *Some schools hire coordinators and section leaders as teacher positions rather than administrators.

  • Teacher

    • Someone who has completed an approved teacher preparation program and has obtained a recognized and respected professional teaching qualification (see Certification). * Note: Some schools might not require teacher preparation programs and/or certification for certain subjects (art, music, technology, etc.). Other schools require certification for all classes. However, the chances of securing a teaching position abroad will be much greater if you have an appropriate teaching qualification in your subject field(s).

  • Intern

    • A very recent (or soon to be recent) college graduate with no teaching qualifications and little or no teaching experience. Intern positions are NOT for experienced teachers.

A certified, licensed teacher is an educator who has earned credentials from an authoritative source, such as the government, a higher education institution or a private source
Forms that your referees complete and submit through the Search Associates database.
California Teacher of English Learners Certificate
A short summary of your academic and professional history and achievements, ideally no more than two pages long. Within Search Associates, "CV" and "resume" are terms used interchangeably. (see also resume)
  1. Advanced Placement (AP)

    2. The American Advanced Placement (AP) program is a curriculum sponsored by the College Board which offers standardized courses to high school students that are generally recognized to be equivalent to undergraduate courses in college. Participating universities worldwide grant credit to students who obtained high enough scores on the exams to qualify.

  2. International Baccalaureate (IB)

    3. The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an international educational foundation based in Geneva, Switzerland. Founded in 1968, the IB offers three educational programs for children ages 3–19. IB can refer to the organization itself, any of the following three programs or the diploma or certificates awarded at the end of the diploma program.

    • The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) is a two-year program for students ages 16–19. It provides an internationally accepted qualification for entry into higher education, and is recognized by participating universities worldwide. IBDP students complete assessments in six subjects from the six different subject groups, and complete three core requirements.
    • Middle Years Program (MYP) is designed for students ages 11-16. The MYP provides a framework of academic challenge that encourages students to embrace and understand the connections between traditional subjects and the real world, and become critical and reflective thinkers. The full program lasts 5 years (middle school and the first two years of high school),although more limited programs can be adopted with permission from the IB.
    • Primary Years Program (PYP) is designed for students ages 3-11. While the program prepares students for the IB Middle Years Program, it is not a prerequisite for it. The subject areas of the PYP are language, social studies, mathematics, science and technology, arts, and personal, social and physical education. The IB Primary Years Program focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside. Assessment is carried out by teachers according to strategies provided by the IB, and with respect to guidelines to what the students should learn specified in the curriculum model.
    • General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE): GCSEs are the main examinations taken by UK students (ages 14–16) to complete Key Stage Four of secondary education (the equivalent of the first two years of high school in North America). Once GCSEs have been completed, a student is ideally placed to progress to Advanced Level (A-Level), or equivalent programs.
    • International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE): The IGCSE is an internationally recognized qualification for school students, typically for ages 14–16 (first two years of high school). It is similar to the GCSE. The IGCSE prepares students for further academic work including progression to AS Level and A-Level study, Cambridge Pre-U and the IB Diploma Program. The Cambridge IGCSE is recognized as equivalent, grade-for-grade, to the UK GCSE.
    • Advanced Levels (A-Levels): Typically a two-year course for ages 16-18 that is the equivalent to the last two years of high school. A-levels are usually taken after successful completion of a previous level, such as GCSEs. A-levels are most familiar in the UK, but are also used in a wide range of international schools worldwide.
English as a Foreign Language
English Language Learners. Students whose first language is something other than English
English as a Second Language. Students whose first language is something other than English are often designated as ESL in order to receive support with their language acquisition goals.
English for Speakers of Other Languages. Individuals learning English often speak many other languages. Therefore, ESOL is sometimes preferred over ESL.
General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE)

GSEAs are the main examinations taken by UK students (aged 14 – 16) to complete the first stage of secondary education (first two years of high school).  This is the end of their compulsory high school education in the UK. Once completing GCSE programs, a student is ideally placed to progress to A Level, Foundation or equivalent.

Education to GCSE level is often required of students who study for the International Baccalaureate or to GCE Advanced Level (A-level). 

Search Associates uses American educational terminology as their grade level standard. The table below compares some common American, British and Australian terminology.

USA Grade Level UK Australia Age Range
Pre-Kindergarten / Early Childhood Nursery Kinder 2-4
Kindergarten / Early Childhood Reception / Year 1 Preps 5
Elementary School 1-3 Primary Years 2-4 Years 1-3 6-8
Elementary 4-6 Intermediate Years 5-7 Years 4-6 9-11
Middle School 7-8 Years 8-9 Years 7-8 12-13
High School 9-12 Years 10-13 Years 9-12 14-18/19
The International General Certificate of Secondary Education
The IGCSE is an internationally recognized qualification for school students, typically in the 14–16 age group (first two years of high school). It is similar to the GCSE. The IGCSE prepares students for further academic work including progression to AS Level and A Level study, Cambridge Pre-U and the IB Diploma Program.  The Cambridge IGCSE is recognized as equivalent, grade-for-grade, to the UK GCSE.

a newly qualified graduate without a teaching qualification.  The INTERN/Art, INTERN/Math, etc., positions are NOT for experienced teachers.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an international educational foundation headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Founded in 1968 in Geneva, the IB offers three educational programs for children ages 3–19. IB can refer to the organization itself, any of the following three programs or the diploma or certificates awarded at the end of the diploma program.
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) is a two-year educational program for students aged 16–19 that provides an internationally accepted qualification for entry into higher education, and is recognized by participating universities worldwide. It was developed in the early to mid-1960s in Geneva by a group of international educators. In order to participate in the IBDP, students must attend an IB school. IBDP students complete assessments in six subjects from the six different subject groups, and complete three core requirements.
Middle Years Program (MYP) designed for students aged 11 to 16, the MYP provides a framework of academic challenge that encourages students to embrace and understand the connections between traditional subjects and the real world, and become critical and reflective thinkers. The full program lasts 5 years (middle school and the first two years of high school),although more limited programs can be adopted with permission from the International Baccalaureate Organization (IB).
A short document (ideally no more than one page) where you may write about your attitudes and values as a teacher, your motivation, and your views on what makes a valuable education and what creates student success.
Primary Years Program (PYP) is designed for students aged 3 to 11. While the program prepares students for the IB Middle Years Program, it is not a prerequisite for it. The subject areas of the PYP are language, social studies, mathematics, science and technology, arts, and personal, social and physical education. The IB Primary Years Program, for students aged 3 to 12, focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside. Assessment is carried out by teachers according to strategies provided by the IB, and with respect to guidelines to what the students should learn specified in the curriculum model.
Colleagues who are senior to you and are familiar with you both personally and professionally and are qualified to comment on your experience, skills and achievements.
A short summary of your academic and professional history and achievements, ideally no more than two pages long. Within Search Associates, “CV” and “resume” are terms used interchangeably. (see also Curriculum Vitae / CV)

A fully searchable online database which allows Search Associates candidates to research schools and their vacancies. Candidates can use the database to contact schools directly and apply for positions.

Each school profile contains general information about the school including its hiring policies, salaries, enrollment, location and benefits, as well as details of any jobs being advertised currently. This database is password protected and therefore only accessible to Active candidates (see above). Each time a school posts, modifies or deletes a position, all registered candidates will be sent an automatic email.

Completion of an approved teacher preparation program and having obtained teacher certification (credentials / licensure*

* Note: Some schools might not require teacher preparation programs and/or certification for certain subjects (sometimes art, music, technology…).  Other schools require certification for all classes.

Teaching English as a Foreign Language
Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages
The International TEFL Corporation
Test of English as a Foreign Language (for students)