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

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

This is the portion of the online application where candidates can expand on their background information in 3500 characters (including spaces) 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

• 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.

1. Advanced Placement (AP)

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)

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.


3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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.

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.

Intern positions are available for graduating seniors and recent college graduates who wish to spend an academic year working in an international school. Intern candidates may have teaching certification/qualifications and some teaching experience, one year or less, but most successful interns do not have such a background. Internships are paid positions (lower salaries than teachers) and usually have the same benefits given to teaching candidates, such as health insurance, round trip airfare and more. If you would like more information regarding intern positions, and/or whether you would be more competitive as an intern or teaching candidate, please contact our Intern Coordinator, Diana Kerry

Positions that have INTERN in front of them are only for intern candidates and not for experienced teachers.

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.