WHAT TO EXPECT AS AN IST TEACHER?

Since 1999, IST has provided substitute teachers to international schools. The teachers we recruit
for such roles are available immediately and may be asked to travel to any international location,
for contracts that range from a month to a year.

We have worked with a wide range of International schools including IB, Australian, British,
Canadian, Dutch, French and US curricula.

What we look for in a teacher

IST teachers may have experience in international schools or have previously travelled/lived abroad;
are culturally sensitive, flexible and adaptable in new situations. Our teachers have the requisite
qualifications and as people are intrepid, independent and enthusiastic.

What we evaluate:

• Qualifications: Teaching qualifications from a reputable institution, with at least two year's
full time teaching experience

• Background: 3 referees who can comment on your classroom practice

• Flexibility: to travel at short notice and without dependants for periods of between one
and ten months.

• Sense of adventure: you need to enjoy exploring, living and working in foreign countries
and learning new cultures
About IST Schools

IST works with international schools who are committed to maintaining high standards in education
despite unforeseen circumstances.

Our schools provide professional salary packages that match international standards and cover your
accommodation and transport costs at the beginning and end of your posting with the school.

We screen our schools and provide you objective information about each posting so that there will
be no surprises when you arrive at the school.

Teaching/ Curriculum Areas

We need a register of teachers who cover the following teaching/curriculum areas:

• any grade from pre-k through to the last year of high school
• any subject taught in an international school
• any curricula including American, Australian, British, Canadian and International
Baccalaureate curricula, among others

We do NOT receive requests for the following areas:

• ESL/EFL/EAL
• Library,
• Counselling
• Administration.

We rarely receive requests for the following areas – but do need strong candidates if we receive
such a request:

• PE
• Art
• Music
• Administrative positions
Employment Conditions

An IST substitute teacher receives equivalent benefits to permanent teachers in international

schools. The benefits include:

• Contract length: IST postings are typically 6 weeks to a maximum of 12 months in length.

• Remuneration: That of a professional salary commensurate with the country and cost of
living. You will not lose money on an IST posting. However you need to be aware that
some schools will only recognize prior experience up to a maximum level of 4-8 years on
their salary schools. This applies to permanent and substitute teachers at those schools

• Transportation: The school will pay for your return air transfer.

• Allowances: Some schools pay for a living allowance and/or exemption from local tax,
provide accommodation or subsidize rental costs throughout the contractual period.

How often will I be posted?

Whilst some of our teachers are placed for periods of one year, the majority
of our postings are for a term or less.

If you need a full time, guaranteed income, do not register with IST unless you have alternative
sources of income.

Many of our registered teachers undertake supply/substitute work at home whilst waiting for an IST
posting. Others have taken early retirement or are studying or traveling and do not need a regular
income from IST.

Please DO register with us if you are able to travel at very short notice, are an experienced traveller
with at least two years full time teaching experience and do NOT need a regular income from IST!

Our registered teachers are passionate about international education and enjoy both
the unpredictability of IST work and the opportunity to work in a variety of international settings.