A few years ago, only a handful of schools affiliated with International boards in India. But now, many International schools are coming up with IGSCE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) and IB (International Baccalaureate) board curricula in the country. There are 400+ Cambridge schools and 62+ IB schools in India. The popularity of these International boards is due to various economic and social reasons.

In this blog, we discuss various aspects related to the International boards in India and how the Microsoft Certified Educators program can help teachers to land a job at an International board school. First, let us highlight the growing popularity of International boards in the Indian education system.

Why are International Schools growing in India?

There are several reasons for the growth of International schools in India. Firstly, the increasing demand of parents to send their children to receive global education is a primary reason for the growth of International boards. Parents understand that students at International boards learn at International standards and thus those who wish to pursue higher education from abroad are more interested in International boards. 

Secondly, the Indian economy is booming and there are more opportunities for foreign investment. Also, the Indian government is supportive of the growth of International schools as it recognises the benefits they bring.

International schools offer a different teaching methodology as compared to domestic boards. The teaching methodology helps students and teachers grow and become more competitive according to the global standards of teaching. 

Moreover, International schools impart 21set century skills and focus more on the holistic development of students. These are some of the major reasons why International schools are becoming more popular every day in India.

Why do Teachers want to work with International Schools?

Teaching Methodology: A hands-on and practical teaching methodology is followed in these International Schools. Teachers get the opportunity to use Modern Teaching methods such as Flipped Learning, Blended Learning, and Personalised Learning to name a few. Thus, they get the opportunity to explore and experiment with their teaching methods.

Better pay: Also, many teachers are looking to work in International schools because of the better pay. The salary of teachers working in International schools is much higher than the ones working at boards like CBSE and ICSE. A teacher at a fresher level is paid 4,20,000  per annum in an International School.

Good working environment: The working environment at International schools is very open and collaborative. The teachers get a better work-life balance and a positive working environment with more scope for growth and learning. For instance, teachers at International boards get more time to devote to their growth through professional development programs and training. Certain International Schools allow teachers to fly abroad for professional development training.

Develop technical skills: Teachers at International schools are supposed to make use of educational tools and applications in the classroom to make the classroom more engaging and interactive. Thus, teachers at International board schools get to develop their technical skills. 

Continuous Professional Development: International schools provide their staff with Continuous Professional Development as per global educational standards. Teachers are thus able to enhance their skills and learn more with hands-on training.

What are International Schools looking for in Teachers?

In IB and IGCSE, high importance on technology and 21st Century skills is given. Thus, International schools and boards are looking for candidates with certain special skill sets. Here are some of the things that International schools are looking for in teachers.

• Integrate 21st-century skills in lessons and activities
• Technology and online teaching skills
• Digital pedagogy
• A global mindedness
• Flexibility 
• Teachers who are fully involved in the functioning of the school
• Teachers comfortable with second language learners
• Lifelong learners

21st-century skills comprise skills, abilities, and learning dispositions that have been identified as being required for the success of students in today’s world, particularly as students move on to college, the workforce, and adult life. It includes skills like Collaboration, Communication, Real-World Problem Solving and Innovation, Knowledge Construction, Use of ICT for Learning and Self-Regulation.

Curricula such as Cambridge Assessment International Education (Cambridge International) and International Baccalaureate (IBO) also endorse and emphasize developing 21-century skills in learners through their curriculum. Cambridge curriculum has an inquiry-based approach that engages the learners and facilitates collaboration, communication, creativity, research and inter-disciplinary understanding through its curriculum. IB curriculum develops and strives for its learners to be communicators, thinkers, inquirers, knowledgeable, risk-takers and become reflective.

How does the Microsoft Certified Educators program help in preparing teachers for International Schools?

Microsoft Certified Educators course is a special course for educators to train them in integrating 21st-century skills along with Microsoft digital tools and digital pedagogy in the classroom. The course enables teachers by helping them create ebooks and digital and interactive classrooms. They develop an edge over other participants and ensure that educators can integrate these 21st-century skills and tools into their lessons. It thus becomes quite intriguing for any recruiter or principal to witness these skill sets in a candidate applying for the job. They are convinced that they are getting a candidate who is more prepared and thus they don’t have to spend a lot of time effort and money on training.

International boards offer a better environment for growth, learning and overall development of the teachers. Therefore, more teachers nowadays are attracted to International board schools. A live and interactive course like Microsoft Certified Educators offered by upEducators helps teachers to develop the essential skills and knowledge for getting into International schools.

upEducators has trained hundreds of educators across the country to become Microsoft Certified Educators. This professional development certificate has helped many educators attain a position at renowned International board schools. A professional development course for teachers like Microsoft Certified Educators can help teachers in getting into International schools.