How early, is too early?

Its that time again in the international teaching world where thoughts are turning to intentions, contract renewals, opportunities, destinations and next steps. The period between November and March are the absolute peak of International Teacher movement and schools across the world are now canvasing, considering and advertising for roles for the 2025/26 academic year.

But my thoughts are elsewhere....

I'm not going anywhere for the next academic year. I'm 'mid-contract' and as such don't have to worry, stress, ponder or consider what the next few months might look like. I can focus on the importance of teaching and learning, progress and attainment and professional development, without the distraction of job hunting.

Or can I?.....

Because the reality is, as an international teacher, that things are never quite so settled. Even at the midpoint of a contract, everyone has an unconscious eye on the future. By its very nature, International Teaching today is a transient and fluid industry. Even if you aren't actively looking for a new role, there will always be a part of you thinking about whats next, when your time comes.

I'm at that point....

I have another year (or at least I think I do!) but inevitably thoughts turn to what might be next. This time next academic year I will have had to decide. I could very happily stay, in a school I value, believe in and enjoy, but I could look elsewhere. I could push for a promotion, or seek a progression. I might go home, or start again somewhere new. When you see your colleagues, that you value and respect, making decisions about their next teaching role, it does focus the mind on what may be on your horizons.

And it makes you think....

How should you prepare for the future? We know professional development is a critical part of teacher progression and everyone should actively pursue the development of their professional and practice capabilities whenever presented with the opportunity, but what else?

Preparing for an application cycle is not something that should happen, upon the decision point of a contract cycle. It should really be a continual part of your professional progression. I am already starting to think about how best to prepare for a potential application period even though its potentially a year away.

And this is how....

Reflection - Where am I know and where do I want to get to in the next phase of my career?

A purposeful and positive reflective period will help you to understand a number of critical things about your current and future opportunities.

• Are you settled, professionally and personally, where you are? - What do you enjoy about your role and what would you change? Do you have the potential to change from within or do you need to look externally for the next opportunity? I am evidence that the grass is not always greener, but sometimes is, and I believe that there is not right or wrong when it comes to a change of school, but only what is right for you, at that point.
• Do you have 'the itch' for something new? - Have you stagnated? Are you bored? Teaching is a dynamic and exciting profession and you should always feel you have that 'spark'. If you don't anymore, is it time for a change of scenery?
• Are the foundations of your current life shifting? - Accommodation, Packages, Leadership Teams, School Directions, your children's ages can all change, and this can have a real influence over what you think comes next. Know what the factors are, that could influence your decision in the future, so you can prepare to consider them fully. The reality is that life moves on and changes and what may work for you now, may not work so well in the near future. Your school should understand this and support your changing dynamics.

Networking - Who can support you in your progression?

Do you have a strong network of contacts and professionals who could help you source opportunities when the time comes? More and more recruitment within the International School circuit is done through contacts and recommendations as the talent pool improves. Do you have people you can call on, talk to, lean on, persuade or just discuss with, before, during and after your contract renewal time? For me, I have already started thinking about who and what I might be able to link with, to explore options, even though I won't start 'looking' for at least 12 months.

Preparation - Getting your ducks in a line

Its always good to have an up to date CV and profile. If you know you 'might' need it, then have it already to hand. Start doing your research. Where might you like to go next, What type of school might you like to join? Who might you like to work with. A little homework now, will mean less once you reach that stress filled application time. For me, I know what my options are, and have clearly defined the pro's and con's of each. Whilst I haven't decided what my next step will be, I know I am prepared to action it, once I know....

Nothing in life is guaranteed. This is especially true in International Education. What may be great now may not feel so great later. Whether you are the newest or the longest serving teacher in your school, your time will come. It will eventually be your time to join the recruitment circus and when you do, will you be ready?