How to Teach IB English Abroad
The International Baccalaureate is a worldwide nonprofit educational foundation that offers three programs — one each for elementary, middle and high school students. According to its website, the IB courses "help develop the intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills to live, learn and work in a rapidly globalizing world."
Instructions
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Investigate IB schools in the country you're interested in. You can search for IB schools at www.ibo.org. The IB has a worldwide job listing for openings at its schools at www.ibo.org/school/jobs.
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Ask specific questions during the interview process as to the school's level of participation, training and knowledge of their IB program and how it relates to their students. Most schools will ask the teacher to provide proof of their IB training, such as certificates of completion.
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Work with a school's IB coordinator and experienced IB teachers to learn the school's culture and interpretation of the IB assessments. Each school interprets its IB program with slight differences. Some schools require new teachers to attend mandatory off-site IB training at which teachers will learn how the particular country implements the program.
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Visit the IB's curriculum site online, where teachers can post lesson plans, comments and questions. The school provides the teacher with a user name and password to access the curriculum section.
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Review IB principles and philosophies with the students in English, and discuss specific points with the students on a regular basis. This helps them to connect what they learn in class with the IB mission. In the Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme, most students in countries where English isn't the primary language fall into the Language B and Second Language option, respectively. Students can sometimes feel that their IB work is specific only to their English class. Be sure to prompt students to give examples from their daily lives and how it connects to the world at large.
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Meet regularly with the IB coordinator to discuss any issues or questions you have, as well as any successes or difficulties you have encountered in class. The IB core requirements must be met for a school to stay in good stead with the IB. The coordinator guides the teacher to make sure that the core requirements and optimum exam conditions are achieved.
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Tips & Warnings
An IB English lesson that works well in the United States can fall flat abroad. Be aware of how cultural differences and language levels affect lesson plans.
Never lie about IB training and certification. Falsifying IB training can seriously jeopardize a school's IB standing.
References
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