Why are you here?

International teachers apply to overseas schools for many reasons: Get to know the world, paid sabatical leave, running away from something, trying to find meaning, philanthropical efforts and many other decisions. I find that with all of these choices, it can create a different working environment than what you might find stateside. The one common denominator is that we are all teachers to make a difference. It is a vocation. The community that is formed will have so many different views from each educator that is can make the environment a very difficult place to work. But in the same light, all the variety brings the diversity that it is to teach in an international school. What are your thoughts? It the community closer? Easier to have decisions made and followed through? Post your thoughts and if you would like to contribute as a blogger, send me an email to add you. I look forward to making the little blog grow and help those in the USA understand us while helping international teachers share their views as well. Ken davis.ken@gmail.com

Introduction

International education is a great place to be. This week, I am attending the ISTE Leadership Conference in Indianapolis, IN and meeting a lot of great people. Flying all the way up from Bolivia was an expensive, but worthwhile endeavor. The amount of information, expertise and sharing is completely exhausting and overwhelming. In Bolivia, we are presented with limited options for technology such as high cost of equipment and low bandwidth both due to importation costs. In addition to this, you then have the community and other factors to consider. With the help of ISTE, I have been able to get a lot off the ground and continue running with various programs and support from colleagues met at conferences and the JHU/ISTE administration program. Hopefully here in the next few weeks, I will be able to invite other international educators to share their views, problems, solutions and other concerns that can help improve international schooling as well as be a source of information for any educator.