The ongoing teacher recruitment crisis is not just an issue confined to the UK. The Council of British International Schools (Cobis) recently reported British International Schools need to recruit an additional 18,000 teachers in the next ten years.
The international sector, like the UK market, is struggling to recruit and retain teachers and is responding to the crisis in various ways, many of which are fuelled by the covid-19 pandemic.
For example, the use of virtual classrooms means teachers can now be located anywhere, addressing the biggest retention issue of staff leaving to be located with family. Additionally, international schools are tapping into the local teaching market, further expanding talent pools, and offering students a deeper insight into local culture alongside the curriculum.
However, despite exploring new solutions:
- 91% of British international school leaders find recruiting quality teachers ‘somewhat’ or ‘very challenging’
- 40% of school leaders report a lower volume of applications for each post, compared to two years ago, and
- only 19% report that they are always able to recruit candidates that meet their expectations.
The global shortage becomes more challenging when recruiting teachers who are both available and qualified for roles in STEM subjects.
Computer Science solutions for international schools
To help address the issues the international school market is facing, earlier this year BCS launched Teaching Teachers Tech: Computing with Python.
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This flexible subject knowledge enhancement programme is now available to the whole of the market for the first time. There are no entry requirements making this an ideal and cost-effective solution for international schools looking to invest in their teachers.
The course contains four assignments and is designed by teachers, for teachers, to improve and update your knowledge in Python programming to teach at IGCSE standard.
The course can be completed in as little as 8 weeks making this an ideal solution for schools in who are in need now. As well as gaining a qualification on completion, learners will be able to confidentially teach computing with Python as part of a computer science course or as a standalone course, providing the best outcomes for students.
Tig Williams, Teaching Teachers Tech Online Tutor, commented:
"The course is a flexible and affordable option for schools and colleges looking to upskill and invest in their existing staff and is an opportunity for individuals to develop in their careers.
“It is fully supported by experienced, expert CS teachers who can help you move forwards in your journey to becoming a CS teacher with ease.”
