Al Jazeera Academy?

I know of two teachers who were not hired as they did not have the necessary qualifications!

Big no as well! they hired unqualified teachers they can only afford maid pretending to be a teacher to teach children.

That they have an opening for a Spanish teacher. Does anyone know what they require for teaching? I mean, is a BS or BA all you need, or certification?

I'm with you Pisces68 (and another Pisces to boot!) Haven't managed to find out much, but for a number of years have been involved with whole school development and change management.. my line if we dont like it lets see how either to make it work for us or how we can change it to suit..and failing that.. there's always the gold!!

Hi to all - Glad to finally see some posts from potential AJA people. Info has been very hard to get - apart from what is available on the schools website. While I (and partner) are looking forward to the 'sand change' - there is a small amount of apprehension - but I guess that's normal behaviour. I'm someone who has spent over a decade heavily involved in social constructivist teaching frameworks here in Australia and I wonder how I might cope if I find I am confronted with extreme structure -or worst case scenario, discover that I am to adopt a rigid and inflexible teaching style...the photo's depict young children engaged in play (although adults in the 'yard' are standing above them, I figure that's personal choice?), children accessing their personal journals - and western imagery in the background, which gave me a sense of tolerance and acceptability - which partly led me to apply and later accept a position at AJA. I guess, at the end of the day - its all experience and what better way to learn from it than to be involved in it! Can't wait to check out the gold souks (souqs ?)!! So - If anyone has some 'inside' info - on curriculum and gold prices...would love you to share.

I too have just accepted a position at AJA. I'm doing as much research as possible and would really appreciate any info you have on the school. May they be good or bad, I just want to prepare myself before hand as I don't really know what to expect.

thanks

C

Sure...feel the same but still cant wait...take me to the airport now!

Have you heard much about the accomodation? I'm sure it will be fine but would love to have a pic..maybe I will post something and see if anyone can enlighten...

..there are others out there crazy enough to start a new life in a new country!

As you say, it's all very exciting..tho I seem to alternate between "I can't wait to get there" and "Oh my gawd what have I done!!" (the latter usually around 3 am when I am worrying about all the things that need to be accomplished between now and then!!)

I will be a primary ESL teacher. I have tried to contact teachers there to find out a bit about the kids and the program, but haven't had any luck as yet. Sometimes I think the e-mails get lost somewhere in cyberspace!!

Would like to chat with you more..got a feeling we may cross paths boarding on the 17th or landing on the 18th.

Would enjoy sharing the excitement and anticipation with a new colleague.

Will you be teaching in the junior or secondary school or are you taking on a role of responsiblity?

Hi mr huffit,I have accepted a job at AJA... what was your decision? Am interested in catching up with other newies

R

I am definitely taking the job. Would be interested in any hints for "new chums" anyone can offer... like what are essential things not to forget; what are essential things to chase up when we get there etc etc. I have worked in cross cultural situations before, so have an idea of the type of culture shock to expect and how to deal with it..

I figure on taking a few essential teaching resources, but otherwise leaving everything at "home" and starting afresh with a clean slate. I will do my best to do what ever job I have to the best of my ability and to provide maximum benefit to my clients, whoever they may be. However, my over-arching philosophy is "What can I learn from this?" That way, I figure, that way I can't lose...

As we know, work, like life, is what you make it. International Schools generally have a high turn over of staff as many educators go for the workplace and cultral experience in some cases for one or two contracts and then choose to take their savings home. Isn't that what happens in the world of expat living?

Having previously worked in an International School, staff turn was constant as people come unprepared for the demands of international school work and living in a new culture. Often people arrive wanting to live a fantasy of engaging in some culturally rich experience but end up spending all their time in the local rugby club house with their own culture. (no offense to those who choose to do this!)

The international school where I previously worked currently has a staff of 141. Of those, 32 were people I worked with 4 years ago. It was a brilliant school, people just did what they had to do and have since moved on.

Take the job I say!!!

Hi,

I've recently accepted a position at al jazeera academy. .. haven't managed to find out a huge amount about it, but what the hell..work is what you make it. I decided that 2 years is not a long time and by the time I've worked out I don't like it, it will be over.. worst case scenario it may cost a bit of money, but I suspect it will be well worth the experience

R

i've just been offered work there and would like to know more!!!

I will be landing in Doha in a week's time and I will be joining as a business reporter with a yet to be launched english newspaper, Gulf Tribune. So, i would like to be friends with as many people from Doha as possible. Suggest me a few topics I can work on in Doha. Feel free to post your comments, but do send those to my mail id [email protected]

Ok, I guess that one is out. Thank you.

I've heard staff moral is indeed low.