HR Orientation Handbook2011-2012.pdfTeacher Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the School?
ISHCMC is located in the suburban district 2, approximately 10km from the centre of Ho Chi Minh City.
It is within walking distance from major serviced apartment complexes in the An Phu area (eg. Riverside and Parklands), and only a few minutes by car from the main residential areas in An Dien and Thao Dien.
What is the school’s accreditation status?
The International School Ho Chi Minh City satisfies the requirements of the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) for membership and accreditation status.
What is the curriculum?
The International School Ho Chi Minh City is an “IB World School” and is authorized to run IBPYP, IBMYP and IBDP programmes. The curriculum is based on a structured curriculum development process, addressing the needs of our students and providing challenging learning experiences at all levels. There is an emphasis on inquiry and integrated approaches to learning in line with the frameworks of the International Baccalaureate Programmes.
What is the composition of the faculty?
We intentionally hire a staff of different nationalities, ages, and gender. There are 99 expatriate teachers. They are from Australia (27%), Great Britain (23%), Canada (10%), United States (10%) and other (30%). 46% are men and 54% are women, 59% are married and 41% are single. The current average length of stay is 3-4 years.
What are the expectations for teachers?
Our school mission is “Fostering Individual Ability”. Teachers are expected to commit to this philosophy and mission of the school and to model the school’s values and attitudes. They are expected to use inquiry as their primary teaching methodology and to implement the “Learner Profile” of the International Baccalaureate. Teachers are expected to adhere to the teacher job descriptions, to plan collaboratively in teams and to contribute towards common goals for school improvement.
An important element of the school philosophy is an emphasis on the development of the whole child and each teacher assumes responsibilities for pastoral care, supervision duties and after school activities. Teachers earnestly support an extensive range of fieldtrips and activities. The ability, interest and commitment in offering extracurricular activities in physical education, outdoor pursuits, art, music, drama and community service, in addition to expectation of high academic standard, are important qualities sought from candidates.
What are the professional development opportunities?
Teachers have a responsibility to model lifelong learning by continuously developing their skills and understanding of good teaching practice. Teachers receive relevant training, particularly for IB requirements, both through attendance at workshops and through whole school in-service training. A stipend of up to US$1000 per teacher is available to cover approved professional development related expenses.
What about resources?
ISHCMC is well resourced with imported materials from UK, USA and Australia to support the delivery of the curriculum. The school places an emphasis on the integration of technology, including a 1:1 tablet programme in the High School and Middle School.
What is the climate?
Vietnam has a remarkably diverse climate because of its wide range of latitudes and altitudes. The country's weather is determined by two monsoons. The relatively dry winter monsoon, which affects mainly the part of Vietnam north of Danang, comes from the north-east between October or November and March. From April or May to October, the south-western monsoon blows, bringing warm, damp weather to the whole country. The rainfall at this time is heavy and Ho Chi Minh City can have spectacular electrical storms as the humidity is between 80% and 100%. Ho Chi Minh City has a rather consistent average temperature of between 25oC and 31oC. The hottest time is between February and April.
What about teachers’ housing?
Overseas hired teachers are provided with a housing allowance. Access to satellite television and internet is available. There are local laundries, supermarkets, hairdressers and gym/ health centres in the city.
What about shipping personal effects?
ISHCMC provides a gross cubic metre unaccompanied sea-freight door-to-door freight allowance for the shipment of personal effects at the beginning of the initial employment contract and also at the end of the final employment contract.
What about health and safety?
Vietnam is probably one of the safer cities in Asia. The crime rate against persons is low and the people generally are friendly to foreigners. However, as in any city, teachers are advised to be cautious with their personal possessions when moving in and around the city.
Teachers should undergo a basic medical and submit the report to the School. The cost of this will be reimbursed by the School. Immunization against typhoid, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pre-rabies (a series of 3 injections), Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and measles (if born after 1957) should be considered. There are international standard medical and dental clinics in the city and a Franco-Vietnamese Hospital. Medical insurance is provided by a local agent of an international provider.
What can be done on weekends?
The social life in Ho Chi Minh City is varied. There is an array of social venues, bars and restaurants. There are opportunities to join sports clubs, interest groups and attend community events. Travel in Vietnam and regionally is possible and trips can be organised through many local travel agents.
What are the connections with the local community?
Language classes in Vietnamese are available. There are many possibilities for involvement with local events, clubs and community service with local charity organisations.
WHO WOULD BE HAPPY AND BENEFIT FROM AN EXPERIENCE at ISHCMC?
Teachers who:
• have a child centred approach to teaching and learning
• differentiate for learning needs and a high % of EAL students in class
• want to work in a stimulating professional environment
• embrace the philosophy and mission of the International Baccalaureate
• expect high academic standards
• are excited by learning and implementing new ideas in their classrooms
• have a deep knowledge of their subject and area of instruction
• motivate students
• employ a wide range of assessment strategies
• are IT literate and proficient in curriculum integration
• value the importance of clear and regular communication with parents
• are happy to accept the challenges that a developing Asian city presents
• have a tolerance of frustration, as things do not always go smoothly
• are flexible and willing to change what they were comfortable with in the past
• are happy to live closely with the people they work with
• are able to accept constructive feedback and high levels of accountability
• can work collaboratively to achieve common goals
• are “life-long” learners themselves
