International Teachers' Bill of Rights
A former colleague sent this to me this weekend. I had not been aware that there was such a document. Please read and tell the millions of teachers in the world.–KASInternational Teachers’ Bill of Rights
http://www.internationalschoolsreview.com/nonmembers/bill-of-rights.htm
1. TEACHERS HAVE THE RIGHT TO ACCURATE INFORMATION
2. TEACHERS HAVE THE RIGHT TO ETHICAL CONTRACT PRACTICES
3. TEACHERS HAVE THE RIGHT TO WORK IN A SAFE, SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT
4. TEACHERS HAVE THE RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN A SCHOOL-STAFF ASSOCIATION
5. TEACHERS HAVE THE RIGHT TO ASSISTANCE WITH TRANSITION INTO THE HOST COUNTRY
Candidates’ questions are answered honestly during the recruiting process.
School housing, if offered, is clearly represented by photos and written descriptions at recruiting time.
If teachers are provided with health care benefits, a copy of the policy is available.
Promises made verbally are disclosed in writing, including: all expenses and materials that will be reimbursed, class
size, after-school activity expectations, number of class hours per week, how salaries are paid, personnel development
allowance and how to receive it.
Teachers are presented with the final wording of their contracts at the recruiting fair.
Contracts for foreign-hires are in English and shall not require interpretation.
Contracts completely delineate a teacher’s duties and benefits.
No other contract can ever supercede the contract signed by the teacher.
Employment handbooks are available at recruiting fairs and outline policies referred to in the contract.
Teachers have access to an up-to-date salary schedule at recruitment time.
When signatures by school personnel not present at a recruiting fair are needed to finalize a contract, the original
wording of the contract is never changed from that already agreed to by the teacher.
Teachers may take up to 48 hours to accept a contract. During that time the school guarantees the position’s
continued availability.
When a host country requires a contract in the host-country language, the school guarantees all statements in the
teacher’s English language version.
Renewal contracts are presented far enough in advance so that teachers may decide not to sign and still have
ample time to take the necessary steps to recruit for the next school year.
The school will make every effort to insure all teachers work in an environment free from bullying and harassment
from administrators, students, parents and/or teachers.
Teachers are supported by administration when confronted with individuals acting outside the bounds of acceptable
behavior. Agendas not beneficial to the school/school-community are not permitted.
Teachers are provided with the material support and initial orientation required to successfully do their jobs. Noneducator
managing directors do not interfere in educational matters beyond their expertise.
All teachers are assisted in making a smooth financial, cultural and legal transition into the host country.
Passports are held only for the purpose of visa renewal and are returned upon request.
Teachers are supported and protected, to the extent possible, by school administration against authorities and/or
individual members of the host country who wish the teacher harm (possible imprisonment, travel ban) for no
justifiable reason.
A School-Staff Association is in place and has a genuine forum for negotiation with administration. Teachers have
freedom of speech without fear of reprisal.
6. TEACHERS HAVE THE RIGHT TO A TRANSPARENT AND IMPARTIAL EVALUATION PROCESS
Teacher evaluation is transparent and as impartial as possible. Visiting accreditation organizations are invited to
incorporate a review of fair teacher compliance. Teachers are never dismissed arbitrarily and are given due process.
http://www.internationalschoolsreview.com/nonmembers/bill-of-rights.htm
1. TEACHERS HAVE THE RIGHT TO ACCURATE INFORMATION
2. TEACHERS HAVE THE RIGHT TO ETHICAL CONTRACT PRACTICES
3. TEACHERS HAVE THE RIGHT TO WORK IN A SAFE, SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT
4. TEACHERS HAVE THE RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN A SCHOOL-STAFF ASSOCIATION
5. TEACHERS HAVE THE RIGHT TO ASSISTANCE WITH TRANSITION INTO THE HOST COUNTRY
Candidates’ questions are answered honestly during the recruiting process.
School housing, if offered, is clearly represented by photos and written descriptions at recruiting time.
If teachers are provided with health care benefits, a copy of the policy is available.
Promises made verbally are disclosed in writing, including: all expenses and materials that will be reimbursed, class
size, after-school activity expectations, number of class hours per week, how salaries are paid, personnel development
allowance and how to receive it.
Teachers are presented with the final wording of their contracts at the recruiting fair.
Contracts for foreign-hires are in English and shall not require interpretation.
Contracts completely delineate a teacher’s duties and benefits.
No other contract can ever supercede the contract signed by the teacher.
Employment handbooks are available at recruiting fairs and outline policies referred to in the contract.
Teachers have access to an up-to-date salary schedule at recruitment time.
When signatures by school personnel not present at a recruiting fair are needed to finalize a contract, the original
wording of the contract is never changed from that already agreed to by the teacher.
Teachers may take up to 48 hours to accept a contract. During that time the school guarantees the position’s
continued availability.
When a host country requires a contract in the host-country language, the school guarantees all statements in the
teacher’s English language version.
Renewal contracts are presented far enough in advance so that teachers may decide not to sign and still have
ample time to take the necessary steps to recruit for the next school year.
The school will make every effort to insure all teachers work in an environment free from bullying and harassment
from administrators, students, parents and/or teachers.
Teachers are supported by administration when confronted with individuals acting outside the bounds of acceptable
behavior. Agendas not beneficial to the school/school-community are not permitted.
Teachers are provided with the material support and initial orientation required to successfully do their jobs. Noneducator
managing directors do not interfere in educational matters beyond their expertise.
All teachers are assisted in making a smooth financial, cultural and legal transition into the host country.
Passports are held only for the purpose of visa renewal and are returned upon request.
Teachers are supported and protected, to the extent possible, by school administration against authorities and/or
individual members of the host country who wish the teacher harm (possible imprisonment, travel ban) for no
justifiable reason.
A School-Staff Association is in place and has a genuine forum for negotiation with administration. Teachers have
freedom of speech without fear of reprisal.
6. TEACHERS HAVE THE RIGHT TO A TRANSPARENT AND IMPARTIAL EVALUATION PROCESS
Teacher evaluation is transparent and as impartial as possible. Visiting accreditation organizations are invited to
incorporate a review of fair teacher compliance. Teachers are never dismissed arbitrarily and are given due process.
posted by Kevin Anthony Stoda at 4:01 AM
1 Comments:
Schools that withhold salaries, switch contract terms, substitute poor housing for promised housing, fail to reimburse travel and shipping allowances, renege on health insurance and engage in other dishonest practices are not acceptable schools to work at by any stretch of the imagination.
Why take chances with your personal well being and your career? Before accepting an overseas teaching position ask the school director if his/her school endorses basic rights for teachers as outlined in the Bill of Rights for International Educators.
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