ITP 116 - Don't Give Up, Candidates!

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S5, E116  Temisha Willis shares her extensive journey in education, spanning nearly three decades, and her transition to international teaching. From her beginnings in Cleveland, Ohio, to her experiences in Shanghai, China, Temisha discusses the motivations behind her decision to teach abroad, the challenges she faced in the international job market, and the preparations required for her upcoming move to Vietnam. ​

Our conversation also touches on family reactions to Temisha's decision and her reflections on life as an expat teacher. In this conversation, Temisha shares her experiences as an international teacher, reflecting on her journey from the excitement of landing in China to the challenges faced during the pandemic. She discusses the emotional and practical aspects of turning down job offers, the recruitment process, and the realities of life abroad, including the impact of COVID-19. 

Temisha also details her transition from teaching in China to her current position in India, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and perseverance in the face of uncertainty. In this conversation, Temisha shares her experiences of teaching abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic, the emotional journey of transitioning between countries, and the challenges of language barriers. She discusses her upcoming move to Vietnam and reflects on the importance of community support and personal growth throughout her international teaching career.

Chapters
(00:00) Introduction and Guest Welcome
(02:55) Tamisha's Journey in Education
(05:41) The Decision to Teach Abroad
(08:22) Navigating the International Job Market
(11:20) Preparing for the Move to China
(14:00) Family Reactions and Support
(16:59) Life and Teaching in Shanghai
(23:51) Reflecting on the Journey of International Teaching
(27:16) Navigating Job Offers and Decisions
(31:17) The Roller Coaster of Job Recruitment
(34:30) Life Abroad: The Reality vs. Glamour
(36:39) Transitioning from China to India
(46:50) Onboarding in a New Country
(48:34) Navigating Challenges During Lockdown
(51:11) The Emotional Journey of Teaching Abroad
(53:56) Language Barriers and Cultural Connections
(57:44) Transitioning to a New Opportunity in Vietnam
(01:02:26) Final Thoughts and Reflections on the Journey
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The International Teacher Podcast is a bi-weekly discussion with experts in international education. New Teachers, burned out local teachers, local School Leaders, International school Leadership, current Overseas Teachers, and everyone interested in international schools can benefit from hearing stories and advice about living and teaching overseas.

Additional Gems Related to Our Show:

Greg’s Favorite Video From Living Overseas - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQWKBwzF-hw⁠
Signup to be our guest  ⁠https://calendly.com/itpexpat/itp-interview?month=2025-01⁠
Our Website⁠ -  ⁠https://www.itpexpat.com/⁠
Our FaceBook Group - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/itpexpat⁠
⁠JPMint Consulting Website  - ⁠https://www.jpmintconsulting.com/⁠
Greg’s Personal YouTube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLs1B3Wc0wm6DR_99OS5SyzvuzENc-bBdO
⁠
Books By Gregory Lemoine:
⁠"International Teaching: The Best-kept Secret in Education"⁠ | by Gregory Lemoine M.Ed.
⁠"Finding the Right Fit: Your Professional Guide for International Educator Recruiting Fairs and Amazing Stories of a Teacher Living Overseas⁠" | by Gregory Lemoine M.Ed.

Partner Podcasts:
Just to Know You:  https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/just-to-know-you/id1655096513
​Educators Going Global: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/educators-going-global/id1657501409