FAQ’s
This is a list of some of the questions that we are most often asked. For any other questions, please write to join_us@aisr.org.
1. What makes an AIS-R teacher?
Typically, we recruit teachers who have a valid teaching certificate and at least two years of teaching experience. Beyond that, we are looking for teachers who are highly motivated, are interested in expanding their own learning as well as that of their students, and are willing to take on important responsibilities outside of the classroom to improve the educational experience of our community. Further, we ask our teachers to model the characteristics of a global citizen as they interact with our community.
2. When do teachers begin and end the school year?
Teachers work a 190-day contract, with new teachers arriving in the first week(s) of August to participate in an orientation program. Returning teachers report for work during the second/third week of August. Approximately a week is set aside for professional learning and classroom preparation before students return. Throughout the year the school usually has a one-week fall break, two-week winter break and one-week spring break. The end of the school year typically falls during the first two weeks of June. Some changes to this schedule can be expected due to Islamic holidays and other scheduling conflicts.
3. Which International Recruiting Fairs will AIS-R representatives attend?
AIS-R is registered with International School Services (ISS), Search Associates and the Global Recruitment Collaborative (GRC) and will have representatives in attendance at several recruiting conferences from October through February.
More information about the fairs we may attend can be found on the following websites:
4. What benefits do you offer overseas-hired faculty?
AIS-R offers a competitive employee benefits package that includes, but is not limited to the following:
- A competitive salary;
- A spacious, fully-furnished villa in a gated community;
- A utilities stipend;
- A vehicle (SUV);
- An allowance for the shipment of personal items;
- A yearly allowance for professional development;
- Medical insurance from an international provider;
- Substantial flight allowance;
- Retirement savings plan (5% of annual salary) with a 100% matching contribution from the school;
- Severance accrual as per host-country law;
- Reimbursement for unused sick and personal leave;
- Annual bonus for exemplary attendance.
5. Come vacation time, are their travel opportunities within the Kingdom?
The answer is most definitely yes! Because Saudi Arabia is still closed to general tourism, you can derive a great deal of satisfaction from seeing sights that even the most adventurous of tourists will never lay eyes on. There is Mada'in Saleh, Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Petra-like city of tombs built by the Nabateans around 2,000 years ago; Jeddah, "the bride of the Red Sea", the Kingdom's second city and an important commercial hub in the Gulf region; and the Farasan Islands in the country's southwestern corner, a gateway to the fantastic riches of the Red Sea. In addition, you can venture less than an hour outside of Riyadh to enjoy an overnight camping trip or just a few hours of solitude in splendid desert landscapes.