The newly-registered Canadian International School of Hefei (CISH) in eastern China has much to recommend it. CISH is located in the High Tech Zone of Hefei, about 15-20 minutes outside the city center. This small school is incredibly diverse, with 20 nationalities represented among its 150 pre-K–12 students. Boarding is available for students in grades 9-12. The student population includes 40% from the U.K. and North America in addition to 25% from China. Most of the teaching staff of 30 comes from North America and the U.K., with five from China. Apartments for teachers are located in gated communities on site, and there is easy access to cabs to travel to the city’s downtown.
Established in 2005, CISH is supported by both the Chinese and Canadian governments. Its curriculum, from Montessori Nursery to Grade 12, offers an internationally-recognized Canadian education along with the International Baccalaureate (IB) program through middle school. CISH is not only an IB candidate school, but is also authorized to grant credits towards completion of the New Brunswick High School Diploma, a Canadian bilingual K-12 program. With these credentials, CISH graduates are qualified to attend top universities throughout Canada, the U.S.A., Europe, and Asia.
In her Message to Parents on the school’s website, Head of School Peggy Gorman-Mitchell says of the school’s appeal,
“Small class sizes, Canadian teachers trained in twenty-first century education skills, and excellent enrichment for all students: these are but a few of the characteristics describing the Canadian International School of Hefei. Our brand new school has modern facilities including a swimming pool, dance studio, large gymnasiums, beautiful theatres, modern up-to-date computer labs, a football field, and large, well-equipped smart board classrooms.”
CISH is interested in hiring singles and would consider couples, preferably with IB certification. Applicants “must have Canadian teaching certification or the equivalent . . . approved by the Ministry of Education in New Brunswick, Canada.” Outstanding newly-certified teachers and those certified in non-English speaking countries are welcome to apply. Teachers need not hold an academic degree in the subject they will be teaching. Work visas will be issued to certified teachers up to the age of 63. CISH mentions that due to “limited two bedroom apartments,” pets are not allowed in school-provided housing.
A generous salary and benefits package includes a fully-furnished apartment, a monthly credit towards utilities, and one annual round-trip airfare. The tuition benefit for more than one child is 100% if both parents teach and 50% if one teaches. The school also helps to finance teachers’ pursuit of a master’s or doctoral degree. CISH will pay costs for IB courses, including transportation and hotel fees, if travel is required. Teachers have the option to a) purchase their own insurance with reimbursement, which will double after the first year; or b) join the school group insurance plan, which provides worldwide coverage. There are local employment opportunities for non-teaching spouses. This package allows for great savings or the opportunity for a family of four to live on one salary.
To gain access to the Canadian International School of Hefei’s full profile on the Search Associates database, including a list of all open positions, candidates can apply for membership by clicking here. Candidates already registered can easily access the school profile directly through their dashboards for more information about salary, benefits package, and teaching requirements.
Please Note: The information presented about this school was valid on the date published. This information may change, and the most up-to-date information can be found on the school profile.
