The International School of Stavanger (ISS) located in Norway—named “Most Livable Country in the World” by the United Nations for 12 of the past 14 years—has just become a Search Associates member school. Stavanger, Norway’s fourth largest city, is a beautiful and cosmopolitan yet cozy city of approximately 130,000 residents, surrounded by fjords on the southwest coast. Families have easy access to both city and country living, and the school offers bus transportation throughout the area. ISS says,
“ Norway . . . is an optimal location for those who value clean water, fresh air and a love of the outdoors. Because of its location on the southwest coast of Norway, Stavanger’s climate is impacted by the Gulf Stream, which, somewhat surprisingly, makes snow in town a rare occurrence. Ample amounts of rainfall, though, are common in town and just two hours’ drive inland there are a number of ski areas. [The] country presents vast areas open for hiking, skiing, bicycling and water sports. The love of the outdoors is characterized by the Norwegian expression: ‘There is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing.’”
ISS was founded in 1966, initially to provide schooling for the dependents of employees working in the North Sea petroleum industry, but it has since evolved to also serve the dependents of a large NATO base nearby as well as members of the local community. Accredited by the Norwegian National system under the Education Act 2.12, the Council of International Schools (CIS), and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), ISS has successfully prepared students for the British International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) for 30 years, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program for 20 years, and the International School Assessments for 13 years. Students successfully transition to and from both national and international educational systems, and ISS graduates gain admission to competitive universities and colleges on all continents. The school currently enrolls 500 students of 50 nationalities, 14% from Norway and 37% from North America and the U.K. The teaching staff of 81 comprises seven from Norway and 45 from North America and the U.K.
This well-established school offers engaging activities for every child! Three seasons of inter-scholastic sports allow students to compete not only locally but also in international tournaments sponsored by the Northwestern European Council of International Schools (NECIS). Other extra-curricular programs range from musical productions to Model United Nations, App Development, Cycling Club, and more. At ISS, a strong service learning program is in place in addition to foreign language immersion and music and theater festivals. Thanks to Norway’s wonderful tradition of outdoor education, a highlight of each school year for students and teachers alike is traveling the mountains or coastline for a week of nature, exploration, and learning.
ISS is interested in hiring singles, married, and non-married teaching couples, with or without dependents. Outstanding newly-certified teachers and teachers certified in non-English speaking countries may also apply. The school does not require candidates to have their academic degree in the subject they will be teaching; however, applicants with U.S. certification require master’s degrees. All teachers may bring three or more children, and there are local opportunities for non-teaching spouses. Certified teachers up to age 70 can obtain a work visa.
Benefits include a moving and settling-in stipend plus roundtrip airfare “at the start and end of employment on the initial [three-year] contract for employees and dependents based on the point of hire.” ISS contributes 7% of a teacher’s yearly salary to a retirement plan but notes that there are salary deductions to cover national healthcare and pension contributions. The school provides full tuition benefits for all dependent children as well as worldwide health insurance, long-term disability, and life insurance. Teachers may be awarded up to approximately $1,000 towards professional development, upon annual request and administrative approval. Other benefits include subsidized lunch, swimming pool membership, free fruit, and an Automobile Assistance Policy. This comprehensive salary and benefits package could amount to substantial savings.
To gain access to International School of Stavanger’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.
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.
