The International School of Kazan (ISK), a model of best practices in education and holistic childhood development, as well as the front-runner for the whole system of education in Tatarstan, is now a Search Associates member school. ISK, which began only four years ago as a primary school, is currently a pre-K–10 day school. The school is preparing for the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme verification visit in the fall of 2018 and holds candidate status for the IB Middle Years Programme. Its middle school, launched in September 2016, is a state-of-the-art facility designed by architects from Fielding Nair International, who care deeply about learning spaces that put student learning at the center.
ISK is located approximately 800 kilometers east of Moscow in Kazan, a growing international city, but the school currently serves predominantly Russian families. Designed to boost economic growth in the region, ISK sits in a low-rise residential area, with easy public transportation access to the city center. Located at the meeting of two rivers, Kazan is described as the “Russian version of Istanbul—where Asia and Europe meet and combine.” Kazan boasts ancient palaces, mosques, and cathedrals, a vibrant cultural life, large sporting events with excellent pro teams, and amazing restaurants. An article on Buzzfeed even cited Kazan as one of the “17 places to travel to before they become too popular.” It is truly a hidden treasure, discovered by people only once they arrive.
ISK is fully endorsed by the Ministry of Education and Science - Russian Federation and is working on international accreditation with the Council of International Schools. Currently 370 students, 90% from Russia and 3% from North America, are enrolled. While 30 of the teachers are Russian, 30 are from North America and three from the U.K. The primary school curriculum, in line with the PYP, is divided into six interdisciplinary themes: “Who we are, Where we are in space and time, How we express ourselves, How the world works, How we organize ourselves, and How we share the planet.” Homework at the elementary level is to read in English. Secondary students study their native language as well as a foreign language to help them understand their own culture and that of another nation while broadening knowledge and deepening understanding in all the disciplines. ISK’s secondary school program involves mostly project-based learning for individuals and teams. Extra-curricular activities include art, chess, Chinese language, football, martial arts, robotics, singing, swimming, table tennis, and tennis.
While ISK continues to pursue best practices in education along with maintaining the most up-to-date infrastructure, the school asserts that the main asset of any school is its staff. That is why the school’s leadership considers a successful recruitment policy to be a major goal on their way towards providing an outstanding education for their students. (And that is why they have enlisted the services of Search Associates!)
ISK is interested in hiring single and married teachers. The school is amenable to non-teaching spouses and will consider unmarried teaching couples. Candidates must be certified and hold their academic degree in the subject that they will be teaching. ISK will also consider exceptional, newly-certified teachers and teachers certified in a non-English speaking country. Russia issues work visas to certified teachers up to the age of 60.
The ISK benefits package includes a tax-free salary, with an increase for those assuming a leadership position, such as Department Chair or Athletic Director. The school provides on-campus, furnished housing and one-time allowances for moving and settling-in. Tuition is free for dependents; the only expense for teachers would be school uniforms. Worldwide health coverage, including emergency evacuation, is fully covered, and the school provides on-going professional development. After-school programs, use of sports facilities, breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks are all complimentary. Finally, there are local employment opportunities for non-teaching spouses. Because the cost of living is quite reasonable compared with other European hubs, the potential for savings is great at ISK!
To gain access to International School of Kazan’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.
