Feature
Becoming a teacher at an International Baccalaureate (IB) school
An IB certification can serve as your passport to teaching around the world, giving you the flexibility to choose where you want to work
Published on 12 November 2024
If you are already a qualified teacher, then becoming an International Baccalaureate (IB) teacher can open doors to teaching opportunities worldwide. The IB is an internationally-recognised education system that offers a unique, student-centred approach to teaching and learning. It emphasises critical thinking, global awareness, and independent learning.
About the IB
Unlike more traditional courses of study, the IB prioritises skills such as problem-solving, inquiry-based learning, and collaboration. Independent of any government structure, it encourages students to see things from a global perspective and to consider multiple viewpoints. Its ‘international’ nature is key, as it crosses cultural, national, geographical, and even disciplinary boundaries.
Students also take part in activities outside the classroom as part of the creativity, activity and service strands of the Diploma programme.
Through the programmes, students become critical thinkers who will ask challenging questions and take responsibility for their own education. It results in lifelong learners who can make a positive impact in the world.
IB mission
Why become an IB teacher?
Teachers who teach on this programme say that this approach to learning makes it particularly rewarding.
It also offers many advantages for you, both personally and professionally:
Opportunities throughout the world
The IB curriculum is delivered in over 5,000 schools worldwide, and recognised in over 150 countries. With a globally-recognised IB teaching qualification, you could find positions in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, or even Asia . Whether you want to teach in an international school in your own country, or move to experience a new culture, a wide variety of opportunities will be available.
The IB programmes cover ages 3-19 so it is also suitable for whichever level you are currently teaching.
High demand
Demand is growing as more and more schools adopt the IB curriculum. This demand means you're likely to find well-paying and rewarding positions abroad.
Even those international schools which don’t offer the IB welcome teachers with IB training because of their valuable experience in student-centred learning, critical thinking, and inquiry-based teaching.
Career progression
With an IB qualification, you'll have a better chance of gaining a leadership position. It could also give you the opportunity for overseas exchanges (where you can work temporarily in another country), as well as increased variety and rich professional development.
Steps to becoming an IB teacher
To teach in an IB school: if you already hold a teaching qualification in your own country, and have some experience as a teacher, you will be eligible to take one of these three IBEC courses:
- Certificate in Leadership Practice
- Advanced Certificate in Teaching and Learning Research
- Advanced Certificate in Leadership Research
Dundee's approach
Here at Dundee, we offer all three of these courses, which have been designed in partnership with the IB. We make it as easy as possible for you to access them and work at a level suited to both your current level of experience and future ambitions.
Online study
You might already be working in a school, and if so, you don’t need to give up your job whilst studying. Our courses are flexible, and available on a part-time basis, via distance learning. This means you can easily combine them with working. Each module is delivered online over five months and concludes with an assessment.
Access to digital resources
Because our courses are online, you don't need to worry about visa requirements or even access to libraries – you’ll find everything available in our digital library. All you need is a reasonable internet connection and an eagerness to learn.
Support at every step
We understand that it may have been many years since you last studied formally, and our Academic Skills department is here to help you transition back into learning. We also provide ongoing guidance, assigning you an Advisor of Studies to help you through your degree, along with a dedicated module leader for each module.
The three Certificates that we offer differ in scope and depth. It will partly depend on how much experience you already have in the field, and your own career goals to determine which one best suits.
IB Certificate in Leadership Practice
Our IB Certificate in Leadership Practice is a shorter course, covering two modules relating to leadership and the IB programme. It is more foundational in nature, and doesn’t require previous IB experience, making it accessible for teachers who are new to the IB but want to gain basic leadership skills in order to step into leadership roles.
This certificate is usually completed within a year, working on a part time basis online. As a dual award, students are then awarded both a Postgraduate Diploma, and the IB Certificate. Once completed, several students choose to continue in their course of study, and also complete the Advanced Certificate in Leadership Research.
IB Advanced Certificate in Leadership Research
This certificate is the perfect choice for teachers who have little or no IB experience but are keen to work within IB schools. The certificate requires completion of the full Masters degree, and includes specific modules on IB and Leadership. There are opportunities to explore personal interests through optional modules and independent research.
IB Advanced Certificate in Teaching and Learning Research
If you have more experience in IB schools, we also offer the IB Advanced Certificate in Leadership Research. This is ideal if you are a teacher who has been working in IB schools for at least three years and are looking to develop your leadership skills further or even pursue roles in school management.
Completing an Advanced Certificate takes 2-3 years on a part time basis, and results in a dual award of the Masters degree and also the IB Advanced certificate. It goes into greater depth, and has a higher level of individual research, with a double-module dissertation forming part of the course.