I am considering getting a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (focused on mathematics) with the thought of eventually teaching at one of the better paying international schools. My bachelors and masters degrees are in physics and mathematics from US universities (I am American). I also have postgraduate certificates in advanced statistics. I have taught mathematics and physics at a couple of universities in the region but the pay is so low that its hardly worth it. The question is in regard to the source of the PGCE and whether it must be from your "home country". I am considering a program in Australia (Univ. of Melbourne) that has characteristics I like. It also would train me in the UK-type systems involving IB, A-levels, etc. Is the statement from the international schools that the PGCE should be from your "home country" an absolute requirement? If so, why? Any insight would be appreciated.

It is my understanding, and it's only based on information I've heard, is that most of the better international schools will require you to be a licensed teacher in your home country. I would assume that licensing criteria would extend to be licensed in the country where the school is certified, i.e. you could be an American, who is a licensed teacher in the UK and teach at an British-based international school.

Regardless of what you do, if you have an education degree from a Western country, you will have more opportunities and maybe able to command a respectable salary.

To add to Scott's comment, the better schools also ask home country teaching experience, generally a minimum of two years. One issue you may have, is that once you have obtained your PGCE and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), you are required to complete a probationary year as an NQT (Newly Qualified Teacher). Only after the required standards for that are been met are you considered fully qualified.

If you want to do this properly, be wary of any online courses that offer a PGCE, as they will give you the qualification, but not QTS, as no classroom practise will have been completed.

One major trump card you do have is that you are looking to teach maths. There is a major shortage of maths teachers in the UK and therefore at British curriculum international schools, and you may find you are able to walk in to a position with ease.

Best of luck to you!

Thanks for that. Definitely some food for thought.