International School Augsburg – ISA- gAG (ISA) rests in a safe and beautiful environment 50 minutes from Munich, in Gersthofen. ISA opened its doors to students for the first time in 2005 with only 65 local students. Since then, ISA has grown to a fully-established, successfully accredited K-12 school with an enrolment of 250 students from 30 countries. They offer inquiry-based learning from the Reggio Emilia and Primary Years through to the IB Diploma Programme in their quality accreditations by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), the Cambridge International Examinations Board and the Council of International Schools (CIS), along with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Additionally, the school is a Cambridge center for the General Certificate of Secondary Education.
Augsburg’s age-old tradition of international banking and trading along with its official nomination as a “City of Peace” is the perfect environment for a teach abroad experience and setting for ISA. Augburg was founded more than 2000 years ago by the Romans, and monuments remain of its great past as home of the German Renaissance and Rococo style. Overseas teachers can enjoy the surrounding sites of the Rathaus (Town Hall), the Perlachturm (Perlach Tower), the Schaezlerpalais (Schaezler Palace), and the three Prachtbrunnen (Pracht Fountains) that give Augsburg its Italian flair. A nice contrast to the Renaissance and Rococo eras is found in the impressive architecture from the 19th century, when the city used to be a center of industrialization. In fact, engineer Rudolf Diesel built the first diesel engine in Augsburg. The five-storied glass palace—the Kammgarnspinnerei (Worsted Spinning Mill)—now houses three museums of contemporary art. In walking distance is Staatliches Textil-und Industriemuseum, (State Museum of Textiles and Textile Industry). Every year, Augsberg hosts Deutsches Mozartfestival (German Mozart Festival), a weeklong commemoration of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his father Leopold, who was born in the city.
Overseas teachers join ISA’s current teaching staff of 66, which includes 10 German educators. Three hundred and forty-one students are currently enrolled at ISA, representing more than 30 nationalities, in pre-K through Grade 12. To further enhance ISA’s reputation, they are a member of the Diversity Charter and have Eco School status.
Before and after-school activities allow opportunities for students to discover a new interest or develop their talents. Running Club, Cross Fit, Korean, Study Buddies, Girl’s Club, football, tennis, cheerleading, jewelry making, drama workshops, and ballet are a few examples and each year, new and exciting activities become available. Well-established in student life is participation in the annual yearbook; Student Council, called Voices of ISA; Interact Club; and a number of themed events throughout the year.
Community Service is central to life at ISA, where overseas teachers are welcome to join students within the school community, in the locality, and in Zambia, where ISA has a partner school. The school’s bi-annual Make-a Difference-Day allows students, international faculty, and parents to provide service to more than 30 local charities as well as needy individuals for the entire day.
ISA hires overseas teachers of diverse profiles, including couples with a non-teaching partner. They will also consider newly-certified candidates, experienced teachers lacking certification, and interns. Teachers must hold an academic degree in the subject they will be teaching, and there is no age limit to obtain a work visa.
The annual salary, conditions, and benefits are comparable to similar German international schools, with a benefits package that includes a moving allowance and a 20% contribution to a retirement plan. Based on total family income, teachers with children pay a partial tuition fee, which includes school lunch for each child attending the school. ISA provides excellent opportunities for professional growth and development for international teachers. After setting professional goals and acquiring supervisor approval, faculty are encouraged to access professional development throughout the year, based on available opportunities. Local health insurance, including dental and long-term disability, are covered, with the employee paying a percentage.
