So You Want to Teach the International Baccalaureate? Tips for Getting Started (and Going International)
Interested in teaching the International Baccalaureate (IB)? Whether you’re already an experienced educator or just curious about what the IB has to offer, there is a lot to get your head around.
The IB is one of the most recognised and respected international education frameworks worldwide. And teaching it can open doors to some exciting global opportunities.
We’ll explain how to get into IB teaching, what credentials are needed, and how to give yourself a competitive edge for international school jobs if you’re considering teaching internationally.
What Makes IB Teaching Different?
Teaching and learning styles can differ around the world. Typically, IB classrooms focus on:
- Inquiry-based learning – students ask questions and explore answers with teacher directed guidance.
- Interdisciplinary thinking – subjects connect across real-world themes.
- Concept-driven curriculum – big ideas matter more than memorising facts as they cross subject boundaries to provide interconnected understanding.
- International mindedness – global perspectives are integrated across lessons.
- Student agency – learners take ownership of their learning journey.
How to Get Started Teaching the IB
1. Understand How the International Baccalaureate Works
The IB is made up of four programmes:
- PYP (Primary Years Programme) – ages 3–12
- MYP (Middle Years Programme) – ages 11–16
- DP (Diploma Programme) – ages 16–19
- CP (Career-related Programme) – ages 16–19
You can download sample guides and curriculum overviews directly from the IBO website to learn more.
2. Take an IB Workshop
A great way to break into IB teaching (and learn more) is to complete a Category 1 IB workshop in your subject area or programme of interest.
These workshops:
- Are offered online or in person
- Introduce you to IB philosophy, assessment methods, and planning tools
- Can make your CV more attractive to IB schools
You don’t need to be working at an IB school to sign up to a workshop.
Check IB’s professional development calendar or look for accredited providers like InThinking or the IB Educator Network.
3. Start Thinking Internationally
If you want to teach the IB abroad at a top international school, you’ll need:
✅ A Bachelor’s degree in education (or a subject + teaching qualification)
✅ Minimum 2 years teaching experience (some schools will want more but typically two years minimum is standard)
✅ Experience with student-centred, inquiry-based learning
✅ IB workshop or training certificate can be a plus
✅ A solid international CV and references (ideally from senior leadership – many schools will want a reference directly from your current/previous Head of School/Principal)
Some regions will also ask for a current teaching licence (e.g. QTS in the UK, OCT in Canada, registration in your home state in Australia, like the Queensland College of Teachers). But different international schools (and destinations) will have their own unique requirements.
4. Become an IB Examiner
If you’re not ready to go overseas, but still want to gain first-hand experience with the International Baccalaureate, you may want to consider becoming an IB examiner.
An IB Examiner is someone appointed by the International Baccalaureate (IB) organisation to assess student work and ensure it meets the required standards across IB programmes (like the Diploma Programme or Middle Years Programme).
Responsibilities include:
- Marking student assessments (e.g., exams, essays, internal assessments) according to strict IB rubrics.
- Maintaining consistency in grading across global submissions.
- Providing feedback to improve assessment practices.
- In some cases, reviewing or moderating teachers’ internal assessments to ensure fairness and standardisation.
IB examiners are typically:
- Experienced educators, subject specialists, or examiners in national systems.
- Many are current or former IB teachers, though some are university lecturers or subject experts.
- Trained by the IB to follow strict assessment protocols.
Prior to us moving overseas, my husband became an IB Examiner. Having experience marking IB History made his CV stand out for potential schools even without experience teaching the IB.
How to Land a Job at an IB School (Internationally)
1. Use the Right Job Platforms
Start with sites that specialise in international and IB teaching jobs:
- TES Jobs – International (which has recently acquired Schrole)
- Search Associates
- ISS (International Schools Services)
- AMISA
- GRC (Global Recruitment Collaborative)
These sites often list whether a school offers the IB, which programme, and what credentials are preferred.
2. Write an IB-Friendly CV
Tailor your CV to highlight:
- Experience with inquiry-based teaching
- Units you’ve planned that align with IB-style learning
- Any relevant workshops, PD, or certifications
- Cultural agility or cross-cultural teaching experience
- A short philosophy of education aligned with IB values (think global citizenship, reflection, learner agency)
3. Network with Other IB Educators
Join online groups and forums where IB teachers share resources and job leads:
- Facebook groups like “IB Teachers” or “IB PYP/MYP/DP Educators”
- LinkedIn groups and discussions
- Attend IB workshops or conferences—many job opportunities start with building your network.
Extra Tips That Help
- International experience (even travel or volunteer work) is a plus—it shows adaptability.
- If you’re not ready to move abroad yet, consider applying to an IB school in your home country first. More schools are introducing the IB, particularly in countries like Australia and Canada.
- Stay up to date on the IB Learner Profiles, Approaches to Learning (ATL), and Theory of Knowledge. These are core concepts that come up in interviews.
Final Thoughts on Teaching the International Baccalaureate
If you’re serious about teaching the IB, especially at an international school, you’ll need to do your research. Spend some time learning how the IB works, ask questions of current teachers and decide if it’s a good match with your teaching style and philosophy.
