Breaking Contracts at International Schools: Is It Still a Career Killer?

If you’ve ever considered breaking a teacher contract while working at an international school, you’ll know it’s a tricky situation!

Although teaching contracts are usually signed with lots of enthusiasm, unfortunately, things don’t always go as planned for some teachers and their famiilies. 

Whether it’s a toxic work environment, unfulfilled school promises, or family well-being, sometimes teachers face the difficult choice of breaking their contracts.

But what does breaking a contract really mean, especially for families? Is it still the dreaded “black card” that can ruin your career? Or have things changed?

Why Teachers Consider Breaking Their International School Contract

Many teachers enter international school contracts with high hopes, but sometimes things can happen that mean reconsidering your options:

• The school isn’t what they promised: Maybe the leadership is chaotic, facilities are poor, or the workload is overwhelming compared to what was outlined during recruitment.
• Unrealistic expectations or toxic culture: Sometimes staff face bullying, there is little to no support, or there’s a severe mismatch between the school’s values and yours.
• Family wellbeing: Spouses may struggle to adjust (or find purpose/work), your kids experience a difficult time adjusting (especially if there are things impacting their adjustment that should have been flagged during recruitment), or they may be health issues that require you to return home.
• Personal or professional growth: Mid-contract, a better opportunity (e.g., too good to say no to) may arise that clearly aligns with your career goals or personal aspirations.

The Reputation of “Breaking Contract” — Black Cards and Blacklists

For anyone on the international teaching circuit, there has been a long-held belief that breaking a contract early can mean serious repercussions:

• “Black carding”: This term refers to being unofficially blacklisted by teaching agencies or international schools, which makes it difficult (or impossible) to get hired again in the international school circuit.
• Financial penalties: Some school contracts might include clauses requiring repayment of flights, relocation costs, or salary advances.
• Damage to professional reputation: Word travels fast in the relatively small international teaching community.

However, things are starting to shift:

• Many schools and recruiters today understand that life happens – especially after the global upheavals of recent years.
• There’s more recognition that mental health and family wellbeing are legitimate reasons to reconsider contract commitments.
• Some agencies and schools are becoming more flexible, especially if teachers communicate honestly and professionally.

When Is It Worth Considering Breaking Your Contract?

If your situation is seriously impacting your mental health or your family’s well-being, it’s important to prioritise those needs. No job is worth long-term damage to your or your family’s health.

Before you decide whether to terminate your contract early, be sure to:

• Document issues: Keep records of communication, working conditions, and any unfulfilled promises from the school.
• Talk to your school: Sometimes solutions or compromises can be found depending on the issues you’re experiencing.
• Seek advice: Talk to your recruitment agency, trusted colleagues, or expat support groups (like InterNations or Facebook groups in your area). If you’re really struggling, you may also wish to consult a local employment lawyer to learn about local laws and your options.
• Understand your contract terms: Understand the financial and legal implications of choosing to break a contract.

How to Minimise the Risks When Breaking a Teacher Contract

Here are our top tips for minimising risks if you decide there’s no other option than breaking your contract.

• Give as much notice as possible. The more professional and cooperative you are, the better your chances of leaving on good terms.
• Offer to help with the transition. Suggest ways to reduce disruption for the school where possible.
• Negotiate exit terms. Sometimes schools will waive penalties or work out repayment plans.
• Keep communications polite and professional. Avoid burning bridges – as mentioned previously, the international school circuit is remarkably small!

Bottom Line: Your Health and Family Come First

Yes, breaking a teacher contract can be risky. But the stigma is not as automatic or severe as it once was. More schools and agencies are beginning to recognise the importance of mental health and family welfare in the sustainability of a teacher’s career.

If you’re struggling, it’s not worth suffering in silence – for you or your family. Reach out, get advice, and consider your wellbeing above all else. 

At the end of the day, a healthy teacher with a happy family should be an incredibly valuable asset in any international school community.