Summary:

The author points out some impacts of globalization and international migration on the educational sector. The paper refers to two aspects of international teacher recruitment. It focuses on the effects of the education system and the impact on students as well as on migrant teachers. Referring to the migrant teachers besides cultural differences and challenging classroom management there is a risk of getting abused and exploited (high recruitment fees, contract irregularities). The role of recruitment agencies is viewed critically (page 450ff.). Regarding the school system as a labor market, some migrant teachers are facing discrimination, lack of support or pay disparities. To ensure the professional standards migrant teachers need specialised induction support regarding the differences in the school system (students population, school workplace). Efforts are taken to mitigate negative consequences. A systematic reform should involve a national recruiter registry, public disclosure of information and an elimination or regulation of the fees (p. 455). As another conclusion the author suggests a strong teacher and education union through which on the one hand the migrant teachers get supported and protected and on the other hand the teaching profession’s standards are secured. Another essential approach is to get academic researchers and practitioners together in order to seek data and craft better policies.

Language: English