Elementary KG Teacher
Grade 1 Teacher
Grade 2 Teacher
Grade 3 Teacher
Grade 4 Teacher
Grade 5 Teacher
Resource Teacher - Early Childhood
Middle School French/Spanish Teacher
Grade 7 Math Teacher
Grade 8 Mathematics Teacher
Drama/Honors English Teacher
Grade 7 Language Arts Teacher
Grade 8 L.A. Teacher
ESL Teacher
High School English Literature and Language 10 Teacher
English Literature and Language 11 Teacher
Geometry / Geometry E Teacher
Algebra 1 / Algebra 1E / Applications of Math Teacher
General Science / Chemistry / Astronomy Teacher
World History 9 / US History Teacher
Physics / AP Teacher
ASK will accept applications throughout the year for any listed vacancies. Certified teachers with a minimum of two years teaching experience are requested to send a letter of interest, resume, and any supporting documentation (such a statement of philosophy, letters of recommendation) and two recent photos to:
Dr. Bernard Mitchell, Superintendent
by e-mail to: ask@ask.edu.kw or fax to +965 2660438
Please visit their website for details of every position.----------
SK seeks talented and energetic individuals who are committed to working in a collaborative and supportive learning environment, and where professional and curriculum development are ongoing.
ASK will accept applications throughout the year for any listed vacancies. Certified teachers with a minimum of two years teaching experience are requested to send a letter of interest, resume, and any supporting documentation (such a statement of philosophy, letters of recommendation) and two recent photos to:
Dr. Bernard Mitchell, Superintendent
by e-mail to: ask@ask.edu.kw or fax to +965 2660438
Salaries & Benefits
Salaries and Benefits for Foreign Recruited Teachers for the Academic Year 2009/2011:
Salary range
Base salary - KD 8525
Teaching Certificate - KD 500
Graduate degree - KD 350
Experience:
Non ASK: KD 60 per year (10 years max) 60 x _________ =
ASK: KD 125 every two years (10 years max) 125 x ______ =
End of Service Award:
(Effective 1998) as per Kuwait's Labor Law
Monthly Salary __________ x _________ =
(0.5 month's salary years 1-5)
(1.0 month's salary years 6+ )
Other Cash Benefits:
Relocation Allowance (KD 100 Single / KD 200 Couple)
Baggage Allowance to Kuwait (KD 200 Single / KD 300 Couple)
- receipts required
Baggage Allowance from Kuwait (KD 200 Single / KD 300 Couple)
- receipts required + completed 2 year contract
Teacher will be reimbursed KD 35 per day for up to any of the first 6 full days
of sick days that remain unused during the year.
Other Employment Benefits
• Sick leave per year
6 days - full pay
6 days - 75% of full pay
6 days - 50% of full pay
6 days - 25% of full pay
• Tax free residency as per IRS publication 54 (USA Taxes only)
• Personal leave up to 2 days per year
• Furnished maintained housing
• Utilities including local telephone services
• Economy air fare from point of origin to Kuwait (International Airline selected by school)
• Paid summer leave of approximately 69 consecutive days
• Excursion air fare to and from point of origin for summer leave (International Airline selected by school)
• Sick leave provision
• Medical and Hospitalization insurance
• Kuwait government health and medical services
• Worker's compensation insurance as per Kuwait 's labor law
• Annual Professional development Allowance of 100KD
• Assistance with processing work visa, residency, driving license
• Bereavement Leave of 5 days with airline ticket for immediate family.
• Up to 4 days leave for attending a recruiting fair for non returning faculty upon
approval of the Superintendent
KD = Kuwait Dinar (approx. 1 KD = US$ 3.30)
Download Salaries and Benefits document for Local-Hired Teachers
Download Salaries and Benefits documents for Intern Teachers
Housing
The housing for ASK employees is comfortable. The school provides beds, dressers, couches, two chairs, a dining room set, and a desk. The new buildings (2008) are located in Mahboula and include a large outdoor commons area.
Outside the complex, there are organized trips for shopping, touring a museum, or seeing the Grand Mosque. It is amazing how many weekends are packed with more activities that there is time to attend.
The school, which is a 15 - 20 minute drive from the housing, has a fitness center which teachers may use after school and on the weekends. It is well equipped with Cyber machines, free weights, and video equipment in case you have a favorite exercise video. Easy access to the internet is available with all teachers having a computer in their classroom.
Teachers can join the local softball league, rugby, or the hockey team and others play basketball several times a week. The Hilton is nearby and many enjoy its facilities and join its health club. Several options for runners to get together in small and large groups are available. A number of current faculty members involve themselves with the Kuwait Little Theatre by either acting or back stage work.
There is a book club which meets monthly for ASK teachers. Books are chosen in May so that people can buy them over the summer. For the new teachers, the list is always included in your summer packet.
Living in Kuwait
Download articles from a local newspaper related to Living in Kuwait
A large variety of choices present themselves to those involved in the daily life of Kuwait whether it is in shopping, exercising, or socializing. People are often surprised at the vast array of products available and places to go. Perhaps the one thing that Westerners find most difficult to adjust is the weekend that is on Thursday and Friday rather than Saturday and Sunday. School begins at 7:30 and ends at 2:30 for students. Many shops close in the afternoon until around 4:00 or 5:00 p.m. Most stores stay open until 9:00 or 10:00 in the evening. Western stores like IKEA and the Sultan Center are open during the afternoons. Traffic can be heavy and congested during peak times in the morning, afternoon and early evening. During the Holy Month of Ramadan, one of the most important religious events in Islam, school begins at 9:00 and ends at 2:30. Stores also open later but do not close until 11:00 pm. Ramadan ends with EID, a time of celebration and family gathering.
ASK Social Committee
The Social Committee is deeply involved in giving people choices through a variety of activities. This includes a Halloween party that begins early with a picnic, followed by trick and treating by the children. After the children are finished, the adults have their own door-to-door trick or treat party, which ends with a final stop for relaxing with friends and colleagues.
During Ramadan, teachers take turns planning a Fitar gathering on Wednesday. Fitar is the meal shared with family members after sundown during this religious month. Christmas caroling by the pool is followed by hot chocolate and Christmas goodies before school ends for the winter break. Also a real highlight for many are the car rally and Music Quiz Night, which have proven to be a raving success.
Shopping
The major source of Western style grocery shopping and products is the Sultan Center. Several of these stores exist throughout the city, but the two major ones are located in at The Avenues and Marina Mall. Here you will find a wide variety of American and Western products. Besides the Sultan Centers Co-op stores are situated in suburban communities for easy access. The Co-ops do not have the variety but they definitely have excellent choices. These shops offer more local items. Most Co-ops are in areas that offer fast food restaurants and a vegetable and fruit market.
The Middle Eastern concept of fruit and vegetable stores, bread shops, and butcher shops are available also. For convenience, every block or two has its own "Baqalla", which is a tiny shop selling a wide variety of goods.
The Old Souk in Kuwait City and the open air Friday market offer traditional items in an old world setting. Carpet shops, which sell carpets from many parts of the MiddleEast are found everywhere,. These carpets vary from the most practical to the highly expensive. People also enjoy visiting the Exhibition grounds in Mishreif where products from the Middle and Far East are sold.
Shopping Malls abound in Kuwait. These malls include shops such as The Body Shop, Debenhams, River Island, Levi, JC Penney's, the Gap, Banana Republic, Laura Ashley, and even Tiffany's just to name a few. True Value, Ace Hardware, Sears, and IKEA and others are also within easy access. There is very little that one cannot buy in Kuwait.
Food
People are sometimes shocked to discover that Kuwait has over 50 McDonald's plus many Burger Kings, KFC, Pizza Hut, Dominoes, Baskin Robbins, Chilli's, Johnny Rockets, Fridays, Fuddruckers as well as local restaurants. A Chinese take-out can be found minutes away no matter where you live. Fish is plentiful and excellent with a local fish market that sells fresh fish every day.
Entertainment
Movies theaters are plentiful in Kuwait. Several malls have multi-screens and the latest in American films are available. An interesting twist is that you purchase a particular seat as one would in a live theater production the States. Movie theater food is quite inexpensive! If you aren't a movie buff, there are other options. Some love to travel in the desert picnicking and camping. Others may be found scuba diving and snorkeling, while others are found pounding the pavement with their running companions and exercising at a club. There are book clubs to be joined, coffee to be drunk at Starbucks or Costas, or a leisure day to be spent sunning by a pool.
Language
Arabic is the official language in Kuwait but an English speaker can always be found. It is not necessary to speak Arabic. It can be fun to learn, however.
Weather
As one would expect the summers are hot and dry. The months of May through October tend to be uncomfortably warm. However, from November through April cooler weather prevails. There will be times when a warm jacket will be necessary. All apartments have heat and can be a welcome relief on cold and windy days in January or February. Rain is infrequent, but bring an umbrella. At least once a year a good thunderstorm can be heard.
Dress
A vast array of clothing is worn in Kuwait. Many Arab men wear the traditional dishdashas and a large number of women wear abayas and the hajab (scarf worn to cover hair), but common Western wear also abounds. It is still considered inappropriate to wear shorts or sleeveless blouses, but, other than that, all type of dress is accepted. It is important to dress respectfully for the culture in which we live.
FAQs
1) CAN TEACHERS SAVE ANYTHING FROM THEIR SALARY?
Yes most definitely. While this is always dependent on the lifestyle a person lives, many teachers reportedly save over half of their salary.
2) DOES ASK RECRUIT FAMILIES? Housing
Yes, we actively recruit singles, couples and families.
3) WHAT SUPPORT IS THERE FOR TEACHER'S DEPENDENTS?
Each individual teacher contract is allowed one dependent whether a non-teaching spouse or child. ASK will pay for residency costs, health insurance, annual return airfares and ASK tuition costs if applicable.
4) IS KUWAIT SAFE?
While Kuwait has been constantly in the press in recent years, it remains an extremely safe, peaceful and a US friendly country. The ongoing conflict in Iraq and Palestine/Israel has no real impact on Kuwait nor should it in the future.
5) WHAT IS IT LIKE FOR WOMEN IN KUWAIT ?
While Kuwait is an Islamic country, it has a very western feel about it. Women do not need to be covered at all and providing they do not dress provocatively they are free to wear what they wish.
6) CAN WOMEN DRIVE IN KUWAIT ?
Yes, most women including Kuwaitis drive.
7) WHAT IS THE ROAD SYSTEM LIKE?
Roads and freeways are highly developed. Traffic can be very busy and is usually fast.
8) DO YOU NEED A CAR IN KUWAIT ?
We find a majority of teachers do buy cars although the school provides a bus to and from school.
9) DOES THE SCHOOL SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT?
Yes, we feel really strongly about this and have an annual professional development allowance of approx $330 US which can be accumulated for up to three years. The school also supports many other professional development initiatives and activities.
10) WHAT IS THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM LIKE?
There is a well organized and effective bus service which runs all over the city. Taxis are readily available and reasonably priced.
11) WHAT IS THE PRICE OF GAS/PETROL?
About 80 cents a US gallon
12) DO YOU HAVE TO SHARE AN APARTMENT?
No, singles have their own apartment.
13) CAN YOU PAINT YOUR APARTMENT?
Yes you can. Your apartment will be white or neutral on arrival and can be decorated as you wish with certain stipulations.
14) WHAT IS THE AVERAGE STAY OF OVERSEAS HIRES AT ASK ?
Approximately 3 years
15) CAN YOU PURCHASE WESTERN PRODUCTS?
Yes, there are many products available in electronics, food, and entertainment.
16) WHAT IS THERE TO DO FOR FUN?
There are a variety of activities. These would include running clubs, reading groups, golf, basketball, and going to the movies and shopping. For students the school provides a vast number of after school activities.
17) IS IT DIFFICULT TO OBTAIN A VISA FOR VISITOR?
Generally no. Kuwait now allows residents of several countries, including the US, to purchase a Visa when they arrive at the airport. Otherwise, there is a procedure to go through but, normally there is no problem and visitors are welcomed.
