We are so proud to announce that Rowena, CEO of Totally Teach was OFFICIALLY announced as the WINNER of the Innovation in Education Award at the 35th elets World Education Summit Dubai 2026!

During our Totally Teach Tour, we had the absolute pleasure of hearing from Principal Simon Attwood of Ningbo British International School.

Principal Attwood generously shared his insights from years of experience in international education, including what he personally looks for when interviewing new teachers. One of the most valuable takeaways from his talk was his practical framework for evaluating international teaching opportunities.

It was such a useful and honest approach that we felt it deserved to be shared more widely.

Totally Teach is delighted to announce a new partnership with Abacare Insurance, a leading Asia-based insurance broker specialising in tailored insurance and benefits solutions for the education sector.

This collaboration brings trusted, education-focused insurance support to Totally Teach teachers AND schools, helping them feel secure, supported, and well-protected.

WOW! We’re back, after what can only be described as a brilliant, two day, TOTALLY TEACH WEEKEND in BEIJING.

If you've been invited to deliver a demo lesson at a prospective school, congratulations! This is a promising step in the hiring process. A demo lesson can feel both exciting and nerve-wracking - here's how to prepare and shine on the day.

You’ve listed your degrees, previous roles, achievements, and maybe even added a sparkle of personality. But there’s one thing we’ve noticed that some international teachers will forget to include on their CVs, and this detail could be the game changer if a school is deciding between extending an interview invite to you, or to another candidate.

When you first connect with a recruitment consultant or complete our online application form, it can feel a little like stepping into a game of twenty questions. But for us, every question has a purpose of finding you an international teaching role that truly fits. 

Let’s take a closer look at what we ask, and, more importantly, why we ask it.

Confused why you’re not getting interviews? 

We can help you with that!

After the success of our (fully booked!) CV consultations during our recent Totally Teach Tour, we wanted to make sure that this service became available and accessible to everyone.

If you’ve gone through the application process for international teaching jobs, you’ve no doubt come across a request for an ‘introduction video’. As the name suggests, it’s a short video of you introducing yourself as a teacher / available candidate. 

Introduction videos aren’t a new phenomenon, and are typically included as a staple part of a teacher’s application profile. But, is it something that schools still care about - or is it just another hoop to jump through?

Choosing your next school is a big decision that can shape not only your teaching career but also your lifestyle, personal and professional growth. While every teacher’s priorities are different, there are several key factors to keep in mind throughout your job hunt.

Teaching in Myanmar offers a blend of challenge, adventure, and opportunity. While the country continues to develop, the warmth of the people, the low cost of living, and the chance to make a real difference in education make it a truly special destination for international teachers.

If you’re looking for a teaching experience that’s off the beaten path, that’s rich in culture, adventure, and community, then Myanmar might just be your next great adventure!

Get $500 Off Of Your Teaching Certifications and M.ED

WE DID IT!

The Totally Teach Tour 2025 is FINISHED

Ever wondered what it’s like to run a business in China?

At Totally Teach, we’re proud to work with other independent businesses. Thanks to the trusted partnerships we form, we’re able to help our teachers out with more than just a new job. Because when you’re working abroad, there’s a lot of lifestyle changes to navigate, such as, where can I get a good cup of coffee?

That’s where Jonas Emil Coffee Roasters come in!

Not only are they an incredible business in their own right, they also supply the coffee you can find inside of our Totally Teach Welcome Boxes!

And if you’ve ever been curious about what it is like to transition from teaching into starting up and running a business in China, then you won’t want to miss the chat we had with David, from Jonas Emil. Read on to find out their story.

If you're in between jobs or work visas in China, applying for a Temporary Stay Permit can give you a short legal window (typically 30 days) to stay in the country while preparing your next steps. This is especially helpful if you're transitioning to a new job and need time to process your next Z visa. Usually, your current school’s HR will be well-practiced and able to assist you with the process, but it’s always best to know what to expect and what documents to prepare.

You’ve aced your interviews, signed the offer, now the big day is here! It’s time to get started at your new role in your new school - congratulations! First days can be a mix of emotions: exciting, nerve-wracking, confusing, not quite knowing what to expect. It’s normal to experience all of these, and more! 

When it’s finally time to clock in for your first day at your new job, we know that you will have a lot on your mind. The main (and most important!) thing? Making a great first impression! Starting off on the right foot is essential for you to seamlessly transition into your new school, plus gets the school year off to a great start.

We’re pretty sure that you’re going to make an excellent first impression no matter what, but if you’re looking for a few extra tips on how to really shine in your first few days, here is what you can do!

Not passing the probation period at your new teaching job in China - it’s not an ideal situation to be in, and luckily not too common, but it happens. 

It can be stressful, but the key to this situation is to know how to handle it professionally so you can move forward smoothly, and make the best out of what you can. 

Here’s what you should do if it happens to you.

The answer depends largely on your level of teaching experience, how relevant the role is, and how you frame it.

Interviews are a professional situation where every answer shapes how a school sees you, not just as a teacher, but as a colleague, role model, and representative of their community. One of the quickest ways to damage that impression? 

Technically, you don’t have to, but…

If you’ve been an international teacher in China for a while, you will know that having fluency in Mandarin isn’t expected or required for your role. Working as an English teacher, or in bilingual or international schools means that English proficiency is the standard language requirement. However! Just because it’s not required, it doesn't mean it’s not needed. Many teachers in China will have experienced the confusion and general helplessness that can come with language barriers. Having at least a basic level of Mandarin is really important, and extremely useful! Here’s why.