I'm not a recruiter and I don't provide contact with schools directly. My support is complementary to the access a recruitment agency provides.

I focus on helping you take your Next Step.

• I have been in your situation as an international educator working full-time while seeking my next job,

• I feel called to guide you through this hard & confusing process, especially if you aren't feeling great about recruitment thus far,

• I use a methodology not wishful thinking. I know the impact of a values-match, and a values-misalignment, with an employer.

With me, you can learn to attract your ideal international school.

In the group coaching program "Next Step", I'm your coach. I might help you figure out:

• Why your CV isn't getting any bites,

• How to prepare your answers for an important interview, virtual or in-person, and

• How to avoid selecting a school that isn't aligned with you, your values, or your lifestyle.

• How to learn more by asking the right questions before you sign the contract.

The recruiters, agencies, and HR personnel are hired by the schools. They have to prioritize the school's interests, as their first client. They can help you a lot, but it really makes a difference having someone focused on you. A coach detached from the schools and agencies.

I'm on YOUR team.

Educators (my grade level teammates) coworking at the cafe, literally!

I help educators attract their ideal international school so they can take their next step with clarity.

My guidance, coaching, community, and any other contact DOES NOT GUARANTEE that you'll secure a job, but I can help you increase your chances of standing out to an employer that aligns with you.

You feeling fulfilled and excited as you teach and live abroad in a great school!

Curious about the Next Step group coaching program?

You are here on purpose. You are an educator who knows you have value and are more than the daily grind. You will find your next step with or without my coaching program. I believe in you and the power you have to make it happen. My ultimate goal is to empower you to make waves of impact in education, wherever you are. And I want you to know that you aren't alone.

At my apartment in India during my years teaching 1st grade during the Pandemic.

I coached high school boys soccer in Saudi Arabia while teaching 1st grade, in my first 3 years teaching internationally. I was the only female head coach in the league. We won 2 championships.

I taught abroad for the last 10 years as an elementary educator in some of the top-ranked American International schools globally.

I have been in the "in-between" during recruitment seasons 4 times. I know what you're going through, and I can help you attract the next chapter of your education life by giving you the recruitment and networking tools I wished I'd had.

Hi, I'm Christina Kottmann!

I'm a Career Mentor for educators, focused on guiding international educators who are in their recruitment journey to find a values-match with a great international school.

Formerly "Ms. Christina" in my elementary classrooms.

All educators are welcome at the Cafe.

Being a revolutionary in Boston before attending the Job Fair that weekend.

You can call me "Coach Christina". I'm an American living abroad in Brazil with my husband and cat, and I'm learning Portuguese. I believe that lifelong learning is a key to happiness and that inspired educators inspire a love of learning in others.

I love talking about education, supporting teachers, and connecting with amazing educators worldwide.

I taught 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades in American International schools in Brazil, India, and Saudi Arabia for the last 10 years (2014-2024). I also coached soccer for middle & high school teams.

Teaching abroad in international schools was my next step in 2014. It's now my mission to support educators, and I'm starting with remembering what it was like going through recruitment alone vs. when I went through it with my best friend. My group coaching program is my opportunity to try to give you something like that second experience. I hope to meet you soon!

P.S. Expect there to be optional dance parties to end my virtual calls. :D

"Education does not change the world, Education changes people. People change the world”

- Paulo Freire

Arriving at my apartment in India for the first time, feeling excited about teaching at a great school that values me!

Feeling brave while scared up high in Brazil while teaching internationally.

With my creative 1st graders in Saudi Arabia!

Ready to take your Next Step?

Most international schools will be recruiting from October to April.