Salary
The school has a salary scale in place that is based upon level of education and years of experience. We recognize the value of attracting top quality people to the school, and the salaries are among the highest on Saipan, and comparable to North American salaries. Because the school is a non-profit organization, and the members of the Board of Directors serve as volunteers, you can be assured that salaries for staff is the highest priority. Pay is in US dollars.
Classrooms
Each of the classrooms is in a newly renovated free standing building, 35 x 35 feet. The rooms have cathedral ceilings and tile floors, and lots of windows looking out on tropical vegetation. The classrooms are fully equipped to AMI standards.
Class size
Class size is based upon recommended numbers for AMI accreditation. For Toddlers, this is 10-12 children per two adults, and for the Primary age group, this is 25-30 children per two adults. We seek to balance the age groups within each classroom.
Diversity
The children represent the ethnic and cultural diversity present on Saipan. We have indigenous Chamorro children, Japanese, Filipino, Korean, Thai, Caucasian, Middle Eastern, Chinese and European children. Many of bi-ethnic, and most grow up in a household that already speaks two languages.
Parents
The parents at Brilliant Star are, for the most part, a laid back and caring group of people. They are supportive of the school and its programs, and recognize the value of early childhood education. Many of them will become your friends during your years in Saipan.
Work hours
Toddler and Primary programs begin at 8:15 am, and the elementary children at 8:00 am. Directresses and assistants begin preparations at 7:45 am, and are present on campus until 3:45 pm to complete their observations and record-keeping.
Assistants
Each classroom has one assistant. Because of our dedication to incorporating Mandarin language instruction into the classrooms, all of the assistants are native Mandarin speakers. They speak only Mandarin while in the classroom. They are all also fluent in English.
School year
We typically begin in early to mid August with several days of orientation, and end in mid-June. There are 180 instructional days within this period, as well as 6 days off for parent conferences, 2 professional development days, and a few holidays. The major breaks occur during the Christmas season, for two weeks, and during March/April for one week. This allows many families enough time to travel.
Non-US Citizens
The CNMI controls its own immigration, and currently, it is not difficult to enter the CNMI to work as a non-US citizen. The school will apply for an entry permit on your behalf, and will generally take care of all the legal requirements. There are a variety of forms you will have fill out, and we will send these to you at the time of your hire. US Citizens may work in the CNMI without any special requirements, just as they would in any state of the US.
