Chris Irvin in China: MYP Leadership, IB Pathways, and Building a Life Overseas
Sat Feb 07 2026
Ep 139 - Hosts JP Mint and Greg Lemoine reconnect with longtime international educator and MYP middle school principal Chris Irvin, whose 20+ year journey spans Canada, Venezuela and China. Chris shares how he built a sustainable international teaching career—starting in a small Venezuelan school, transitioning into leadership, and eventually moving into MYP and IB continuum leadership at a large international school in Shenzhen. The conversation dives into international school hiring, what administrators really look for beyond credentials, how schools evaluate “right fit” and the elusive “plus one” candidates bring to a community, and why IB and MYP experience is not always required to get hired. Listeners also hear candid stories about local vs expat contracts, raising Third Culture Kids, language learning abroad, safety and independence for teens overseas, and memorable life moments—from power blackouts and police encounters in Venezuela to building a new life in China. Packed with practical advice, leadership insight, and real-world experience, this episode is essential listening for teachers, aspiring leaders, and anyone navigating international education, MYP schools, and long-term life abroad.
Chapters
[00:00] Intro
[02:16] Teaching Journey Begins
[05:08] Transitioning to International Teaching
[08:18] Challenges of Teaching Abroad[11:14] Navigating Local Contracts
[14:11] Leadership Roles and Responsibilities
[17:21] Future Aspirations and Changes
[19:50] Navigating International Education Choices
[27:20] Life as Empty Nesters
[35:15] MidShow
[36:46] Social Life and Community Engagement
[43:01] Reflections on Family and Future Plans
[43:49] Navigating Family Dynamics and Career Choices
[46:07] Reflections on Friendship and Shared Experiences
[46:34] The Anchor Story: A Memorable Adventure
[50:53] Cherishing Relationships and Cultural Connections
[52:14] Returning to Roots: Visits to Venezuela
[54:59] The Importance of Well-Rounded Education
[57:51] Finding the Right Fit in International Education
[01:01:34] The Evolving Needs of Schools and Candidates
[01:07:22] Navigating International Baccalaureate Schools
[01:09:08] Hiring Practices in IB Schools
[01:11:55] Hope for Non-IB Experienced Teachers
-more information-
The International Teacher Podcast is a bi-weekly discussion with experts in international education. New Teachers, burned out local teachers, local School Leaders, International school Leadership, current Overseas Teachers, and everyone interested in international schools can benefit from hearing stories and advice about living and teaching overseas.
Additional Gems Related to Our Show:
Greg’s Favorite Video From Living Overseas - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQWKBwzF-hw
Signup to be our guest https://calendly.com/itpexpat/itp-interview?month=2025-01
Our Website - https://www.itpexpat.com/
Our FaceBook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/itpexpat
JPMint Consulting Website - https://www.jpmintconsulting.com/
Greg’s Personal YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLs1B3Wc0wm6DR_99OS5SyzvuzENc-bBdO
Books By Gregory Lemoine:
International Teacher Guide: Finding the "Right Fit" 2nd Edition (2025) | by Gregory Lemoine M.Ed.
"International Teaching: The Best-kept Secret in Education" | by Gregory Lemoine M.Ed.
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Ep 139 - Hosts JP Mint and Greg Lemoine reconnect with longtime international educator and MYP middle school principal Chris Irvin, whose 20+ year journey spans Canada, Venezuela and China. Chris shares how he built a sustainable international teaching career—starting in a small Venezuelan school, transitioning into leadership, and eventually moving into MYP and IB continuum leadership at a large international school in Shenzhen. The conversation dives into international school hiring, what administrators really look for beyond credentials, how schools evaluate “right fit” and the elusive “plus one” candidates bring to a community, and why IB and MYP experience is not always required to get hired. Listeners also hear candid stories about local vs expat contracts, raising Third Culture Kids, language learning abroad, safety and independence for teens overseas, and memorable life moments—from power blackouts and police encounters in Venezuela to building a new life in China. Packed with practical advice, leadership insight, and real-world experience, this episode is essential listening for teachers, aspiring leaders, and anyone navigating international education, MYP schools, and long-term life abroad. Chapters [00:00] Intro [02:16] Teaching Journey Begins [05:08] Transitioning to International Teaching [08:18] Challenges of Teaching Abroad[11:14] Navigating Local Contracts [14:11] Leadership Roles and Responsibilities [17:21] Future Aspirations and Changes [19:50] Navigating International Education Choices [27:20] Life as Empty Nesters [35:15] MidShow [36:46] Social Life and Community Engagement [43:01] Reflections on Family and Future Plans [43:49] Navigating Family Dynamics and Career Choices [46:07] Reflections on Friendship and Shared Experiences [46:34] The Anchor Story: A Memorable Adventure [50:53] Cherishing Relationships and Cultural Connections [52:14] Returning to Roots: Visits to Venezuela [54:59] The Importance of Well-Rounded Education [57:51] Finding the Right Fit in International Education [01:01:34] The Evolving Needs of Schools and Candidates [01:07:22] Navigating International Baccalaureate Schools [01:09:08] Hiring Practices in IB Schools [01:11:55] Hope for Non-IB Experienced Teachers -more information- The International Teacher Podcast is a bi-weekly discussion with experts in international education. New Teachers, burned out local teachers, local School Leaders, International school Leadership, current Overseas Teachers, and everyone interested in international schools can benefit from hearing stories and advice about living and teaching overseas. Additional Gems Related to Our Show: Greg’s Favorite Video From Living Overseas - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQWKBwzF-hw Signup to be our guest https://calendly.com/itpexpat/itp-interview?month=2025-01 Our Website - https://www.itpexpat.com/ Our FaceBook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/itpexpat JPMint Consulting Website - https://www.jpmintconsulting.com/ Greg’s Personal YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLs1B3Wc0wm6DR_99OS5SyzvuzENc-bBdO Books By Gregory Lemoine: International Teacher Guide: Finding the "Right Fit" 2nd Edition (2025) | by Gregory Lemoine M.Ed. "International Teaching: The Best-kept Secret in Education" | by Gregory Lemoine M.Ed.