Transition to IB teacher

archanagulati76
Oct 2
3 min read

From CBSE to IB: A Teacher’s Guide to Making the Transition

If you are a CBSE teacher in India, chances are you’ve seen your students—or even colleagues—talk about the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. With over 200 IB schools now running across cities like Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai, IB is no longer just “for a few international schools.” It’s becoming a major part of India’s education landscape.

For teachers, this also means new opportunities. Many CBSE teachers are asking: “How can I move into IB teaching?” or “Do I need special training?”

The good news? You already have the subject knowledge and classroom experience. What you need is a shift in approach—and a little preparation. Let’s break it down.

Step 1: Understand What IB Really Is

CBSE and IB are like two different worlds:

CBSE: Clear syllabus, structured exams, heavy on content and board results.
IB: Big on concepts, inquiry, critical thinking, and connecting subjects to real life.

IB has four programmes:

PYP (Primary Years Programme) – Nursery to Grade 5
MYP (Middle Years Programme) – Grades 6 to 10
DP (Diploma Programme) – Grades 11 & 12
CP (Career-related Programme) – Grades 11 & 12 (career/vocational focus)

👉 If you’ve been teaching CBSE, shifting to IB doesn’t mean unlearning everything you know—it just means teaching differently.

Step 2: Check Your Eligibility

Most IB schools in India look for:

A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in your subject.
A B.Ed. (preferred, though some IB schools may hire subject experts without it).
Strong English communication skills (since IB is taught in English).

So if you’re already a CBSE teacher, you’re on solid ground.

Step 3: Get Familiar With IB Training

This is where many teachers get confused. Unlike CBSE, IB doesn’t have a one-time teacher “license.” Instead, you build your profile through IB-approved workshops.

Category 1 workshops: The perfect starting point for CBSE teachers moving to IB. These give you an introduction to IB philosophy and classroom practices.
Category 2 workshops: For teachers already teaching IB.
Category 3 workshops: Advanced, for experienced IB educators and leaders.

👉 Start with Category 1 in your subject area.

Here’s where you can find them:

Official IB Events Calendar: Find IB Workshops & Events
Upcoming in India:
- Bangalore Workshops – Feb 2026
- Mumbai Workshops – Feb 2025
Authorized Global Providers:

💡 Tip: Many IB schools in India will sponsor your workshop training once you’re hired. But if you do at least one Category 1 workshop yourself, it gives you a clear edge when applying.

Step 4: Look for IB Exposure Around You

Even if you’re in a CBSE school, check if your school is planning to add IB or Cambridge (IGCSE). Many schools now run dual curricula.

Volunteer for:

Project-based learning activities
Research mentoring
Extended Essay or TOK-style discussions

This shows you’re open to international pedagogy.

Step 5: Shift Your Teaching Style

This is the real difference. In IB, teachers are facilitators more than lecturers.

Think:

Asking guiding questions instead of giving ready-made answers.
Letting students explore topics and present their own findings.
Connecting Maths with Arts, Science with History—yes, IB loves interdisciplinarity!
Using portfolios, presentations, and reflections instead of just pen-and-paper tests.

👉 If you’ve ever thought, “I wish I could teach beyond the textbook,” IB is your chance.

Step 6: Apply Smartly

Where to find IB jobs in India?

LinkedIn
Tes.com
Indeed
Directly on IB school websites (schools often list vacancies).

When applying:

Highlight your subject strength + openness to inquiry-based learning.
Show if you’ve done any IB workshops.
Be ready for a demo class—but remember, they’re checking for engagement and inquiry, not just lecture delivery.

Step 7: Why the Shift is Worth It

Moving from CBSE to IB isn’t just about salary (though yes, IB schools typically offer 25–50% more pay). It’s also about:

Professional growth: You get access to global IB trainings and teacher communities.
Global mobility: Once you’re an IB teacher in India, you can apply abroad too.
Job satisfaction: Many teachers enjoy the freedom and creativity IB allows.

Final Word

Shifting from CBSE to IB isn’t about starting from scratch. It’s about building on what you already know—and reshaping it for a global, inquiry-driven classroom.

So if you’re a CBSE teacher thinking, “Can I really do this?” — the answer is yes. With the right training, an open mindset, and a willingness to experiment, you can thrive as an IB teacher.

✅ Start small: explore the IB Workshop Calendar.✅ Apply to schools open to hiring transitioning teachers.✅ Remember: your teaching journey doesn’t end with CBSE. IB could be the next chapter.