Kelley Ridings
Founder & Chief Innovation Officer, EduNetPro Consulting Co., Ltd. With over 30 years of experience in international education, Kelley Ridings is an award-winning veteran school leader, author, and consultant. His expertise spans across K-12 education in China, the U.S., Mexico, and South Korea. As the author of Teach or Lead Abroad, Kelley empowers educators to secure their dream roles in international schools and supports school leaders in attracting toptier talent
I grew up on the border between the U.S. and Mexico and learned about international teaching through my Mexican friends. My first teaching job was at a university, and later I moved to Guadalajara to teach at a language school. Unexpectedly, a mid-year opening at The American School Foundation of Guadalajara came up, and I applied—and got the role. After four years, I intended to move to another international position, but life took a different turn. I returned to the U.S. for 14 years, earned my doctorate, and started a family. It wasn’t something I had planned, but it ended up being the right path for me at that time.
Once my kids graduated and began their adult lives, I knew it was time to return abroad. In 2010, I moved to South Korea, and then in 2012, I made Shanghai my professional home, working at SMIC Private School. Over the years, I took on various roles, ultimately serving as the International Division Superintendent. During this time, I also wrote my book, Teach or Lead Abroad, and became a permanent resident of China. Looking back, I never imagined the opportunities I would find in Shanghai, but being open to new possibilities enriched my life in unexpected ways
Before moving to South Korea in 2010, I had never been to Asia. I was impressed by how modern and technologically advanced it was, and I loved the affordability and availability of public transportation. It aligned with my values—I haven’t owned a car since then, as part of my goal to live greener. In 2012, I moved to Shanghai because I wanted to live in a city with an international focus. More importantly, I wanted to work in a school that prioritized growth and self-improvement, which is key to my leadership philosophy. What began as a short-term plan extended into 12 years, working with dedicated professionals at SMIC. While I will always be an American, China has become my home, and that’s why I chose to become a permanent resident here.
I started at SMIC Private School as the Middle High School Academic Affairs Director and worked my way up to become the International Division Superintendent. I was responsible for overseeing 1,300 students and 200 staff members. The international school sector in China is massive—second only to the UAE. While it has changed in recent years due to regulations, opportunities for qualified educators remain abundant. As with any country, China regulates its education system, and this has shaped the way international-style education is delivered here. Demographic shifts, such as the declining birthrate, will likely impact school populations over time. How significant that impact will be is yet to be seen, but it’s a trend that many countries are facing, not just China.
While the international education sector in China isn’t as robust as it was a decade ago, it’s still very dynamic. With more than 500 international-style schools across the country, there are plenty of opportunities for qualified international educators. Even if school enrollment contracts slightly, the sheer size of the market means jobs will still be available. One area that has shrunk considerably is the language school sector, due to tighter regulations on K-12 English language education. However, there’s still demand for English teachers at the college level and in international schools. It’s important to note that each province in China has its own rules regarding visas for educators. For example, in Shanghai, teachers must have at least two years of full-time school experience, so recent graduates with limited teaching experience may face challenges. The requirements vary by location.
After retiring from SMIC in June 2024, I started EduNetPro Consulting Co., Ltd. I now offer online classes and coaching on educational leadership and hiring, based on my books in the School Mastery Hiring Series. I’m not a recruiter, but I help people prepare for their job search. My first book, Teach or Lead Abroad, is about finding your dream job, while my second book, The GIFT Hiring Method, focuses on recruiting quality staff and will be available in January. I believe that finding a dream job isn’t just about salary—it’s about finding the right environment. We all have different ideas of what the perfect job looks like, but the truth is, there’s no such thing as a “perfect” position. The key is to weigh the most important factors—work culture, location, and how it fits with your personal and professional goals—and make a thoughtful decision. When looking for a job, don’t just focus on the position itself. Consider whether the school’s values and culture align with yours, and if the location is suitable for you and your family. With careful consideration, you can find a job that’s not just good but right for you.
