“I think it’s also important to note that the term ‘newbie’ doesn’t always mean ‘new to teaching”
Hi Mike, actually I never consider the term ‘newbie’ to apply to someone who is new to teaching but rather someone who is new to Thailand.
A person may have been teaching in Japan and China for 20 years but if it’s their first time in Thailand looking for a teaching position, I would still refer to that person as a newbie.
On the ajarn discussion forum, we have the ‘Newbie Zone’ where newbies can introduce themselves and ask questions, etc. Very few of the people who take advantage of it are new to teaching. They have some experience from somewhere but they are unfamiliar with Thailand. Or they have only been here before for a short vacation.
I think it’s also important to note that the term ‘newbie’ doesn’t always mean ‘new to teaching’. There should be a clear distinction made, as I know some people who consider a new teacher at a school to be a ‘newbie,’ regardless of any prior teaching experience. This is false and not at all conducive to a professional work environment.
For a real beginner, i.e. someone who has never stepped foot in a classroom, sure, some of the points listed would most certainly apply. However, the points being made that really have nothing to do with classroom teaching are erroneous, or at least should be considered as such. I know that Thailand attracts a diverse group of foreign teachers, but come on, to not know to bring enough money? Seriously? These are the folks that should never be allowed near an international flight. It also says a lot about the individual. Would you want someone who hopped on a plane with USD500 teaching your child? Clearly that tells me that those who do so are totally irresponsible…and teaching is something that requires people who are mature and responsible.
Hi Phil. I agree with you, but still, some of the points mentioned on the list go without saying - i.e. common sense. To think that adults still do not have these basics is, like I said, frightening. I believe this list is good, don’t get me wrong, but I think the overall impression it gives is somewhat depressing for professional educators / students, not to mention it casts a rather dim light on the TESOL profession.
I still believe that this is mainly seen in education. In my experience, and having a degree in an unrelated field, I have found teachers to be very different (almost naive) from professionals in other fields. Perhaps this is due in part to the fact that as a teacher you are working in an isolated environment (i.e. not real world).
To be honest, reading the above list makes me feel embarrassed to call myself a TESOL teacher. How can a ‘teacher’ not know these basics? Parents entrust their children with these so-called teachers on a daily basis, so to have items such as ‘planning’ on that list is really quite lamentable.
Mike. Common sense is in short supply everywhere. It doesn’t just apply to teachers either. I think Peter makes the most valid point - people are reluctant to listen (because they think they know it all) especially where resumes and applying for jobs by e-mail are concerned.
I’m recruiting teachers at the moment so I get a fair number of applications and read through quite a lot of resumes. So many folks need some serious guidance on these matters. It’s not a lack of common sense. People genuinely haven’t learned the basics.
I think it’s important to mention that spending too much time in the company of teachers room moaners is almost as demotivational as spending too much time in the company of teachers room smart arses.
By A 'Teacher', Phnom Penh on 2011-08-13