What are the advantages and disadvantages of working in a government high-school?

last updated 17th July 2009

Advantages
Steady Monday To Friday work with weekends and evenings off.
Less money-oriented management who generally pay on time.
Excellent cheap nosh in the canteen.
Some genuinely intelligent students who are a joy to teach.
It is generally reported that staffroom politics are much less intense, than in higher education institutes
Disadvantages
Government wages. Your not going to be looking at much more than 25-30k especially upcountry.
Class sizes are big, sometimes up to 55 students.
Absenteeism and class discipline can be a problem.
You may be required to be at school even when you have no class.
Early mornings Monday to Friday are not for everyone.

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About Ajarn.com

Ajarn.com was started as a small hobby website in 1999 by Ian McNamara. It was a simple way for one Bangkok teacher to share his Thailand experiences and pass on advice. The website developed a loyal and enthusiastic following. In 2004, Ian handed over the reins to Phil Williams and 'Bangkok Phil' has run the ajarn website ever since.

Ajarn.com has grown enormously and is now the most popular TEFL site in Thailand - possibly even South East Asia. Although best-known for its vibrant jobs page, Ajarn has a wealth of articles, blogs, features and help and advice. But one principle has always remained at Ajarn's core - to tell things like they are and to do it with a sense of humor. Thailand can be Heaven or Hell for an English teacher. It's always been Ajarn.com's duty to present both sides of the equation. Thanks for stopping by.