The Ideal Teacher
What makes the perfect teacher in the EFL classroom?
Let me point out that this list is based more on personal experience than large-scale research. Also, while most qualities on the list are probably appreciated worldwide, some are considered particularly important in the Land of Smiles.
The Growing Pains of the TEFL Industry
My take on another ajarn.com writer's column
I can understand Steve's disillusion with someone he probably trusted and looked up to. I also think part of his criticism is justified; teachers, administrators, recruiters and policy-makers alike should question themselves and the industry they are in more regularly. I do not, however, agree with the overall image that Steve paints of the EFL industry.
Thai teaching assistants
Angels from the planet Xerox or Satan's snitch?
They are as much a part of a teaching package as subsidized health insurance, the occasional sports day and possible unpaid test-marking. We want to hear about yours. When asked to make photocopies does she say "coming right up oh great white-skinned one" or does she beat a path to the dean's door to remind him that slavery has been abolished?
One thing wrong with Thailand
Sent in by RM
The only thing wrong with Thailand is the foreigners.
Creating classroom culture
Cultivating universal values and striving for excellence
There are some good teachers out there to get you through these first rough few months of uncertainty. From those who say, "Lay down the law the first week of class. You're not their friend, you're their teacher", to those who offer good introductory first day lessons, there is a lot of good advice out there if one knows where to look.
An Indian teacher in Thailand
Bobo Meitei faces the perils and pitfalls of finding a teaching job
Bobo gets to grips with sliding pay scales and agents bemused by his pseudo-American appearance. Well worth a read!
Let’s unite
Sent in by JP Rob
Life is easy here and that's why people want to stay. Most teachers here are here to enhance their career and stamp on the teachers below them.
Let’s expose dodgy teachers
Sent in by Chris Pennington
While it is admirable for a website like ajarn to champion the rights of foreign teachers in Thailand, I also feel there is a hand in hand obligation to acknowledge and understand the high proportion of ‘dodgy’ native English speaking EFL teachers out there at the moment.
The negative interview mindset
Is it sometimes too easy to get a teaching job in Thailand?
A growing number of foreign teachers (particularly male) think that it's so easy to get an English teaching job in Thailand that all you have to do on interview day is turn up. Ajarn.com looks at a common mindset behind interviewing for TEFL jobs
Preparing for school (part two)
How to start your semester with a bang
Teacher introduction. Introduce yourself to your new students. Tell them who you are, what you do, and what you expect. Things to include are where you are from, your qualifications, your likes and dislikes, hobbies, and maybe a small, personal anecdote.
Featured Teachers
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Kenneth
Certificate (2)
British (male, 62 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Fonkeng
Certificate (1), BSc (1)
Cameroonian (male, 27 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Dean
Diploma (1), BA (1), PGCE (1)
British (male, 42 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Nigel
BSc (1), Certificate (1), BA (1)
British (male, 52 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Valmont
Diploma (1), Certificate (1)
American (male, 41 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Thomas
BA (1)
Filipino (male, 23 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Apple Joy
Certificate (1), BSc (1)
Filipino (female, 24 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Genevieve
Certificate (2), BSc (1)
Filipino (female, 34 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Charles
Diploma (1), BA (1), Certificate (1)
British (male, 31 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Emelda
BA (1)
Filipino (female, 40 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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.
Friends of Ajarn
Renting an apartment?
Before you go pounding the streets, check out our guide and know what to look out for.
Hi, I’m Tony Dabbs
I was a licensed life and health agent in the USA for many years and now I'm ajarn.com's health insurance expert.
Fancy teaching freelance?
How easy is it to cut out the middlemen and rake in the cash teach students at their own homes?
Fun Quiz
Find out how employable you are in Thailand as an English teacher. Is it a case of 'welcome aboard' or "Mom, I need you to send some money again"
E-mailing for jobs
E-mailing potential employers in Thailand can be a very frustrating experience. Teacher Chris is on hand to give you some top tips.
The cost of living
How much money does a teacher need to earn in order to survive in Thailand? We analyze the facts.
The Region Guides
Fancy working in Thailand but not in Bangkok? Our region guides are written by teachers who actually live and work in the provinces.
