The enigma of lesson plans
Why do teachers hate them?
The students are the ones that benefit most from a well prepared lesson plan. By the teacher preparing a lesson plan, the teacher is organizing their thoughts and ideas along with a coherent follow on from previous lessons.
Before you teach
What every teacher should do and know before opening day
The first thing every teacher should do before starting a new job is to inspect; inspect beyond the usual school tour that is part of most interviews. Ask to be taken to the classrooms you will use. Look at where you will teach. What do you have? Are there whiteboards or chalkboards? Do you have any type of technology to aid you in teaching? Is there air conditioning?
More on lesson planning
Yes, we know it needs to be done
How to keep the inspectors happy. With thoughts turning to end of semester inspections a 'cut out, memorise n' shred' Plan B for all you chalkies in Thai schools.
English by newspaper
Not quite rejection proof
Previously rejected on the grounds of dubious choice of material was watered down & published. Make up your own mind.
Featured Teachers
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Daniel
Certificate (5), Diploma (3)
British (male, 27 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Jason
Certificate (3), Diploma (2)
American (male, 37 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Noel
Certificate (3), BA (1)
American (male, 47 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Ceridwin
Certificate (3), BA (2)
South African (female, years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Terry
Certificate (1), BA (1)
British (male, 36 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Sheryll
Diploma (2), Certificate (1)
Filipino (female, 35 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Abner
Certificate (11), BSc (1)
Filipino (male, 44 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Rona
Certificate (2), Diploma (1), MA (1)
Filipino (female, 29 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Alex
BEd (1), BA (1)
Canadian (male, 24 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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M Zia
MA (2), BSc (1)
Bangladeshi (male, 29 years old, native Bangali speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
Ajarn Guests
Teacher employer etiquette
I feel it is just unprofessional that if someone well qualified for an advertised job takes the time to research the job and your school, then you as an employer should have the courtesy (manners) to acknowledge that application even if the applicant may not be right person for the job.
Going Home
I possess ten years of classroom EFL teaching experience, plus a solid education, and this was the type of work available to me. There were many moments, such as when I was cleaning a toilet bowl, or when a housekeeper ordered me to do something, that frustration welled up inside me.
Teacher nightmares part two
More stories from teachers in Thailand who have found themselves in difficult situations often through no fault of their own. Can you offer them some good advice?
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
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.
Renting an apartment?
Before you go pounding the streets, check out our guide and know what to look out for.
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 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.
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"
Fancy teaching freelance?
How easy is it to cut out the middlemen and rake in the cash teach students at their own homes?
The cost of living
How much money does a teacher need to earn in order to survive in Thailand? We analyze the facts.
