A degree is a necessity in education
Sent in by James
I agree that education ought to be about quality; a degree alone doesn’t guarantee that, but what it does do is guarantee that the holder is in possession of some knowledge gained over a substantial period of intense study, against that of no formal education.
Who is really qualified to teach?
Sent in by Jonathan French
A friend of mine works at a school and is head of English, he doesn't have a degree and neither have a lot of the teachers there. The school is quite happy even though a tad illegal but at the end of the day, the students are getting a good education from teachers who know their subject.
Things I’d do differently
How am I going to get the best out of my students next term?
It's the last week of school, and I find myself thinking of ways to conduct my classes better than I have during this term. It's not that I think I've done a poor job, but I know there's always room for improvement. Besides, I'd hate to get bored; a bored teacher equals bored students. Bored students don't learn.
Beyond speaking day
Activities to get your students talking
My school director asked me to organise an English Speaking Day in our school. When I implemented the idea, my director was overwhelmed by its impact on students' interest and English language development.
Don’t get lost in your role
Sent in by Brian
Those who are in Asia teaching English need to understand this simple reality: English teaching is a superficial industry. English language aptitude is simply social and economic capital in Asia. Is this not stating the obvious?
Patience is a virtue
Sent in by Jeff
The way I finally started to see it, one may have all the qualifications they believe to get the job, but there's one 'qualification' Thais truly desire that they don't always mention.
Don’t get disheartened folks
Sent in by Jonathan
There are many good agencies out there and many schools that will hire direct. Visit them in person and drop off a nice little resume pack with all your photocopies, certificates etc. It will work wonders.
School open house
Not something you would expect to find in a Western school
For the past few weeks, all the students in our school have been preparing projects, posters, and games for the school's Open House Expo which is apparently held once every three years.
Aiming high for o-net
Changes that should be made in preparing students for the o-net
February 2, 2013 is the date for the O-net examination in Thailand (Ordinary National Education Test). This is the day that level 6 and 9 students' are assessed in their proficiency in all subjects. That's why nowadays all Thai schools prepare intensively to improve their students' performance.
Look before you leap
Sent in by Darren
I have learned this lesson the hard way and walk out scarred, bitter and slightly twisted. Please take heed - even before you send your CV or resume, check your employer out. You might find this a revelation.
Featured Teachers
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Mario
Certificate (2), Diploma (1)
Canadian (male, 55 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Otaner Rj
Diploma (1)
Filipino (male, 23 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Steven
Certificate (1)
British (male, 39 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Jodin
Certificate (4), Diploma (1)
Filipino (male, 32 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Peter
Diploma (3), BA (1)
British (male, 55 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Thidakorn
BSc (1)
Thai (female, 47 years old, native Thai speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Eric
Certificate (2), Diploma (1)
Canadian (male, 47 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Darren
BA (1), Certificate (1)
Australian (male, 41 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Raisa
BA (1)
American (female, 24 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Anthony
Certificate (1)
British (male, 28 years old, native English 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.
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.
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.
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.
