The degree or no degree debate

The degree or no degree debate

An oxymoron if ever there was one. An uneducated educator. My query: Why would someone who doesn't value education enough to actually get one think they are qualified to be an educator? In their home countries, having an education beyond a simple high school completion, coupled with professional licensing is required to join the ranks of the teaching profession. Why should Thailand (or China / Taiwan / Malaysia / Indonesia) be any different?

You can't be a chef without a 2-4 year apprenticeship.
You can't be an accountant without proper academic credentials and licensing.
You can't be an automotive mechanic without holding academic credentials and an apprenticeship of up to 4 years.

Real teachers take 4 years to learn the basics of their craft. They spend additional time each year on professional development and often return for upgrading and honing their skills. 4 years to be a cook, accountant or mechanic; why then should any person with a 100-hour TEFL and who thinks they can speak English, be considered to be a teacher? (you will also notice that the only people, in my experience, who think that uneducated teachers can teach are other teachers who also have no credentials). A degree is just the first step and should be considered as such. It should be the bare minimum; even in Thailand. Kids deserve that much.

Dave


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