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


Read more letters

Send your letter to Ajarn.com



Featured Jobs

Coaching English Teacher

฿47,000+ / month

Bangkok


Coaching English Teacher

฿47,000+ / month

Bangkok


NES Teachers

฿34,000+ / month

Songkhla


NES English Teacher

฿60,000+ / month

Pathum Thani


NES Lead Teacher

฿15,000+ / month

Bangkok


NES Grade 4 Math and Science Teacher

฿40,000+ / month

Chiang Mai


Featured Teachers

  • Cecil


    French, 42 years old. Currently living in Thailand

  • Jesuzette


    Filipino, 44 years old. Currently living in Philippines

  • Grace


    Filipino, 23 years old. Currently living in Philippines

  • Nicholas


    American, 23 years old. Currently living in USA

  • Anooj


    Indian, 47 years old. Currently living in Oman

  • Ivy


    Filipino, 30 years old. Currently living in Philippines

The Hot Spot


Teacher mistakes

Teacher mistakes

What are the most common mistakes that teachers make when they are about to embark on a teaching career in Thailand? We've got them all covered.


Air your views

Air your views

Got something to say on the topic of teaching, working or living in Thailand? The Ajarn Postbox is the place. Send us your letters!


Contributions welcome

Contributions welcome

If you like visiting ajarn.com and reading the content, why not get involved yourself and keep us up to date?


The dreaded demo

The dreaded demo

Many schools ask for demo lessons before they hire. What should you the teacher be aware of?


Need Thailand insurance?

Need Thailand insurance?

Have a question about health or travel insurance in Thailand? Ricky Batten from Pacific Prime is Ajarn's resident expert.


Will I find work in Thailand?

Will I find work in Thailand?

It's one of the most common questions we get e-mailed to us. So find out exactly where you stand.


The Region Guides

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.


The cost of living

The cost of living

How much money does a teacher need to earn in order to survive in Thailand? We analyze the facts.