Observations from a teacher recruiter's chair
Postbox letter from Brian
If you have any hand in employing teachers, and you're only interested in warm bodies in the classroom and paying the very least, you're going to attract the worst kind. But if you actually take the time to read cover letters, read CV's and try to get a feel for the person applying, your life will be so much easier.
Is it too harsh to hope agencies disappear?
Postbox letter from Phetpeter
I know times are hard and the lack of teachers may cause suffering for some schools, but the number of so-called agencies offering teachers' work seems to be more than there are teachers
The 'unwanted' senior teacher role
Postbox letter from Liam
This agency I worked for thought that not only could they employ anyone without doing their due diligence, but that the good teachers already at the school would do their job for them also.
Fool me now, lose me later.
Postbox letter from Middle of Thailand
During this pandemic, the sad fact is that there are fewer teachers available in-country to fill the many vacancies on offer. The agencies and schools think we are desperate to work, to earn a decent living for ourselves and support our families.
Using teaching agencies
Considerations for first-time teachers
Teaching agencies can provide valuable support, but they can also result in lower salaries and poorer working conditions. What are some of the key aspects to assess when considering using a teaching agency in Thailand?
Time to move on?
Postbox letter from Korea
If your employer (the agency you mention) is looking through your social media posts and threatening you with legal action, then it really is time to move on.
Little hope for a teacher in lockdown
Postbox letter from Jasmine
I don’t want to go home but if I have to because of the lack of work, it will be the ultimate defeat and one I will not cope at all well with.
Be cautious around teacher agencies
Postbox letter from Bear
Thai agencies prey on new teachers and their lack of knowledge about how things work over here.
Teacher contract headaches
What happens to foreign teacher contracts now that the Thai school year will run from July 1st to mid-April 2021?
Not all foreign teachers are prepared to work a few extra weeks for free, alongside already earning a relatively low professional salary without as much as a pension pending.
We should know what agencies earn
Postbox letter from Brian
Agencies should only be earning a placement fee and this placement fee should be publicized for the Thai public to see.