Can we just shut up and teach, please?
Surviving the staffroom one complaint at a time
I’m not saying we need to be all sunshine and lotus blossoms. But how about just a little balance? A few positive comments to go with the griping. A moment to appreciate the good things - the student who improved, the lesson that landed, the joke that actually got a laugh.
Is this what's called burnout?
Postbox letter from Martin
What happened? It wasn’t one big thing. Just a thousand little ones. Unpaid overtime. Vague contracts. Schools that ask you to smile more when a parent screams at you for giving their child a B+. Being told to teach a lesson on Shakespeare to a class of M2s who can barely spell their own name in English.
Worn down by the politics
Postbox letter from Donna
When I first arrived in Thailand to teach, I braced myself for all the classroom challenges I could think of. What I didn’t expect was how much of my energy would be spent navigating the politics outside the classroom.
How many hours a day should you be teaching?
A teacher in Thailand's take on things
From my experience, the magic number is no more than four teaching hours a day. That’s the sweet spot. Enough to earn your keep and still have the energy to enjoy your life outside the classroom.
How to deal with 'teaching in Thailand' culture shock
What to do when suddenly nothing makes any sense.
Culture shock isn’t always dramatic, It can be quiet and exhausting. It can make you question why you ever thought teaching in Thailand was a good idea.
Most teachers just don't care!
Postbox letter from Jim
In my opinion 80% of teachers don't care and never will. Paying them more than 35K per month is just money in the bin. 10% care somewhat and 10% take it on as a career and profession.
Teaching hours and how they affect performance
What is the right number of hours for a teacher?
I read stories of some teachers working near 12-hour days constantly and that can’t be good for you. Some people thrive on that kind of pressure but I’d say it’s not the norm.
Age - the TEFL killer disease sweeping Thailand
I'm confused as to the type of teacher that schools want.
Perhaps it’s not a teacher that schools are looking for, but clowns masquerading as entertainers? Any school choosing a 22-year old party animal will produce disappointed.
Are TEFL teachers unambitious?
What can you do about it if you feel you're stuck in a 'teaching rut'?
So many people complain about conditions, wages and opportunities but do nothing to address these things. Some TEFL teachers seem to think this isn’t an industry or a “real” job so other aspects such as annual reviews and training aren’t relevant.
A short-lived teaching career?
I'm not sure whether Thailand isn't right for me or I'm not right for Thailand.
In spite of the draconian disciplinary measures, the students are basically normal, mostly happy, playful, loving children, who are extremely well behaved, and attentive to my classroom instructions - when the Thai teachers and assistants are present.
