It's all about looks over quality
Postbox letter from Tim
Thais clearly prioritize presentation or looks over substance or quality when it comes to English teachers. They perceive white skin and Caucasian features as more attractive and presentable across Thai society.
Don't get too upset with the job ads
Thailand's employers can be brutally direct about who they want to hire
It’s worth being aware that some schools are pretty fussy about what they are looking for. Glance at any jobs section of a newspaper and you’ll notice that such pedantry is common.
Getting a job interview - part 3
Legwork and salary negotiations
I was finally being offered teaching roles but the salary was typically around the 20,000 mark and that was just too low to consider. On the other hand, in most cases I would be the only Westerner at the school.
Poor HR in Thai schools
Postbox letter from Alan
On my explaining that the verbal agreement had not been adhered to, I indicated that I would not be signing the contract, and the meeting ended and we left the school.
The problems with teaching job ads
Postbox letter from David
You should actively criticize schools and the government for promoting discriminatory and racist practices that take no account of the actual abilities of potential candidates. But it doesn't disturb white people like us, does it? Why should we care about the rights of people different from ourselves if our own privileges reign supreme?
Getting a job interview - part 2
We can only offer you a low salary if you're not a native speaker!
My first interview was the result of a walk-in enquiry and it was a primary school, about five minutes away from where we lived in Kalasin.
Teaching in Thailand post COVID-19
The 'new normal'
What does the future hold for education in Thailand? With the “new normal” in full swing, a “tourism reset” on the way, will there be any other meaningful changes in education, as some are hoping for?
The accidental whistle blower
Distance learning TV and the toppling of Kru Wang
If we're going to be pointing a condescending finger at one teacher in one video at one moment in time then we should maybe look into a mirror and point it at ourselves, too.
Tread carefully when applying for teaching jobs
Postbox letter from Jack
While I don’t blame the schools, I would think twice before accepting a position with schools at the moment.
Getting a job interview - part 1
The pros and cons of four different approaches
I was confident that emailing my resume and following up with a phone call was the way to go. Several days later, not a single school could locate my e-mail.
