The 'right teacher' means the only teacher available
Postbox letter from Mike
Finding the right teacher is more about finding the only teacher available right now. We are romanticizing the idea that your average school or agency for the most part puts any real thought into who they employ.
Ringing bells
Postbox letter from Phetpeter
When I see schools advertising often, I begin to think the dream jobs they are offering is too good to be true. I think why are they still looking or re-looking?
The TEFL job interview and what makes a good teacher?
Getting past the interview stage and deciding what roles to play in the classroom.
Think back to your favourite teacher at school. What was it that made him or her stand out? Chances are if you ask 10 people this, they’d come up with broadly similar qualities.
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?
