Language school memoirs
Tales from an academic director / recruiter
I was a lead teacher, academic director and recruiter for a private Thai language school with several branches. I did this job for well over a decade and as you would expect - there's a story or two.
The dreaded demo lesson
How to make sure your demo lesson goes as smoothly as possible
Now that the busy hiring season is almost upon us, many schools will be asking potential teachers for a demo lesson. Don't panic. Let them know who the professional is.
Tackling the Skype interview
Having an interview on Skype is nothing to fear if you are well-prepared
Skype is now used by many companies as part of their recruitment drive. If you are faced with the 'ordeal' of a Skype interview for a teaching position, what can you do to improve your chances of performing well and landing the job?
Three reasons to use a recruiter
Not all the stories are bad
Recruiters aren't for everyone but they can play an invaluable part in your next ESL job search whether this is your first time teaching abroad or you're just looking to simplify the job search.
Finding teachers just wasn't me
Postbox letter from Eoin
My advice to any schools in the current climate is, if you find a good teacher, hold onto them for dear life. I fear it's becoming near impossible at a TEFL level now in Thailand to find new good ones.
Teacher probationary periods
What schools don’t tell you when a teacher is hired
A probationary period is the chance for both schools and teachers to evaluate each other.
A good teacher
Who gets to decide what it means to be a 'good' teacher?
I have to admit that it is easy and tempting to think about teachers in shades of 'good'. But perhaps the reality is that there is no such thing as a good teacher. Or, if you are a glass-half-full sort, every teacher is good (in their own little way).
Problems with the system
Postbox letter from Mike
After 12 years and four different schools, I have come to the conclusion that the "quality of Thai students' English skills" did not improve within the last 12 years. But how is that even possible when more and more NES teachers with experience and degrees in education teach Thai students, even at smaller schools?
Can you advise this teacher?
The problems with working for a great school but a poor agency
John loves the school that he works at but there are storm clouds brewing. He feels that the teacher placement agency might be in danger of losing the contract but he is 'legally bound' not to work directly for the school. John sees his long-term future in Thailand but doesn't want to continue with all this uncertainty. What would you do in his situation?
E-mailing for jobs
Doing it the right way!
One of the most soul-destroying things for many job applicants is to not receive replies to your emails. But are you going about things the right way? Read recruiter Chris's excellent guide on how to do it right.
