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.


We've landed!

I was looking for a job and then I found a job

I was refused a place at the two major international school recruitment fairs and turned down by every international school I applied to. Then one fine morning last week, I received an email from a private Thai EP school that I had applied to way back at the start of my job search, offering me an interview.


People without formal teaching qualifications

I'm talking about those without as much as a TEFL or CELTA certificate

Some would say controversial words from Steve. But what is it about untrained teachers that really gets his goat?


Over 40? Don't fear. Teaching in Thailand is still for you.

Moving to Thailand strategies for those in their mature years

If you're over 40 or even over 50 there are still a lot of opportunities waiting for you in Thailand. You may have had a career in the armed forces or banking or engineering. You may be getting over a messy divorce. You may simply just be tired of where you are from.


The winning cover letter

And how to write a losing cover letter of course

The letter itself should be relatively short and to the point. I would suggest no more than 3-5 paragraphs. The first paragraph notes your interest in the specific school and specific job listed, and reinforces that your qualifications meet the qualifications sought by the employer.


Going Home

The difficulties of finding employment when a teacher returns to the USA

The economy is functioning like an alcoholic's ailing liver. This has been headline news for several years, but seeing it in the news and experiencing it first hand was quite different.


It's not the 'Land of Smiles' for us

Facing challenges as a black teacher in Thailand

For the sensitive minded people who live in utter oblivion about skin color, this is probably not the article for you. But this is the cold hard truth.


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Featured Jobs

NES Primary Homeroom Teacher

฿70,000+ / month

Chiang Mai


Full-time NES Teachers

฿47,500+ / month

Bangkok


Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary English Teachers

฿65,000+ / month

Myanmar


Preschool, Primary & Secondary Teachers

฿38,000+ / month

Myanmar


Native English Teachers for Primary & Secondary

฿45,000+ / month

Myanmar


NES English, Science & Math Teachers

฿42,300+ / month

Thailand


Featured Teachers

  • Ma.


    Filipino, 29 years old. Currently living in Philippines

  • Gizem


    Turkish, 25 years old. Currently living in Turkey

  • Laxmi


    Indian, 36 years old. Currently living in Thailand

  • Mark


    American, 60 years old. Currently living in Thailand

  • Princewill


    Nigerian, 34 years old. Currently living in China

  • Joseph


    American, 56 years old. Currently living in Thailand

The Hot Spot


Air your views

Air your views

Got something to say on the topic of teaching, working or living in Thailand? The Ajarn Postbox is the place. Send us your letters!


Need Thailand insurance?

Need Thailand insurance?

Have a question about health or travel insurance in Thailand? Ricky Batten from Pacific Prime is Ajarn's resident expert.


Will I find work in Thailand?

Will I find work in Thailand?

It's one of the most common questions we get e-mailed to us. So find out exactly where you stand.


The dreaded demo

The dreaded demo

Many schools ask for demo lessons before they hire. What should you the teacher be aware of?


Contributions welcome

Contributions welcome

If you like visiting ajarn.com and reading the content, why not get involved yourself and keep us up to date?


Teacher mistakes

Teacher mistakes

What are the most common mistakes that teachers make when they are about to embark on a teaching career in Thailand? We've got them all covered.


The Region Guides

The Region Guides

Fancy working in Thailand but not in Bangkok? Our region guides are written by teachers who actually live and work in the provinces.


The cost of living

The cost of living

How much money does a teacher need to earn in order to survive in Thailand? We analyze the facts.