Thailand running before it can crawl

Postbox letter from Mr. Russell Park

In 2010 there were 250 schools nationwide in the EP program. In 2011 it doubled to 500 and they estimate it will double again next year. The Thais are running around the country, awarding their schools this stamp of 'World Class School'. Which world do they mean?

How to generate a teacher shortage

Postbox letter from Ajarn Robert

I have been teaching in Thailand for over 6 years now and I feel qualified to make a few observations and even point to a few changes that could make a difference.

Impressive school, impressive owner

A place where educating youngsters really does matter

For this month's blog I would like to take an in-depth look at one of the most impressive schools in Thailand: Varee Chiang Mai School

Why there is a shortage of qualified teachers in Thailand

Postbox letter from Bob the black poet

I think we are elevating English language teaching above its station. It is not a profession, it is a job requiring some skills, like a cooper or blacksmith, but dont equate it to a profession.

Is it the teachers fault?

Postbox letter from James

We face an impossible task. You can’t force someone to learn and I flatly refuse to accept that it is all the teacher’s fault. The schools and managers would certainly have you believe that and it is in their own interests to do so.

Teaching in Issan

Postbox letter from Man in Issan

The letters about teaching in Issan without degrees are wide of the mark. For one thing Issan isn't the "out in the sticks" place that it used to be.

The dreaded letter grade

The anguish of having to evaluate progress with a single letter

I teach Pre-School, Kindergarten and Prathom 1, 2 and 3 and while I find it easier to dole out letter grades to my Prathom students, giving A,B,C's to my Pre-School and K's is much more difficult.

Teachers' licenses - laws and links

All the rules and regs regarding teacher licences

Many thanks to Ajarn Forum member, Stamp, for supplying the following links to information on the complex topic of teacher licenses - and how you can teach legally in Thailand.

How low can we go?

Postbox letter from Martin Chilvers

There seemed to be a time when 30-40,000 baht a month salaries were the norm, and I suppose like many teachers I felt that things were only going to get better. But what's going on in Thailand?