I would like to add to the degree vs no degree debate. I have worked in the training department for a large multinational for 10 years. I have also managed large sales teams. I worked my way up to these positions straight from school. I have taught thousands of workers and a range of different topics over the years. I am currently teaching in Thailand and I do not have a degree. With my experience I am most certainly in a better position to be teaching business English to my customers as I not only teach them English but also many other things ie sales, marketing, presentations and how to do them effectively.

I know how to grab their attention and make the classes enjoyable. DTAC and Cisco are among my current customers. Does this put me in a better position than someone with a degree? I will let you decide on that. Personally I think it does. I also do some private classes with children. The skills I have are very easily transferable as long as you have the knowledge to teach the subject. Also I understand how to network effectively and how to get new customers. Why someone with a degree in science for example would possibly think they are better than someone with much experience is beyond me.

I do not teach in a school. The reason for this is purely financial. I would not profess that I could teach English in England. You obviously do not need to teach the same material in Thailand as you would in an English School. I would guess a lot of teachers here would struggle to teach A level or degree level English in England. I have always believed experience and ability are much more important than a piece of paper. I would finally like to add I taught and trained many employees for my company on the graduate training programmes. Some were very good and some had no ability and no common sense at all. That piece of paper will not give you that.

Alexander