Being an Academic Director in Thailand’s TEFL industry might seem like a natural step up from teaching, but the role comes with a set of challenges that can make it less appealing than being in the classroom. While it typically comes with a higher salary and a more prestigious title, many teachers who transition into management find themselves missing the simplicity and freedom of being a regular educator.

Putting out fires

One of the biggest downsides is the shift in responsibility. As an Academic Director, you’re no longer just responsible for your own lessons and student; you’re responsible for an entire team of teachers. This means ensuring they show up on time, meet teaching standards, and keep students (as well as their parents and school administrators) happy. When things go wrong, whether it’s a teacher underperforming, failing to follow the curriculum, or causing friction with the school, it’s your job to step in and fix it. Instead of focusing on your own teaching, you become a problem solver, constantly putting out fires.

The job also involves a significant amount of administrative work. You’ll spend a lot of time scheduling classes, preparing reports, conducting teacher observations, and attending meetings. Much of your day could be spent dealing with emails, school policies, and paperwork rather than actually interacting with students. Many teachers who move into this role find themselves longing for the days when they could just walk into a classroom, teach their lessons, and go home without worrying about the bigger picture.

Different types of teacher

Another major challenge is managing a diverse team of teachers, many of whom may not be particularly invested in the job. The TEFL industry in Thailand attracts a mix of professionals - some are dedicated educators, but many are backpackers looking for a temporary income, retirees teaching for a bit of extra cash, or younger expats who see it as a stopgap. As an Academic Director, you’ll inevitably have to deal with unreliable teachers, last-minute resignations, and even disciplinary issues. Keeping everyone motivated and ensuring consistency in teaching quality can be exhausting.

Then there’s the issue of dealing with school owners and administrators. Many private language schools in Thailand operate more like businesses than educational institutions, prioritizing profits over teaching quality. You may be asked to make decisions that benefit enrollment numbers rather than student outcomes, such as passing failing students to keep parents happy or cramming more students into a class than is pedagogically sound. If the school is focused on maximizing revenue, you might find yourself caught between management’s demands and what’s best for teachers and students.

It's not all about the money

Although the salary is typically higher than what a standard teacher earns, the extra pay doesn’t always feel like enough compensation for the added stress. Many teachers prefer to earn less and keep their workload simple rather than dealing with the constant pressures of management. Some who take on the role find that they don’t actually enjoy being a boss and would rather go back to the classroom where they have more freedom and less responsibility.

Hiring and firing teachers is another unenviable aspect of the job. Recruiting quality TEFL teachers in Thailand can be a struggle, as many expats take on teaching roles with little long-term commitment. When a teacher quits unexpectedly or performs poorly, it falls on you to find a replacement, sometimes at very short notice. Letting people go is never easy, but in a role like this, you may have to do it more often than you’d like.

In the end it's up to you

Ultimately, whether becoming an Academic Director is worth it depends on your career goals and personality. If you enjoy leadership, problem-solving, and the challenge of managing people, it could be a rewarding move. But if you love the simplicity and direct impact of teaching, the transition to management might feel like more hassle than it’s worth. Many teachers who take the leap into administration end up returning to the classroom, realizing that the extra money doesn’t compensate for the increased workload and stress.