The day of reckoning
Postbox letter from Dave
The days of the "tourist teacher" with a high school completion, fresh face and a TEFL cert are now facing a mass extinction event (globally).
Let's wait and see what happens
Postbox letter from John
It is very interesting to read all the gossip and drama surrounding the new visa rules. I think 'apparently' is the correct word to use during this debate because I think people need to look at this situation realistically.
So many upsides
The joys of teaching internationally
There are some definite upsides to teaching internationally, especially here in Bangkok, but there are also some downsides. I am lucky enough to be part of an amazing community of ex-pat teachers who have shared some of their experiences with me.
A job should be for life not just May to September and November to February
Postbox letter from Jonathan
Just a little comment really based around what the Ministry of Education are trying to achieve and the way teachers in the broad stream of education are treated salary wise.I appreciate what the MOE are trying to do but I think their sledgehammer to crack a hazelnut approach is way off the mark.
Enough of the silly rules
Postbox letter from Dr John Smith
I believe that every child should be afforded the same educational standards regardless but how is that possible when the ministry of education will not help visiting teachers (as I hate the word foreigner) from other native speaking countries who are here to try and help their children attain a higher level of self consciousness and awareness to better themselves and to educate the next generation for Thailand.
Kudos to the system
Postbox letter from Dave
Do you have difficulty in understanding the requirements to be a teacher? How are they inconsistent with the need to change and the goals of improving the education system?
The Thai education system
Postbox letter from Dr John Smith
Education Minister Phongthep Thepkanjana admits that the Thai education system is unsatisfactory and behind other countries in the ASEAN region. To tackle the problem, the ministry has drawn up some measures to restructure the system.
Ageism alive and kicking in Thailand
Postbox letter from Stephen Salter
What is it with Thai schools and younger teachers? I left Thailand last year after teaching here for almost 7 years. I am 56 this year and would no doubt be struggling to get a job.
I'm better equipped
Postbox letter from Alexander
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.
Are degrees required to teach?
Opinion continues to be divided
Three things which seem unavoidable are death, taxes and debates on ajarn.com about the requirement for teachers of having a degree. Those without degrees generally argue a degree is not necessary, while those with degrees will normally make the case a degree should be required.