Does Thailand want to keep its teachers?
Postbox letter from Jonathan
I think it is plain to see that Thailand has to change the way it operates. The fat cat agency owners are making a killing ripping off teachers. The school directors are pocketing money to buy their Mercedes instead of buying what the school needs.
When your face just doesn't fit
When a school wants to fire you, what can you do?
I had been working as a Maths teacher for just under four months at a Catholic school in Bangkok when the head teacher, who is always happy to deliver bad news in a very dramatic way, informed me that parents had complained about the homework books not being marked. This was just the beginning.
The nightmare team teacher
Postbox letter from Carl
I’ve had team teachers in Korea, China, Kenya and Thailand, And then there was Mrs. T
Don't be discouraged
Postbox letter from Jonathan
The problems of Thai education system are far from simple and the problems of learning English are not free from serious issues. You may talk about the no fail policy, however I feel that is just one part of the bigger picture. Until the Thais get round the idea that they really do need help from westerners not much progress will be made.
An excellent summary
Postbox letter from James
I didn’t initially come to Thailand to be a slave labourer either; to be abused, overworked, cheated and blamed for all its ills. I’d rather be judged on the quality of the work I do than forever blamed for the systemic failures that I can’t change.
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.
Just because its on university grounds
Postbox letter from Gayle Smith
There are many great schools in Thailand, with excellent administrators and wonderful staff. However, the opposite is also true. Some schools have been formed with the express intention of attracting students through apparent connections and links to universities.
The school that once was
Postbox letter from Mr. Greenberg
A well regarded school, a school with a beautifully rich history, is now perceived as something else. Asked about the school’s services, a Thai faculty member, who asked not to be named said, “most of what is happening now is all for show.”
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.
Back to reality
The new school term starts - and not without problems
Much of this blog may sound negative (and to some extent, it is), but in all honestly, it's par for the course. I love Thailand, and generally speaking, I love teaching in my Thai school. Even so, there are little things that crop up all of the time, and you just have to take them in your stride.
