Who is really qualified to teach?
Postbox letter from Jonathan French
A friend of mine works at a school and is head of English, he doesn't have a degree and neither have a lot of the teachers there. The school is quite happy even though a tad illegal but at the end of the day, the students are getting a good education from teachers who know their subject.
Don't get lost in your role
Postbox letter from Brian
Those who are in Asia teaching English need to understand this simple reality: English teaching is a superficial industry. English language aptitude is simply social and economic capital in Asia. Is this not stating the obvious?
The darker the skin, the smaller the wage?
Postbox letter from Lyndsay Anne Cabildo
I know for a fact that since the native English speakers have spoken English since the time they were born, they think they will do better as an English teacher.
Don't get disheartened folks
Postbox letter from Jonathan
There are many good agencies out there and many schools that will hire direct. Visit them in person and drop off a nice little resume pack with all your photocopies, certificates etc. It will work wonders.
Aiming high for o-net
Changes that should be made in preparing students for the o-net
February 2, 2013 is the date for the O-net examination in Thailand (Ordinary National Education Test). This is the day that level 6 and 9 students' are assessed in their proficiency in all subjects. That's why nowadays all Thai schools prepare intensively to improve their students' performance.
Look before you leap
Postbox letter from Darren
I have learned this lesson the hard way and walk out scarred, bitter and slightly twisted. Please take heed - even before you send your CV or resume, check your employer out. You might find this a revelation.
A brief rant about healthcare
Healthcare in Thailand trumps what's available in the USA every time
I can completely understand the reasoning behind the US system of over-carefulness; drugs should be administered safely and correctly, and you should always know what's actually wrong with you. But, even if I wasn't positive of my illness (based on multiple past experiences), I can find a doctor here, no appointment needed, and pay about 1000 baht ($30) on-the-spot, no insurance needed.
The tattoo curse
Is body art affecting your job prospects?
An ajarn reader wrote in to ask for advice. "I'm clean and well-presented with a good resume. But is the tattoo that covers most of my hand going to hold me back?" Over to you.
Laugh and be happy
Postbox letter from DJ
Try to apply the advice offered to you by experienced staff. Try to empathize with the different groups of students rather than to each individual student.
Earning student respect
Postbox letter from Benito Vacio
I have learned one thing in getting the respect of my students. I've been teaching them for nearly three years and I was surprised that I got their respect only the day after I reviewed them in O-Net.
