You should come and do my Friday class
Postbox letter from Trevor
I recently overheard someone describe teaching English in Thailand as a “paid holiday.” They said it with a smirk, like we spend our days sipping coconuts under palm trees while casually correcting the odd verb tense.
10 classroom phrases every Thai student knows
Learn them. Embrace them. And yes - always have a game ready.
Often said with absolute honesty and zero shame, Thai students can be refreshingly direct when it comes to shortcuts.
I'll find a place that values my experience
Postbox letter from Cliff
Thailand, a country I've dreamed of teaching in, has shut its doors because apparently, I don't fit their preferred age bracket. "Under 55," they say. As if my years of experience mean nothing.
Basic advice for beginners (and not only beginners)
Postbox letter from Gregor
Beware of agencies that offer a visa and work permit after a 3-month probationary period. A 3-month "probation" is nothing more than illegal work and forcing teachers into visa runs.
Experience trumps qualifications every time!
Postbox letter from Mike
Experienced teachers who actually try are worth their weight in gold. You can only learn so much from a book and then you really need to just get your hands dirty.
Observations from a teacher recruiter's chair
Postbox letter from Brian
If you have any hand in employing teachers, and you're only interested in warm bodies in the classroom and paying the very least, you're going to attract the worst kind. But if you actually take the time to read cover letters, read CV's and try to get a feel for the person applying, your life will be so much easier.
Banning failure
A no-fail student policy has its plus and minus points
Teachers argue that disallowing a failure grade undermines their ability to get on with the job of educating their students.
Tips for new teachers coming to Thailand
Postbox letter from Cary, Ed and James
Usually your experience doesn’t matter too much as long as you’re likable, preferably younger and enthusiastic towards the students.
Life itself is irony
A teacher's journey - different countries, different jobs.
Believe me I am thankful to be a teacher in Thailand today. Ironically I had to leave Thailand to get the best job I have ever had here.
Why become an English teacher?
A job that brings challenges and rewards every single day
When it comes to picking your dream job, some options just leap out at you. Wine taster, travel writer, movie critic: who wouldn’t fancy any of those? Teaching, on the other hand, is a more maligned profession.
