Understanding the Thai school system
A guide for foreign teachers
If you’re planning to teach in Thailand, it helps to have a basic grasp of how the education system is structured. While life inside a Thai classroom can sometimes feel unpredictable, the framework that holds everything together is actually quite well organised - at least on paper.
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.
You know you're a foreign teacher in Thailand when...
I'm sure you can think of a few more.
The job may be unpredictable, but the laughs are real, the students are unforgettable, and every day is definitely not boring.
Good morning teacher, how are you?
The ritual of greetings in Thai classrooms
You might be tempted to shake things up, maybe throw in a casual “Hey, guys!” or an upbeat “What’s up?” But don’t. This is not the time for creativity. This is not the time for free expression.
Back to school again!
A very enjoyable morning at a school in the heart of old Samut Prakan
Sriwittayapaknam school in Samut Prakan caters for kindergarten up to primary age students. Much of the credit for its successful English program is down to the great Richard Barrow, who has been working at this family-run school for three decades and counting. Richard invited me along to see how the school is run and to chat with many of the students. Wow! I've never come across so many confident English speakers in one place.
Why education reform in Thailand is imminent
The Thai MOE surely has to begin the formal development of rules and regulations.
If the Thai education system was in fact reformed where certifications and teachers qualifications were vetted, then so-called teachers would indeed have to resort to “flipping burgers” in their native countries simply because they have no real qualifications to represent themselves as teachers.
Learning difficulties
Dealing with students that have special needs
If you get the chance to talk to the teacher you’re replacing, ask them if there is anyone to look out for with Special Educational Needs (SEN) in the class. Otherwise, you could be in for a shock.
The future of education in Thailand
Should the serious TEFLers be preparing themselves for change?
If the population of foreign EFL teachers doesn't want to be treated as a cheap commodity by Thailand's education system, the one sure-fire way to stand a chance is first and foremost don't be a cheap commodity.
Think about what students you want to teach!
Are you the serious, lecturer type or do you enjoy clowning around?
New teachers in Thailand often give plenty of thought to where they want to teach and how much money they want to make. But strangely, one question few teachers seem to ask themselves seriously is what kind of students they will be happy with.
A great career but......
Postbox letter from Elisha
The element of autonomy in the teaching world was what appealed to me about teaching compared to other (employee style) careers.
