It takes all sorts

There's nowhere like an ESL staffroom when it comes to a crazy and diverse range of characters

People become ESL teachers for all kinds of reasons. Nowhere else will you find such a mélange of backgrounds, attitudes and beliefs, which is what makes the ESL staffroom like no other you’ll ever work in.

Fool me now, lose me later.

Postbox letter from Middle of Thailand

During this pandemic, the sad fact is that there are fewer teachers available in-country to fill the many vacancies on offer. The agencies and schools think we are desperate to work, to earn a decent living for ourselves and support our families.

I was warned about this

Postbox letter from Bangkok

When I started my second year here, all my friends and family told me I should just go home and that English teaching isn't really a career. I was having too much fun to take any notice of this unsolicited advice.

Where do you find teaching jobs without a BA.

Postbox letter from David, Bangkok

Any suggestions welcome as to where the non BA jobs can be found.

Teachers standards are dropping at my school

Postbox letter from Dave

Who'd want to be entrusted with finding teachers now? It must be impossible

Don't accept paltry salaries

Postbox letter from John

Many teachers are not too concerned about how much money they make because they are only here to have a good time

People without formal teaching qualifications

I'm talking about those without as much as a TEFL or CELTA certificate

Some would say controversial words from Steve. But what is it about untrained teachers that really gets his goat?

What lies ahead for Thailand's foreign teachers?

Postbox letter from David

Is it ever likely that foreign English teachers will be sincerely welcomed into Thailand and compensated not only in a manner commensurate with our qualifications and expertise, but also in a context relative to the significant contributions we bring to Thailand and its people?