Job Discussion Forums

Placebo · Joined: 19 Nov 2004 Posts: 80 Location: Bangkok

Hi everybody,

the question I have is targeted at the more experienced of you teachers who are in possession of higher degrees and/or high paying jobs.
I am currently in the middle of my MA TESOL program which I will (hopefully)graduate from in May 2006.
I wonder what my chances are to find one of those more desirable jobs that pay 50,000+ baht.
From my research, I conclude that there are not many bilingual schools and other institutions that pay in this salary range. I am aware that I don't stand a chance getting into an International school because they require a teaching credential/PGCE + 2 years of teaching experience in your home country, which I don't have.

Having worked for 1 year as an English teacher in several schools throughout Bkk, I have some experience in teaching and besides my MA TESOL I also have an MA Ed.

So what are my realistic chances of finding a high paying job...?

Kent F. Kruhoeffer · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 2129 Location: 中国

Hello Placebo:

I'd say your chances of landing a 50K+ position are quite good.

With your qualifications and a BKK teaching stint already under your belt, I think it would be a mistake for you to rule out the International Schools. Many of them don't adhere strictly to the PGCE requirement and would consider your MA Ed and MA TESOL to be at least equally appealing.

The fact that you've spent time teaching in Thailand also works in your favour.

Just be aware that many of the International Schools will be asking you to teach a variety of subjects; not just English. If you can handle that, go for it! I had to turn down an excellent offer at a very good school because they wanted me to teach math, in addition to English.

Since I still count with my fingers & toes, this presented a serious problem. Twisted Evil

Anyway - when you've finished up your MA TESOL, you should be looking here, imho:

http://www.shambles.net/pages/Countries/th_schools/ (Shambles SE Asia // Int. Schools in Thailand)

http://www.isat.or.th/member_schools.asp (ISAT / Int. Schools in Thailand // member schools index)

Sheep-Goats · Joined: 16 Apr 2004 Posts: 527

I agree with Kent, you'll be able to weasel into something international if you dig around and make some contacts. Which isn't that hard to do. Keep in mind that international schools here vary a lot -- some will give you a flat F-off, others will ply you with money and booze to try to get you to come work for them (or run their programs) with your qualifications. So long as they pay you what you're worth, who cares if it's a "real" international school strictly cohering to its governmentally mandated hiring guidelines or not?

Finding 50kB will be quite possible on your salary -- even EF or some such school might dole that out to keep your around as some sort of teacher trainer or such. And it'll be much easier for you to find that 800B an hour overtime work in the city. I even talked to one guy who was working at a university for 50kB per month -- with a MA TESOL. Mahidol, by the way.

My current job has me at about 50kB/month (if you add in and average out the bonuses, 45 if you don't), which should be 55 or 57 if I sign a new contract in April. I've got a BA English, 1.5 years experience, but have really learned to project a professional image, cultivate contacts, and talk the talk as much as I can walk the walk (the former being about 40% of what teachers seem to learn in a BEd program anyway).

But this is Thailand, and no one will hand it to you. Ready to hustle, or not?

Placebo · Joined: 19 Nov 2004 Posts: 80 Location: Bangkok

Thanks for the advice Kent and Sheep-goats!

You gave me the answer I was hoping for. Maybe I shouldn't out rule the International schools after all.
Lacking extensive experience, I don't think I would make a good teacher trainer. Knowledge is nothing without application...

If I really do get that International school gig, I'll buy you guys a pint...

Sheep-Goats · Joined: 16 Apr 2004 Posts: 527

GreenDestiny · Joined: 27 Nov 2004 Posts: 88 Location: International

Hello mate. Are you taking a local or distance MA TESOL program?

Chok Dee,
GreenDestiny

Placebo · Joined: 19 Nov 2004 Posts: 80 Location: Bangkok

I'm doing a local program. Despite the common criticism of MA TESOL programs being too theoretical, I find it very helpful and interesting indeed. It also includes a semester-long teaching practicum and the possibility to work part time as a teacher assistant. The professors all have a minimum of 10 years ESL/EFL classroom experience. The only drawback is, that it does not include young learner teaching methodologies. I also find that it is more geared towards ESL than EFL.

Are you thinking of doing an MA program? If your goal is to find employment in an international school, you might want to consider doing a teaching credential (U.S.) or a PGCE. The MA TESOL will certainly help you find work in universities and language schools but not necessarily in international schools.

GreenDestiny · Joined: 27 Nov 2004 Posts: 88 Location: International

I'm considering a MA TESOL or MA ed. in my long-term planning, although nothing is etched in stone at this point.

Thanks for the PGCE or Teaching Credential information...yet another option. Cheers.

Chok Dee,
GreenDestiny

"My fellow expats and I share the situation of being a foreign, though all don't share the experience."