Job Discussion Forums

droidman · Joined: 27 Sep 2003 Posts: 7

I have to admit that I am a burned-out public school teacher, burned-out after 23 years of dealing with an increasingly challenging public school scene, and burned-out with some of the personal problems many of my peers have experienced.

My body has learned to automatically respond in an unhealthy way to stressful situations, the kind of stressful situations that occur with increasing frequency in Canada's public schools. Things no longer have to be negative for my body to respond to prolonged stress with flight-or fight brain chemicals that would be essential if I was fighting hand-to-hand combat in the jungles of Vietnam against the Viet Cong. Unfortunately these chemicals only cause big trouble in the non-violent world of Canada. And the trouble involves sleep difficulties, low mood, etc., etc.

So the question is whether English teaching opportunities exist for a mid-fifties teacher with lots of teaching experience. And I'm talking about either Thailand or India. And I'm talking about teaching a single adult or at most 4 or 5 adults. Does under-the- table teaching occur in this scenario?

Any advice you can give will be welcome.

khmerhit · Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2003 2:48 am Post subject:

Well, I would suggest Cambodia but there might be too much tension lurking in the air for you there. Except there isn't really, it's mostly in the mind, like everything. However, the class sizes normally aren't very small and would probably remind you of your stressful former life.

Thailand would be good outside of Bangkok. Have you thought of quiet peaceful backwaters like East Europe or Finland? I don't think Thailand or India will be very stress-free. What about New Zealand? Or better yet, what about the international schools since you are already a bona fide teacher? See joy.com. Int. schools are reputedly quite mellow. Try ISPP, international school of phnom penh. Best of luck.

I'm thinking of getting qualified. Now I'm thinking again!

droidman · Joined: 27 Sep 2003 Posts: 7

Yes, public teaching is often stressful but it is an amazing experience that is often quite beautiful. It has become a more challenging task in the last ten years. There are more unhappy kids than there used to be. But if you can give them good vibs they still usually respond positively. The challenge for me is to give them what they need. Good vibes.

droidman · Joined: 27 Sep 2003 Posts: 7

The one reply to my letter referred to me as a "bona fide" teacher because I've got the degree and have done the public-school thing. But I just want to say that I think degrees mean very little. What counts is whether you have the ability to teach. Getting a formal degree might help but the real learning happens in real-time with your students. English teachers without degrees in education can be very special teachers if they have what it takes.

Corey · Joined: 05 Jul 2003 Posts: 112 Location: Canada

My man,

Me dear old mudder just retired from the same scene in the fair province of Ontario.

If I can be blunt, probably anywhere you will find the same thing. What will change is you and your surroundings. DO NOT I REPEAT DO NOT QUIT before you get the OSSTF pension.

After you have an income stream from the first world, go to Latin America and get a job teaching part-time at a university. The stress will melt like butter. It may eventually get hard to go home!!!

Good luck,

Corey