Job Discussion Forums

[LOSnewbie]

Hi,

How many native English teachers do Thai government and private schools look to hire / have working for them at any one time? is it usually one per school or will they look to hire more?

Do they have Thai teachers of English in their English departments too?

And do all classes involve Thai assistants?

Do they require teachers to have any ability in Thai? ( i was reading an old copy of lonely planet and I think it said that these types of schools only hired teachers who spoke a minimum level of Thai).

Sorry for all the questions, i am just trying to understand how the schools are structured.

Thanks,

L.

[isle-teach]

-How many native English teachers do Thai government and private schools look to hire / have working for them at any one time? is it usually one per school or will they look to hire more?

It depends on how big the school is. My school had 1500 students, and they had 4-5 English teachers.

-Do they have Thai teachers of English in their English departments too?

They certainly do. You will be asked to teach a certain number of periods in different grades. It's mainly listening and speaking or specific courses, like English for Communication, while your Thai colleagues will be teaching grammar.

-And do all classes involve Thai assistants?
Not sure about Thai Assistants. In the Sec school I was working for there weren't any. The Thai English teacher would sit in class and take care of discipline if I wanted her to. I guess, it depends on the school and the grades you're teaching. Teaching primary school could be different.

-Do they require teachers to have any ability in Thai?

I don't think so, but some experience with Thai students is appreciated. Being familiar with the way govt schools operate and how Thai students learn could help you cope with certain issues better.

Hope this helps.