Job Discussion Forums

rayman · Joined: 24 May 2003 Posts: 427

Hi all,

I've been feeling out a potential move to Bangkok and was wondering if anyone had some knowledge on the international schools.

I have a PGCE and 6 years experience teaching elementary. With that in mind;

1. What salary range could I expect to receive?
2. Which schools have the best reputations?

Thanks for your help.

Rayman

kidefl · Joined: 22 Jun 2007 Posts: 40

I sure see this query come up a lot on other forums. Dude, marine biologists are to hump-back whales what teachers are to international schools .. every whale has 24 of them.

Everybody wants a job at an international school. People don't usually leave a good job, but if they do they'll turn it over to a friend, or the school will already know who's next in line. From what I read there are plenty of dodgy international schools. These are more than likely to ones you'll get into with out a problem.

Thais would much prefer to hire a teacher already in Thailand. Don't know if you are or not.

rayman · Joined: 24 May 2003 Posts: 427

Dude, given I already work in a (top notch) international school in Jakarta and it's not my first international school posting, I see it as pretty easy actually.

MOD EDIT

rayman · Joined: 24 May 2003 Posts: 427

I might add, male primary teachers also qualified to teach secondary math and physics aren't exactly a dime a dozen and are actually in demand.

Also, people not leaving a good job is way overplayed. The majority of international school teachers stay only for their initial 2 year contract. Then they move on to another location - working the international school scene if you like. Most teachers that stay long term in one location is due to family committments rather than it being a great school. Additionally, the vast majority of the jobs are gained through recruitment fairs. Not passed on to a friend as you suggest.

zorro (3) · Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 202

Try Bangkok Patana on Soi Lasalle. It's a very nice school, has an excellent reputation, friendly teachers and good salary package (over 100,000 baht per month with housing allowances, flights, severance etc).

I worked there about five years ago (as an ESL instructor) and loved every minute of it. It's especially good if you're into sports...

And also, all of the teachers that I knew there were employed through adverts in newspapers, TES, online ads and recruitmen fairs....

Good luck.

rayman · Joined: 24 May 2003 Posts: 427

Cheers for the info Zorro. Sounds like a nice place to be. I'll look into it...

Rayman

Mr. Kalgukshi · Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2008 11:08 pm Post subject:

I've just deleted or edited several inappropriate postings. Future insulting or ad hominem postings on this thread will see responsible members promptly removed from this site temporarily or permanently, as warranted.

kidefl · Joined: 22 Jun 2007 Posts: 40

Dude, I'm a male primary school teacher with a California certificate. I earn 24,000B a month. I don't and would never live in BKK. The best paying, most prestigious EP in our city waited 3 months for their science teacher to arrive. His first day on the job was terrific. That night they all went out for a drink and he was beaten unconscious and is now in the hospital. If you were living in BKK today you would have a day off. There are so many rioters in the streets, so many arrests, the traffic is stopped and will stay stopped for a long time, IMO. The young and beautiful channel 3 news reporter was attacked and punched in the face. MOD EDIT

rayman · Joined: 24 May 2003 Posts: 427

laconic · Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2008 9:34 am Post subject:

rayman · Joined: 24 May 2003 Posts: 427

kidefl · Joined: 22 Jun 2007 Posts: 40

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30081511

Old links are kool but he's a new one.

Isn't there a city in Germany that was never bombed in WW II? They missed the real war. Do you now where Thailand ranks in term of personal safety, death by firearm, traffic death? Just under Iraq.

So an International school will pay a first-year teacher 100,000B in BKK? That's about equal to my 24,000 in the South. And here there aren't any food stands standing over sewers, no hookers grabbing at your arms, no tuk tuks drivers asking if you want a ride every 20 seconds, no dirty movie dirty movie touts at the local computer shops, no amputees crawling round begging on the streets (oh wait, isn't there a new law that has removed them?), rip off taxi drivers who'll charge you double if they like you. I've never been able to bear BKK for more than two days and I'm from LA. And I bet you work for that 100,000 too with all the brats Thailand has to offer in a single class, all the rules and regulations, gate duty, flag salute, meetings. Sorry for the rant, just have to count my blessings from time to time.

rayman · Joined: 24 May 2003 Posts: 427

The reality is that most people are attracted to big cities. That's how they become big.

Whether it be the excitement, superior job or education opportunities, superior health faciltiies, superior international access etc., there are a number of factors that draw people to the big smoke.

For me, it's the job opportunities + excitement. I've always found a big city in Asia is the only option if I'm to earn a salary similar to teaching in public schools in Australia. Which is necessary if I'm to continue my investments and stay on the path of a comfortable retirement for myself and my family. I also find that with a higher salary, you can afford to 'shield' yourself from much of the nasty sides of cities. Then, given the 3+ months holidays, you can spend much of the year kicking back in more holiday-esque places. Additonally, should you choose to move back to your home country, the transition into the public/private school system is seamless.

Personally, it's much more appealing than living below minimum wage on a beach somewhere with no future savings or prospects. One year, fine. But long term, wouldn't think of it.

kidefl · Joined: 22 Jun 2007 Posts: 40

BKK can be some fun eh? I learned about 50 years ago money will give you a buffer zone between you and trailer folk. Juxtapose that with a belief one should mix and fraternize with real-world people and it gets to be a dilemma, at least for me. Never cared much for shelter in a rain storm. Sometimes it just feels right to be close to and effected by natural events, salt of the earth people as well. I love it here where I live and my family has all matured, have no obligations anymore. What I'm doing is perfect for me. Don't need the money cause I don't need the buffer.

I heard there might be a big wave "coming soon to a theater" near you. Good luck.

zorro (3) · Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 202