Job Discussion Forums

[dazedANDconfused]

Here is some background pertinent to my questions:

I have a BA in mathematics, an MS and PhD in mathematical sciences (applied math), about 2.5 years experience as a mathematician designing lottery products, and more than half a dozen professional journal articles to my name. I have taught at the undergraduate level for about 3.5 years while I was graduate student and I am presently teaching part time at a local college (for about 3 months). As a PhD in math, I do not need (and don't have) a teaching certificate. I also have about 9 months experience tutoring high school students in a learning center.

I have been unable to find full time employment for the last 16 months. I am planning to go for TESOL training and then look for a job in Thailand. It is my understanding that the minimum requirements for an international school teacher are: 1. a bachelors degree 2. a teaching certificate and 3. at least 2 years experience.

1. Does someone have knowledge of International School teaching requirements and their interpretation? Specifically:
a) Is my list correct?
b) How much experience should I be credited with? (Would my experience as student, teaching Americans, count?)
the 2 years?
c) Would having a Ph.D. satisfy the teaching certificate requirement in Thailand or would I need to get another certificate (such as TESOL)?
d) Am I qualified, qualified upon minor fixes of ___, not qualified without a lot of time, effort, and money....

2. Assuming that I am qualified or almost qualified (e.g. all I need to do is get a TESOL degree), when is the proper time to be contacting schools for employment opportunities (now, after I have a TESOL certificate, not until I am in the proper city and ready to interview, etc.)?
3. Given my background, are there other options should I consider?

Advice on any and all questions is greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

[hagakuri]

Dear Dr.,

One of the first things you should note is Thailand, is a very different country from which you are departing. The norms and principles that you are familiar and comfortable with are not, generally, practiced there. There are many different aspects you must consider when applying to be a teacher with a Thai International School.

What you will find is that sometimes your physical qualities are more important than your academic ones. It is increasing becoming more popular for Thai schools to forgo the usual qualifications for a young, handsome, smiling, light colored eyes, and very pale skin gentleman. This may shock you as being inconceivable. You are probably coming from a country that has anti-discriminatory laws so hiring practices in Thailand may be a little shocking to you. What is your age? If it is over about 38 years old.. your stock falls considerably.

1) Your stated list, and its order is correct. The only snag could be is that some of the better international schools request that the required experience come from teaching in an Asian country, or teaching to Asians.
2) I would say that any duration that you have delivered instruction to students is experience.
3) Thailand is stuck on the TESOL � CELTA deal. You could have 5 PhDs and it would matter not to them. Getting a certificate will give you applicable experience as well as making your job search go that much better.
4) The proper time to look is NOW. Most schools hire from late January to late April. The academic year starts within the first couple of weeks in May.
5) Qualified? Some schools would find you qualified now. Some others will wait for your teaching certificate. The key is finding which one will accept what.
6) Your other option is teaching on the university level. There is a difference between an international university and an international school. An international school is usually considered a medium of instruction from kindergarten to high school. University, obviously, is not.

If you are serious about finding a job here then search the Net. If you are even more serious than that.. pack your bags and get over to Thailand now. I am sure that with a committed job search you will find a position within a month. There are many jobs in Thailand that are filled through word-of-mouth. Some will never be posted publically. It is essential that you brush up on your interviewing skills, and be prepared to deliver an impromptu class on the spot. Do not be afraid to ask schools if they could refer you to a school that IS hiring if they are not interested in you. Lastly, remember there is a difference between international schools and bilingual schools. Good luck to you.

[beachwalker]

Actually, my knowledge of the international school qualifications are different than listed above. It is my understanding that there is a requirement of a min of 15 credits within the Dept. of Education in your university transcripts. This, because a true international school will be governed by Western standards. Hence, to teach math in a U.S. high school... you'd be required to take X-number of courses in Education to cover certification standards.

These days, however, a guy with a Ph.D. in mathematical sciences could indeed quite easily find a job in a U.S. school (huge demand) without having the EDU course credits/certification. However, they generally will require that you'd gain certification through testing or some form of credentialing. Or, so I understand.

All this said, I would imagine that math teachers are as hard to come by in Thailand as they are in the U.S. Thusly, you should be able to find a good gig teaching math - in English - at a private school, college, or international.

I'd suggest a TESOL certification if you plan to teach the English language rather than math (not to get a job, but to do a good job). I have an M.Ed., but will get TESOL/TEFL certified before seeking a position in Thailand. This, because my area is, like you, outside of ESL.

Good luck,

beachwalker

[blackorchid]