Advice on Teaching

**kingwilly** · 26-05-2009, 08:12 AM

Originally Posted by somtamslap

But I say this as a professional teacher - the [at][at][at][at] in uni is tremendous.

Originally Posted by somtamslap

excellent, confirm the stereotype. Just bowing down to your blinkered view of anyone that doesn't lead your obviously, exceptionally, successful career... Yer focking boring, mate.

What the fuck?

Are you AA in disguise?

I'm taking exception to you confirming the sterotypical teacher as a washed up unqualified sexpat and you'd rather I didnt?

Righto then, as you were.

**Jesus Jones** · 26-05-2009, 08:37 AM

A friend of mine has a TEFL but no degree. However, his English is very good and I believe he earns just over 40K. He lives quite comfortably on that and he's also aware that this is a short term career.

Depending on your lifestyle 40K is plenty. I've lived on that with no problems and still had money spare at the end of the month. I don't drink, smoke or use dirty women though. For me, the money isn't important (paying the bills etc are) but the free time I have here in comparision to what I had in the UK is.

If your coming because the booze and women appeal to you, then a better paid job is advisable.

**mikehunt** · 28-05-2009, 11:42 PM

I teach English. I've worked at my current institution for almost 3 years. I do not have a "degree" of any type. I have my apprenticeship (4 years) & that's all. My other work experience is not proven by a qualification but only by experience. As a result, I can be employed as an electrical engineer in Australia.

But this is Thailand, where a piece of paper is worth much more than experience in a particular field.

I've just received a wage rise. I did not ask for this but my Thai colleagues seemed to think that I deserved it. I'm also the only "native English speaker" at my institution.

As for being Irish, I hope that your Irish accent is not strong. My recollection of an Irishman, with whom I worked, is like this;

Irishman: "Can you go to Taunton Street & do blah blah blah?" (This is what I "heard".)
I went to Taunton Street & was greeted with, "No. We never called you."

Upon further investigation, I discovered that the correct street was Thornton Street & not Taunton Street. It just so happens that there are 2 streets in Revesby (Sydney) with both of these names. The Irishman's pronunciation was the problem.

Summary.
If your Irish accent is strong, please do not teach Thai students.

**BobR** · 29-05-2009, 06:17 AM

Originally Posted by crazy dog

Originally Posted by BobR

I. The pay is only 22,000 baht a month, which is twice what the Thai teachers make

True but I never heard of anyone making such a small amount, I know people without degrees or TEFL making more than 30.000 and with over 50,000. I know you don't do it for the money but even so does seem a little bit on the low side.

You're quite correct CD, I know I could probably go elsewhere and make more money, but I'm happy where I'm at and don't want to take the chance of landing in a place I would hate for a few extra baht. Thanks.

**Mr R Sole** · 29-05-2009, 09:07 AM

Well some interesting points....1:- the accent...totally agree if you have a soft accent then you maybe ok...if it's a hard northern irish accent..eg:Belfast then I'd forget it. You won't pass the interview..IMHO.

They really like clear spoken English at the schools I've taught at.

If your just coming over for a 'short time' experience (pardon the pun..you guys know what I mean..TDer's) then also I wouldn't think about teaching just yet..wait and see if you can put up with the place first...

There are some things to learn about the Thai's and their ways of doing things...also I would stay away from Bangers and Pattaya...or you may find yourself getting into trouble quickly...I would say that those places are really for the 'Tourists' and not serious long stayers..IMO

If ya coming in July-Aug 09' then you will have missed the start of the terms over here, but will no doubt be able to fill someone else's position that either couldn't hack it or got the sack for any number of reasons!!!

One guy here in Trang is getting the sack today from a Anuban school cos' he's been walking out of lessons after 20mins stating that he hasn't got anything else prepared!!!!! and leaving the class to the thai teacher to complete!!! prime examples!!! and this job is a piece of piss to be quite frank.

**nomad** · 29-05-2009, 11:37 AM

If you havent done a tefl or a celta yet just check with the agency wether its a acceptable world wide. Tefl is just teaching english as a second language it not a certificate to teach in schools or universities. Down to the truth a tefl is purley for teaching at a language school to someone who wants to improve the language skills.

But thailand is so desperate for english that TEFL teachers can teach in schools with any type of degree wether its in Photography or Education. And is some casses without.

Well good luck have fun and enjoy teaching screaming thai kids who dont want to learn or adults that have nothing better to do.

**BobR** · 29-05-2009, 11:42 AM

I don't know about elsewhere, but most teacher credentialing programs in America are nothing more than useless garbage designed to protect the teacher's unions and lifetime teachers from equally capable and educated competition. Time consuming but useless garbage, but particularly in an economic downturn when many educated people are out of work, it keeps the worthless union teachers from being fired.

**kingwilly** · 29-05-2009, 11:44 AM

Originally Posted by BobR

I don't know about elsewhere, but most teacher credentialing programs in America are nothing more than useless garbage designed to protect the teacher's unions and lifetime teachers from equally capable and educated competition.

really?

firsthand experience?

evidence?

**Mr Quickly** · 29-05-2009, 07:49 PM

Thanks again for all the helpful replies .

Thanks also to Sandmike who sent me a pm . Unfortunately I don't have enough posts so am unable to reply .

My accent is soft as I'm from the south of Ireland , but have lived abroad quite a bit.

My trip in July or August is a holiday and fact finding exercise but plan to move within the next six to nine months .

I must say I'm very impressed with this forum , I've learned a lot from it .

Thanks again .

**Another Farang** · 29-06-2009, 10:23 PM

You should take the TESOL, can even do it online, and try teach something along the lines of Business Studies at an international school.

**Mr Quickly** · 29-06-2009, 10:37 PM

Thanks another Farang , if possible it should certainly pay more .
I'll look into it .

**Marmite the Dog** · 30-06-2009, 01:23 AM

Originally Posted by nidhogg

Not being a grammar nazi here, and maybe one of the English language bods can set me straight, but, just in the spirit of curiosity, should that not be "Advice on teaching" rather than "Advise on Teaching"? (as well as the usage in the body of the post).

Slow day here mainly.

I've edited the title in the spirit of the English continually educating the Oirish.

**killerbees** · 30-06-2009, 09:24 AM

Originally Posted by Mr R Sole

W
One guy here in Trang is getting the sack today from a Anuban school cos' he's been walking out of lessons after 20mins stating that he hasn't got anything else prepared!!!!! and leaving the class to the thai teacher to complete!!! prime examples!!! and this job is a piece of piss to be quite frank.

A bit OT, but whereabouts are you in Trang, Mr R Sole?

**Mickymoo** · 09-08-2009, 02:59 PM

Mr Quickly,
Plural of "opening" is openings (no apostrophe). I'm just a pedantic twat. But if you're thinking of teaching English...........................

**mtone9317** · 10-08-2009, 12:19 PM

Originally Posted by BobR

I don't know about elsewhere, but most teacher credentialing programs in America are nothing more than useless garbage designed to protect the teacher's unions and lifetime teachers from equally capable and educated competition. Time consuming but useless garbage, but particularly in an economic downturn when many educated people are out of work, it keeps the worthless union teachers from being fired.

I got my teaching credential in Elementary Ed from San Francisco State University. the program was excellent but...my first full time job was a Band teacher in a ghetto school. I was bitten by snakes and wolves on a daily basis, but I survived...mostly because I dazzled them with brillance.
Our school Salsa group performed for the All-City festival and knocked them out...the Latino wannabe gangbanger teenage musicians called the Superintent an asshole and told him to fuck off when they sat down in reserved seats and he kicked them out. They all got suspended the following week. very funny. We were heros to the whole school. After that it was easy. I had a group of teens who said:"Do not mess with the Band teacher or you will get it after school."

**mtone9317** · 10-08-2009, 12:26 PM

Fourth grade English class on Friday was usually included a spelling test. I felt it was a form of torture only relieved by morning recess.

**Mister Fixit** · 19-08-2009, 06:22 PM

Originally Posted by BugginOut

Originally Posted by nidhogg

Not being a grammar nazi here, and maybe one of the English language bods can set me straight, but, just in the spirit of curiosity, should that not be "Advice on teaching" rather than "Advise on Teaching"? (as well as the usage in the body of the post).

Slow day here mainly.

It's an imperative. He wants to be advised. He doesn't have advice.

And, yes, you're trying to be a grammar Nazi. Better luck next time.

You're both wrong! The Grammar chap and you.

It's a verb but it's not in the imperative.

Grammar Dick was confusing 'advice' (uncountable common noun) with 'advise' (verb).

**Mister Fixit** · 19-08-2009, 06:28 PM

Originally Posted by nidhogg

Originally Posted by BugginOut

Originally Posted by nidhogg

Not being a grammar nazi here, and maybe one of the English language bods can set me straight, but, just in the spirit of curiosity, should that not be "Advice on teaching" rather than "Advise on Teaching"? (as well as the usage in the body of the post).

Slow day here mainly.

It's an imperative. He wants to be advised. He doesn't have advice.

And, yes, you're trying to be a grammar Nazi. Better luck next time.

Disagree. The post was soliciting information, not giving it.

In which case he's correct and asking someone to advise (verb) him, and you are wrong.

As to the grammar nazi bit, well, its always nice to see if all those "English teachers" and wannabe "English teachers" can cut the mustard. In this case clearly not.

Mirror, mirror ...

**nidhogg** · 19-08-2009, 06:32 PM

Originally Posted by Mister Fixit

Disagree. The post was soliciting information, not giving it.

In which case he's correct and asking someone to advise (verb) him, and you are wrong.

As to the grammar nazi bit, well, its always nice to see if all those "English teachers" and wannabe "English teachers" can cut the mustard. In this case clearly not.

Mirror, mirror ...

I am not an English teacher mate. Bet you are though.

**Mister Fixit** · 19-08-2009, 06:34 PM

Originally Posted by mikehunt

Summary.
If your Irish accent is strong, please do not teach Thai students.

Quite true.

My first ever private student tod me she had a 'sore trote',meaning 'throat'. When I corrected her pronuncation she got quite uppity and said her teacher at some Catholic Uni had made them sit in class and repeat 'trote' for throat for a whole lesson so it must be right.

I had to explain the idiosyncracies of the Irish accent to her, and the huge amusement of most other native English speakers at those who speak it.

**Mister Fixit** · 19-08-2009, 06:38 PM

Originally Posted by nidhogg

I am not an English teacher mate.

That much was obvious as soon as you posted. Not much of an intellect either, it would seem.

Bet you are though.

Whatever gave you that idea?

The fact that you seem to be semi-literate, but I know what I'm talking about?

**nidhogg** · 19-08-2009, 06:46 PM

Originally Posted by Mister Fixit

Originally Posted by nidhogg

I am not an English teacher mate.

That much was obvious as soon as you posted. Not much of an intellect either, it would seem.

Bet you are though.

Whatever gave you that idea?

Your overbearing and pompous display of a modicum of information gives it away.

**nidhogg** · 19-08-2009, 06:47 PM

Originally Posted by Mister Fixit

My first ever private student tod me she had a 'sore trote',meaning 'throat'. When I corrected her pronuncation she got quite uppity and said her teacher at some Catholic Uni had made them sit in class and repeat 'trote' for throat for a whole lesson so it must be right.

I had to explain the idiosyncracies of the Irish accent to her, and the huge amusement of most other native English speakers at those who speak it.

Well well. Right on the money.

**mtone9317** · 20-08-2009, 08:57 AM

Ah, the English language.
I taught music at a ghetto middle school in San Francisco, mostly blacks, a few Filipinos, and many Latinos. We had a BIG concert coming up with our Jazz Band at the Cow Palace, 2000 people attending.
One Filipino students asked me excitedly,
"When is our concert at the Cow Phalus?" Indeed.

**kingwilly** · 20-08-2009, 09:41 AM

Originally Posted by nidhogg

Originally Posted by Mister Fixit

Originally Posted by nidhogg

I am not an English teacher mate.

That much was obvious as soon as you posted. Not much of an intellect either, it would seem.

Bet you are though.

Whatever gave you that idea?

Your overbearing and pompous display of a modicum of information gives it away.

yeah yeah, no kidding!

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