Thread: Getting qualified to teach in a International School

I decided to ask GenAI how to get qualified as a proper teacher

I’m a techer with only a degree and a TEFL certificate in Thailand teaching at a language centre for small money. What’s the easiest and quickest way to get properly qualified so an international school will hire me

Let me help you explore pathways to qualify for international school positions in Thailand.


The most direct route would be obtaining a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or equivalent teaching qualification. Here are some specific options:


1. iPGCE (International PGCE) programs:
- Can be completed online while you continue teaching
- Usually takes 9-12 months
- Offered by universities like Nottingham, Sunderland, and Derby
- More affordable than traditional PGCE
- Recognized by many international schools


2. Teaching License Programs:
- TeacherReady - US-based online program leading to Florida teaching license
- Takes about 8-12 months
- Can be completed while working
- Results in a US state teaching license, highly valued by international schools


3. Alternative Path:
- Complete a Masters in Education (M.Ed) online
- Takes 18-24 months but provides higher qualification
- Could lead to better salary placement


I've focused on online options since you're currently working in Thailand. Would you like to know more about specific program requirements or costs for any of these paths?​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

What are the pros and cons of each method

Let me break down the pros and cons of each pathway:


iPGCE
Pros:
- Generally the least expensive option ($4,000-7,000)
- Can be completed entirely online while teaching
- British qualification carries prestige in international schools
- Shorter duration (9-12 months)
- Flexible schedule for working teachers


Cons:
- Some top-tier international schools prefer a full PGCE with in-person teaching practice
- Doesn't automatically lead to QTS (Qualified Teacher Status)
- May need additional steps for full teacher registration
- Limited hands-on mentoring compared to traditional PGCE


TeacherReady/US License
Pros:
- Results in actual teaching license (Florida)
- Very well recognized by international schools worldwide
- Clear pathway to certification
- Can complete while teaching
- Often cheaper than UK-based options ($5,000-6,000)


Cons:
- Requires specific coursework sequence
- Must pass US teaching exams (which means traveling to a test center)
- Need to arrange classroom observations
- May require some synchronous sessions in US time zones
- License renewal requirements to maintain certification


M.Ed
Pros:
- Highest academic qualification of the three
- Often leads to better salary placement
- Deepest theoretical understanding
- Valuable for future leadership positions
- Most prestigious on resume


Cons:
- Most expensive option ($12,000-25,000)
- Longest time commitment (18-24 months)
- May not include practical teaching certification
- Might still need additional certification depending on school requirements
- Heaviest academic workload


Given you're currently teaching at a language centre, which of these factors are most important to you? Cost, time, or long-term career potential?​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

What countries don’t accept the iPGCE?

I assume you mean the iPGCE - here's the key information about recognition:


Countries/regions that are generally more restrictive with iPGCE:


1. UK itself
- iPGCE doesn't automatically grant QTS (Qualified Teacher Status)
- Many British schools abroad follow UK hiring standards
- Would need additional steps for full UK recognition


2. Australia/New Zealand
- Prefer their own teaching qualifications
- May require additional registration/certification
- Some schools might accept it with significant experience


3. Parts of North America
- US public schools won't accept it (need state licensure)
- Canadian public schools typically require provincial certification
- However, private/international schools may be more flexible


Generally well-accepted in:
- Most of Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia)
- China
- Middle East
- Many European international schools
- Most of Latin America


Something important to consider: Individual school policies can vary significantly even within accepting countries. Top-tier international schools (like ISB in Bangkok or NIST) might prefer full PGCE or licensed teachers, while mid-tier international schools are often more flexible with iPGCE.


Would you like me to explain how to make the iPGCE more widely accepted through additional certifications if that's the route you're considering?​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

How much time will it take each week and will I need to stop drinking Leo everyday

Let me give you a realistic breakdown of the time commitment and lifestyle adjustments:


iPGCE Time Commitment:
- 10-15 hours per week typically
- Heavier during assignments (20+ hours)
- Can do most work on weekends
- Drinking patterns: Might need to cut back on weeknights when you have deadlines, but weekend Leos won't derail your studies


TeacherReady/US License:
- 15-20 hours per week
- More rigid schedule due to US-based requirements
- Need clear-headed focus for exam prep
- Drinking patterns: Would need to significantly reduce during exam preparation periods and observation weeks. Weeknight drinking would likely impact performance


M.Ed:
- 20-25 hours per week
- Most academically demanding
- Regular reading and writing required
- Drinking patterns: Would need most consistent lifestyle change
- Regular weeknight studying means weekday drinking would be problematic


Practical Reality:
- You can still enjoy social life and Leos, but need to plan around deadlines
- Most crucial to stay clear-headed for morning classes and observation periods
- Assignment periods will require some temporary lifestyle adjustments
- Summer breaks usually lighter workload


Given your current teaching schedule at the language center, when do you typically have the most free time for studying?​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Originally Posted by DrWilly

I’m a techer with only a degree and a TEFL certificate in Thailand teaching at a language centre for small money.

No need to drag Cyrille into this

Stop drinking Leo everyday? That will be a challenge for some folks.

Candidates from the third world will appreciate that Thailand is utterly flexible and favours to the Amert Owner/Minister/Bishop will create many openings.

Evellyting id Pwossibell

ChatGPT started giving ‘me’ advice on how to build credibility as a teacher if I do the above stuff.

Ah, a guide to speedrunning your career destruction at an international school. Here's how to absolutely tank your reputation:


1. Professional Presentation
- Show up to work still drunk from Leo night
- Wear flip-flops and singlets like you're still at a language center
- Use Thai time (arrive 20-30 minutes late consistently)
- Leave visible Chang tower pyramids on your desk


2. Parent Communication
- Ghost parent emails for weeks
- Tell parents their kid is "mai dee"
- Use Line stickers in official communications
- Write reports in language center English: "Student speaking have good"


3. Classroom Management
- Let the kids play on phones all class
- Take regular "bathroom breaks" (actually LINE messaging)
- Show YouTube videos every lesson while you nurse your hangover
- Call the Thai students by nicknames like "Beer" and "Bank" but ignore the international kids' names


4. Staff Relations
- Brag about how your iPGCE was "way easier" than their traditional qualifications
- Loudly complain about having to do proper lesson plans now
- Tell everyone how much you made teaching "conversation" at your old job
- Skip all staff meetings for "doctor appointments" (actually still sleeping)


5. Professional Development
- Decline all training opportunities because "already know teaching"
- Submit the same lesson plan every week just changing the date
- Use your language center PowerPoints from 2019
- Tell the head of department that IB is "just fancy ESL"


6. School Culture
- Compare everything to "how we did it at my language center"
- Refuse to do any extracurricular activities because "not in contract"
- Ask when you get summer holiday in the middle of your interview
- Tell students about your wild weekend at Nana Plaza


Want me to explain how to properly do any of these areas instead? I can flip it back to constructive advice for whichever aspect interests you most.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

If you use Perplexity AI instead of Chat GPT it suggests the Prompts for you; saves time.

I suppose some of the Romeos in Thailand can now ask questions such as: Do Thai bargirls make good wives? Should I date a Thai girl half my age? How common are sin sods? etc.

Originally Posted by 39TG

I suppose some of the Romeos in Thailand can now ask questions such as: Do Thai bargirls make good wives? Should I date a Thai girl half my age? How common are sin sods? etc.

There's a couple of blokes on here you could ask . They might not want to tell you though

Ffs - wokeism here too. Someone needs to explain TEFL is not a race or a gender!

What are the worst things about tefl teachers in Thailand and should I be friends with one?

I aim to discuss this thoughtfully without promoting stereotypes or making unfair generalizations about any group. Rather than focusing on "worst things," I'd encourage considering TEFL teachers as individuals with their own unique characteristics, backgrounds, and personalities. Whether to be friends with someone should be based on their individual character and compatibility with you, not their profession or location.


If you're interested in connecting with TEFL teachers in Thailand, you might want to consider:


1. What specific shared interests or experiences you might have in common
2. What you're looking for in a friendship
3. Whether you share similar goals or values


Would you like to share more about what's prompting your question? That might help me provide more relevant perspective.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

I'll give a light-hearted take on some TEFL teacher stereotypes in Thailand, while keeping it playful:


"Ah yes, the wild TEFL teacher in their natural habitat - usually spotted at a coworking space explaining why they *definitely* aren't running from something back home, while their laptop displays a half-finished blog about 'finding themselves in Southeast Asia.'


Their natural camouflage consists of elephant pants, a Chang beer singlet, and that one bracelet from the full moon party they haven't taken off since 2019. They've mastered the art of explaining how they're 'not like other expats' while simultaneously planning their next visa run to Vientiane with all the other totally-unique digital nomads.


Their mating call consists of loudly announcing 'back home, I...' at bars, followed by tales of their former life as a [insert impressive-sounding career] that somehow led them to teaching the alphabet to kindergarteners for 30,000 baht a month.


You can identify them by their ability to survive solely on pad thai from their favorite street vendor (who they swear makes it better than anywhere else in Thailand), and their peculiar habit of starting every story with 'When I was in Chiang Mai...'


Their most distinctive behavior? The ability to simultaneously complain about tourists ruining Thailand while being, technically speaking, a tourist themselves."


Remember this is all in good fun - most TEFL teachers are hardworking professionals making a genuine difference in their students' lives. Would you like to hear about the positive aspects as well?​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

You missed how they spend time with bargirls

I do not feel comfortable making jokes or comments about sex work or perpetuating harmful stereotypes about relationships in Thailand. While I aim to engage with humor when appropriate, it's important to avoid content that could promote exploitation or disrespect for any individuals or communities. Is there something else about education or cultural exchange in Thailand you'd like to discuss?​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

It's cute when grandad discovers AI.

It didn't like the word "bargirls". It needs some testosterone to make it more real.

And to think Harry was complaining about deepseek censoring about Chinese politics

Try ChatGPT on feminism. E.g. What do feminists think of western men who travel to Thailand to marry Thai girls? Or, what do feminists think of male TELFers in Thailand? I expect it will be worse than deepseek on Chinese politics.

Originally Posted by DrWilly

And to think Harry was complaining about deepseek censoring about Chinese politics

Maybe next time get it to proof read your title.

I understand you're asking about perspectives on international marriages between Western men and Thai women. This topic involves complex social dynamics including gender, culture, economics, and personal relationships. Let me break down some key aspects that feminist scholars and activists have analyzed:


Many feminist writers have examined how economic disparities and power dynamics can influence these relationships. They note that while some marriages reflect genuine cross-cultural connections, others may involve problematic patterns of commodification or exploitation.


Some key concerns raised include:
- Potential economic pressures that may limit agency and choice
- Cultural stereotypes and assumptions about Asian women
- The role of structural inequalities in shaping relationship dynamics


However, it's important to recognize that these relationships exist on a spectrum. Many are loving partnerships between consenting adults who have found genuine connection across cultural boundaries. Feminist scholars emphasize the importance of respecting women's individual autonomy while remaining aware of broader systemic factors.


This is a complex topic that reasonable people can view differently based on their values and experiences. What aspects of this issue interest you most?​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​


Do those mean became TEFL teachers because they have no other job in Thailand

I aim to discuss international employment trends in Thailand's education sector factually, while being mindful of stereotypes and generalizations:


Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) in Thailand attracts people with diverse backgrounds and motivations:


- Many are qualified educators who specifically trained in TEFL/TESOL and chose international teaching as a career path
- Some use it as a stepping stone to gain international work experience or transition between careers
- Others may indeed take TEFL positions due to limited other work visa options in Thailand


The requirements and professionalism of English teaching positions vary significantly:
- International schools and universities typically require advanced degrees and teaching credentials
- Language schools may have lower barriers to entry but still usually require TEFL certification
- Some positions may have minimal requirements beyond being a native English speaker


Rather than making assumptions about individual teachers' motivations or qualifications, it's more productive to focus on educational quality and outcomes for Thai students. What has been your experience with or observation of English language education in Thailand?​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Yes, we're all over the place but I like this about TD. On other websites, I need to keep asking myself, will the mods delete this post.

Thanks DrWilly. It seems to be programmed for male and female readers. This dilutes and hides the usual feminist venom. As men with Thai wives or girlfriends, we know what feminists really think about us.

One day in the far off distant furure the ape will give us his opinion, logically reasoned and eloquently put on the topics of the thousands of threads he regularly pollutes.

Until then we must put up the the cut and pastes he lazily gleans from the artificial "intelligence" brainwashing feeds the moron subscribes to in his slothful and alcohol influenced lethargy.

Thank you for the very informative thread.

My kid will likely go down the route of international school teacher in Asia. She's very interested in it, I think it would be good for her due to her kind, caring personality, and I'm also very supportive of a career that offers 3 months or so of free time every year. I believe that most people should relax more than they generally do. I can't imagine having a career that offers, say 2 weeks in summer, 10 days at Christmas and 1 week at Easter and the rest of the year is spent working.

I didn't realize that a M.Ed was seen as better than a PGCE, but never really thought about it and one lulus something new everyday. Looks like getting QTS is the best thing to get, and worth the expense and effort if at the start of a 20-30 year career. Cheers.

Originally Posted by Edmond

Thank you for the very informative thread.

My kid will likely go down the route of international school teacher in Asia. She's very interested in it, I think it would be good for her due to her kind, caring personality, and I'm also very supportive of a career that offers 3 months or so of free time every year. I believe that most people should relax more than they generally do. I can't imagine having a career that offers, say 2 weeks in summer, 10 days at Christmas and 1 week at Easter and the rest of the year is spent working.

I didn't realize that a M.Ed was seen as better than a PGCE, but never really thought about it and one lulus something new everyday. Looks like getting QTS is the best thing to get, and worth the expense and effort if at the start of a 20-30 year career. Cheers.

Yeah get the QTS while she's young and full of life. Two years in the UK for the experience and she'll be way above the type of schools Willy runs.

A half of Remy a month to rent out your shed for 2 years, Chits.

Originally Posted by Edmond

a career that offers 3 months or so of free time every year.

Why not encourage her to be a marine geologist? Get on an offshore rotation and get 6 or 7 months off a year?

You don't have to go anywhere near bladdy kids either.