Age and teaching

[tideout]

In an older post of mine I received some nice responses related to teaching. I don't think I've asked before (or the regulations may have changed) but is there an upper age limit for teaching in Thai government schools? I'm fully qualified and have 11 or so years teaching, legit paperwork etc....

Any thoughts on it are welcome but I've already seen a fair amount of posts suggesting that the further away from BKK or Chang Mai you get the easier it gets - just curious about any specific age rules.

On a related question, I'm curious if with the recent expulsion of foreigners there aren't quite a few more openings?

Cheers.

[otherstuff1957]

Thai teachers have to retire when they are 60 - though there have been rumors that that age will be raised soon because of the shortage of qualified teachers - and they can be immediately rehired as 'part-time teachers' if the school still needs them.

 

As a foreigner, you are not a government employee and are not bound by that rule.  Each school sets their own rules regarding retirement age for foreign teachers (or sometimes they just make them up on the spot!).  Some schools will not hire anyone over 40, others will make their foreign teachers retire at 60, others will chose some random age and yet others won't pay any attention to age.

[tideout]

Just now, otherstuff1957 said:

Thai teachers have to retire when they are 60 - though there have been rumors that that age will be raised soon because of the shortage of qualified teachers - and they can be immediately rehired as 'part-time teachers' if the school still needs them.

 

As a foreigner, you are not a government employee and are not bound by that rule.  Each school sets their own rules regarding retirement age for foreign teachers (or sometimes they just make them up on the spot!).  Some schools will not hire anyone over 40, others will make their foreign teachers retire at 60, others will chose some random age and yet others won't pay any attention to age.

Thanks otherstuff. Similar process may be underway in Vietnam with the general public. Nothing here is clear though on it or whether they'd even care with foreigners.

[Boomhauer]

I think it shouldn't really matter about your age as long as you keep yourself well groomed and know your stuff! I have met people in the past who got their first teaching gigs in Thailand when they were in their late 50's.

 

Good luck!

[tideout]

Thanks Boomhauer - much appreciated!

[sensei]

I have a co-teacher who was hired through an agency who is already 59.

 

It really depends on the needs of the school and their preference.

[tideout]

8 hours ago, sensei said:

I have a co-teacher who was hired through an agency who is already 59.

 

It really depends on the needs of the school and their preference.

Good to hear. Often times I work as much or even more than a few of the younger teachers in terms of hours. Thanks for your response.

[Preacher]

The age for retirement for government teachers is 60, which is mandatory. After that some stay at the same or another school as contract teachers rather then civil servants and continue (part-time) teaching.

 

There really is no age restriction other than set by the employer. 

[tideout]

Just now, Preacher said:

The age for retirement for government teachers is 60, which is mandatory. After that some stay at the same or another school as contract teachers rather then civil servants and continue (part-time) teaching.

 

There really is no age restriction other than set by the employer. 

Maybe  I could have been more specific in the original post. It sounds like you're referring to Thai citizens who're working in government jobs (including schools) who must retire at 60. As mentioned here and a time or two while in Thailand, it's often handled a bit more informally or possibly "forgotten" about in some schools. FWIW, I haven't got an opinion on it other than I'd hope for a "relaxed" approach that's still legal!

[Preacher]

What I say is that there is no law requiring people to stop working at age 60. Civil servants are retired at age 60, but can still continue work as a normal citizen. The law is not different for Thais and non-Thais. So it really is up to your employer if they want to (continue) to employ you or not at whatever age.

 

Some schools have advertised with not being over 45. I live up-country and my school knows that older people are more likely to stay for a longer time. Young people tend to like the big cities more than up-country and don't stay for very long. In short not enough disco's and bars with other foreigners.

[Rhys]

For some schools/ universities.... the upper limit is 65.   Now.. the way around this is going to the NAME only of Adjunct Prof... keeping you about as a specialist in whatever... Also if you are XXX enough to be considered administration bait, they find a way to keep the westerner....

[tideout]

Thanks Preacher & Rhys. Helpful additions.

[Hanuman2547]

Yes, Thai citizens working as a government official must retire at age 60.  Being hired as a private citizen is up to the school but they do not receive government official benefits for their work after 60.  

 

As for farang, it is up to each school to determine what their hiring policies are.  I have known a couple of Farang Ajarns that taught at some prestigious Thai universities that were 67 & 68 and had been employed by their university for roughly 30 years.  

[tideout]

Thanks Hanuman, interesting addition to the thread.

Cheers.

[Pilotman]

On 3/6/2019 at 9:34 PM, Boomhauer said:

I think it shouldn't really matter about your age as long as you keep yourself well groomed and know your stuff! I have met people in the past who got their first teaching gigs in Thailand when they were in their late 50's.

 

Good luck!

It shouldn't and doesn't in the West,  but in this backward, ageist, sexist, society it does. The Thais only hurt themselves by alienating a set of former farang teachers who are a million times more experienced and capable than their own sorry bunch.  No, I'm not a teacher, nor an ex teacher, I just hate to see talent wasted. 

[tideout]

1 hour ago, Pilotman said:

It shouldn't and doesn't in the West,  but in this backward, ageist, sexist, society it does. The Thais only hurt themselves by alienating a set of former farang teachers who are a million times more experienced and capable than their own sorry bunch.  No, I'm not a teacher, nor an ex teacher, I just hate to see talent wasted. 

I've been in ESL for over a decade now. Unfortunately what you're saying is true and I've seen in first hand in South Korea and Japan. I believe it's contradictory to the west's thinking on Asian education (high test scores etc..) but there is definitely a very superficial side to it. 

[smotherb]

On 3/7/2019 at 11:04 PM, tideout said:

Good to hear. Often times I work as much or even more than a few of the younger teachers in terms of hours. Thanks for your response.

I know several NES teachers who are in their 60s; and at least one well into his 70's; however, they are qualified and have taught here for years.

[nausea]

It depends how well you relate to the children, and what age group you are teaching. I would imagine an older guy into their interests might pull them onside. Personally, I found a sort of passing interest in cos play and Dr. Who gave me a connection. My colleague though, who was into music, blew me away. The kids loved him.

[tideout]

nausea, 

Thanks for your post and thoughts.

Cheers.

[moontang]

I was told by a few that at CMU, the foreign teachers were put to the curb at 70...and reason given was cant get issued a WP.  Maybe someone can clarify the max age the Labour Dept. will issue a WP, and that might give us a better idea of max age for teachers.  What is theory and what is practice?  Of course, if they have no intention of ever getting you a WP, it is a moot point.

 

Edit:  I searched a bit, and a few state that there is no age limit on WP...still would like more verification, and it is possible that the individual offices "modify" the rules, especially in CM.

Edited March 18, 2019 by moontang

[ozmeldo]

I'm nearly 60 and making bank. I feel I'm on top of my game and age is seemingly no obstacle. Send the resume out and reel the interview in.

A great resume is important. I don't even bother with jobs that would pay less than 55k.

 

Looking healthy, being healthy not down at the pub I'd think critical to my success. I don't own a gym membership.

 

It just depends who you are and what you are offering to the students and the school.

 

I'd say four issues that have arisen. At the end of a day, I'm absolutely shot although in addition to standing 4-5 hours I have also walked nearly 6km. Second, my creativity isn't what it used to be. I'm not as sharp as I was thirty years ago. Finally, putting in those extra hours during grading periods and for extracurriculars, it's wearing. Finally, it'ss difficult for me to use office hours as planning time. Especially if it's just an hour here or there and I've just finished a double or even triple.

 

I know a few teachers mid fifties that are doing just fine.

 

I was told 63 was cut off due to insurance at govt schools. Another school I'd worked at they let two sorta key guys go who must have been right about that age. No limit for private schools.

 

No ideas about universities. Especially CMU. I've heard it's difficult to get a wp out of them at any age.

 

60 is for Thais. Honestly, I don't know if I can put in what I see as proper effort in five years. It's an exhausting occupation.

 

Edited March 21, 2019 by ozmeldo

[ozmeldo]

On 3/17/2019 at 10:25 PM, nausea said:

It depends how well you relate to the children, and what age group you are teaching. I would imagine an older guy into their interests might pull them onside. Personally, I found a sort of passing interest in cos play and Dr. Who gave me a connection. My colleague though, who was into music, blew me away. The kids loved him.

Being able to relate to the students is meaningful ways is everything in the classroom, especially in Thailand. If you love and care for your students and about them, they return it. It changes the classroom dynamic entirely.

 

Try liking your job and loving your students. Help them, offer your time, encourage them and laugh with them. If it's not working, try harder. If it's still not working find another occupation

 

[ozmeldo]

Finally, to the post Tideout a follow-up of Pilot man. As someone approaching 60 I definitely see why Thailand wants to put the olds to pasture. Thai teachers are done before 50. Maybe you'd be too teaching in hot sticky Thailand, 45 to a classroom in non AC 90% of your career. No computers, the paperwork. Not to mention all the other nonsense.

 

But to foreigners, I believe I'm an exception and I've known a few others but I would very much double scrutinize hiring anyone older than 55. Primarily for health and energy, but also creativity. If you just need a monkey for 32k ok, hire away I guess.

 

As the kids say...I'm giving you fighting for the students teacher! Meaning, the student is extending positive vibes and strength to you for you to continue to do the great job you're doing for the students.

 

Fighting!

 

Edited March 21, 2019 by ozmeldo

[tideout]

Thanks again Oz for your thoughtful posts!