Can I Teach Engish Legally With No Qualifications, Married To Thai 7 Yrs With Two Children

[tuitui]

Hi everyone, I apologise for being lazy and not searching thu 300 millions posts to find the answers.

Can anyone give me a quick answer to if it's possible to teach English here legally if I don't have any qualifications (no degree, no teaching certificates)?

I'm married to a Thai (7 years), our two children have dual citizenship.

We may want to live in Thailand for the rest our lives, so I wouldn't like to teach illegally if there is possibility of deportation.

Thank you very much (honestly)!

Tuitui

[jamesjdaly]

Sorry, but in a word....NO.

[thaicbr]

Tuitui. Yes you can but only at a government school that can prove that they can not afford a degreed teacher...eg you will be working for peanuts, maximum 20,000baht but more likely under 15,000baht.

BUT If you can Impress a school director with your English and grammar prowess then you can get more money, its down to who you know and where you intend living.

So more details please, where you are going to live. Are any members of the wife's family teachers, do they know the local school director..........I hope you get the picture.

Allan

[zaphodbeeblebrox]

You would need to find a school that will jump through a lot of hoops to get you legally hired. Basically, the school has to get the provincial MOE to waive the degree requirement, in order for you to get a WP for teaching. They have to demonstrate to the MOE that they can't get a qualified teacher. The answers above aren't a bad summary of the likelihood of finding a school that would do it for you. It's very likely you would be working for substandard pay.

Edited April 16, 2009 by zaphodbeeblebrox

[AjarnChan]

Realistically you could teach for a while through an Agency, especially in a place like Phuket. If you teach in a Private School then it is up to them to decide if you need a degree. It is not an absolute requirement to Teach. But you do need to get a TEFL {Teacher of English as a Foreign Language] Certificate.

Where are you in Thailand ? Your prospects vary a lot depending on the area. What sort of Visa do you hold ? Also you should have a Work Permit to be fully legal. It is when you seek that you may well fall over the Degree hurdle, it all depends on the 'degree of inside help' you get.

Sadly long term it looks like you will NOT be able to rely on Teaching. The rules are complex and always changing. Overall policy seems to be aimed at replacing all Foreign Teachers not only with Graduates, but Graduates in Education. Yeah right, they are all giving up relatively well paid jobs in the west and flocking here in droves ;}

Good Luck

[G54]

That topic and its replies says a lot to me. Especially as I was of the belief you have to have a degree or similar.

[thaicbr]

Na G54. This is Thailand so there are always exemptions and grey areas. it's just how they like to write the rules. Don't forget these are just rules NOT laws. And the overriding rule here in Thailand is if someone is a higher pay grade then they make the rules or at least there is someone else to blame if the shit hits the fan. That's why the director of an upcountry Government school can get things done.

Allan

[Phatcharanan]

Realistically you could teach for a while through an Agency, especially in a place like Phuket. If you teach in a Private School then it is up to them to decide if you need a degree. It is not an absolute requirement to Teach. But you do need to get a TEFL {Teacher of English as a Foreign Language] Certificate.

Why must he?? It has never been a requirement in order to obtain a TL OR a WP.

[Loaded]

Sorry, but in a word....NO.

But in another word YES

More difficult but plenty of teachers have obtained a work permit without a degree. Many have written about their experiences on this board as well.

[geriatrickid]

Some of the answers have got me pondering a question one of my friends asked me awhile back: He asked me why I don't teach english as used in science and business. I have a few diplomas from reputable known universities. Would I still need a TEFL?

Edited April 17, 2009 by geriatrickid

[tuitui]

Hey, I really appreciate you guys helping with advice. You're very kind.

We're not currently in Thailand so I would have to find out about which long term visa to get, and how, as well! It seems to have changed so much over the last few years, and seems so confusing.

We would prefer northern Thailand, Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai.

No, my wife doesn't know any school Presidents or Government lackeys unfortunately.

I've found a few cites which provide TEFL and such certificates (study by internet). So that might help a little.

Otherwise the goal is to get a real degree asap (over the next few years).

Again, I can't afford to be deported or have any problems and end up not being able to live with my wife and children there.

Once again, thank you so much for your advice.

Tuitui

[CosmicSurfer]

Hey, I really appreciate you guys helping with advice. You're very kind.

We're not currently in Thailand so I would have to find out about which long term visa to get, and how, as well! It seems to have changed so much over the last few years, and seems so confusing.

Tuitui

Sorry to Burst your Bubble.. but in the original post you mentioned for the "Rest of your Life"....

Well, the longest term Visa or extension you can get period is .. "ONE Year".

You must reapply every year.

2nd.. If you don't have a tax paid Thai income or Foreign income of minimum 40,000 Baht per month, you won't qualify for a "O" Married Visa and 1-year extension, and without a Work Permit you can't get a "B" visa extension either... having kids won't mean Diddly squat, unless they are old enough and make enough to support you. Your wife's income doesn't count for anything anymore.

Sure you want to come here and be a teacher??? Live here until you die???

Maybe you should re-think your long term plans.

Take it from one who is There and is living That.

CS

[Ijustwannateach]

^Let's stay on teaching here- he can discuss his other life plans in other forums if he wishes.

The overall pictures other posters have presented here are correct- it will be difficult, and the rules are always changing, and it all depends on who you are, who they are, and where you all are, but it is not impossible- though it is likely you will not be earning top dollar (but if you stay in the countryside, where you probably *should* stay if you want to best job 'security,' you won't really need top dollar- if you already have money of your own for the visa requirements, etc.).

And it *would* help you both as an inexperienced and underqualified teacher and for the purposes of employment and visas to have a TEFL.

[Mali1964]

My local high school which my 16 year old stepson attends did ask if i had taught before (i have not) & if i was interested, i showed an interest but they had more concern with me not having lived in Thailand for more than a year at the time so i may re approach that myself now after reading this thread as since then i've learnt that my city & guilds in Mechanical Engineering level 3 is equivalent to at least 1 some say 2 A levels.

As i've never been big on my own qualifications & been more a hands on person in life its nice to now see i do have some academic qualifications to my name.

My Question is do you think A levels are handy here as a qualification i know there no Degree but for you Degree guys out there how do you think my City & Guilds will be looked upon here as i never told the school i had any qualifications but now i see i do.

[Ijustwannateach]

As the degree-no degree discussion is restricted on this subforum (see subforum posting guidelines) I am closing this thread before formal warnings become necessary.