Job Offer - Can I Do It?

[chonabot]

I've been offered a position in a nearby highschool - money not great but includes use of a car ( newish Honda City )

The headmaster offered me the job pretty quickly - but it seems he wants me to be more of a teaching advisor than just a teacher.

This involves teaching English to the current teachers, designing lessons and generally being on hand to assist with all things English.

He explained that next year is 'Speak Engish year' and that having a native speaker would bring more students to the school.

I have no issues being this great saviour of Thailand's unoffical 2nd language - but I feel my own experience may limit my success.

I have a BA, plus a Diploma in English Language stufdies, a TEFL and have worked as a Language trainer recently for Pepsico in India.

He also intimated that I could boost my earnings by teaching staff after school/on weekends - mentioned 350 baht per hour as a guideline ( this is Isaan )

They had a German TEFL instructor for several years and seem to understand the visa/work permit regulations.

I am doing a TEFL course in Bangkok in January - very little classroom experience - and hope I can pick the Instructors brains.

He is happy to wait until February but would like an answer next week.

Is this a normal request for a teaching position - or will I be out of my inconsiderable depths?

Edited December 23, 2011 by chonabot

[Scott]

Probably everyone who ends up here in Thailand is out of their depth!

It sounds like a reasonable offer. You sound pretty well qualified already to step into the work.

Barring running into any sharks in the water, you should be ok.

Best of luck. Keep us updated.

[beano2274]

I came here in 2004, no teaching experience just an instructor in the Army, and an Instructor on Marconi equipment at a well know communications company in Europe. First school was kindergarten, it was hell at first but it started getting easier. I am glad I took that job and glad I had the opportunity to teach.

If I was you, I would say yes and just go for it, if you don't get to grips with it, at least you can say you tried.

Edited December 23, 2011 by beano2274

[chonabot]

Thanks guys - it seems my wife has already accepted on my behalf...

ps she negotiated an extra 5k per month so I forgive her

[aitch52]

Judging from your experience I am sure that

you will settle into this position and take it

in your stride. Don't worry too much about the

lack of coalface time, you must have had plenty

of experience teaching small groups.

In the classroom humour and patience are

My survival tools. The Thais love a laugh and a smile.

Prep, prep and a bit more prep always helps.

Always have some extra material to hand in case they gallop

through what youvhave prepared. They love wordsearches

and word games. Go get em killer.

Chris

[chonabot]

Judging from your experience I am sure that

you will settle into this position and take it

in your stride. Don't worry too much about the

lack of coalface time, you must have had plenty

of experience teaching small groups.

In the classroom humour and patience are

My survival tools. The Thais love a laugh and a smile.

Prep, prep and a bit more prep always helps.

Always have some extra material to hand in case they gallop

through what youvhave prepared. They love wordsearches

and word games. Go get em killer.

Chris

Cheers Chris - I will do my best

[Hooters]

I have been out of depth in nearly every Job offer but you fake it till you make it!