So, since my previous post I have been researching my options and have decided to return to the UK to carry out a PGCE in teaching Science with the aim of gaining 2/3 years experience in the UK before returning to Thailand (or elsewhere in Asia) to teach Science/Chemistry.

Before I take the plunge I would like to get opinions from people in the know about the following quandaries:

1. How much salary should I expect given the above? benefits? etc

2. Are there many jobs available that would be suitable? is there fierce competition for Chemistry/Science teaching positions in Thai International Schools?

I look forward to hearing your answers.

There is certainly a demand for Science/Chemistry teachers, especially qualified ones.

I don't know the salary you might expect, but you will not have a problem in finding work.

Expanding your geographical area to include all of Asia is a smart decision.

I am in the same boat, though I am a US certified Biology teacher. I opted to get a job now in Thailand and spend the year looking for international schools, so I am taking a massive pay cut, but I don't mind. I know in Chiang Mai it would be 50-70k Baht and I just missed the deadline for some science openings there, but opted to stay in CM for lesser pay. In Bangkok you see some nicer packages including end of contact bonuses and flights home. I have seen 60-120k for those jobs. However as Scott said, keep looking around. In Brunei you could make $77,000 USD tax free, I am interested in that, but they only seem to want PGCE certified teachers, lucky you.

Expand your horizons, especially if you don't have a connection to Thailand. I have so much waiting for me in Chiang Mai that I am taking 50% pay cut to what I could get in Bangkok...

Benefits will vary from school to school, and will depend on the type of school. The term "international school" is so overused these days and is no longer descriptive enough. I don't know what you would get at a Thai "international school" that has all Thai kids and a handful of foreign teachers. But at the top paying 6-10 international schools in Bangkok, you will most likely get free housing (or a housing stipend), flights to/from Bangkok at the beginning and end of your contract, annual trips home in the summer (or every 2 years at some schools), insurance, professional development money, signing/re-signing/completion bonuses, relocation allowances, & shipping allowances (sometimes). Salary at these types of schools may range from 70k to over 120k/month for a teacher with only 2-3 years of experience. (Keep in mind that at many schools, teachers pay taxes that can be up to 20% or more depending on your income.)

I agree that unless you have a specific reason to be in Thailand, it's wise to be open to other countries/regions. Putting all your eggs in one basket often doesn't work out in the international teaching field. Also note that a lot of schools in BKK don't hire locally. They recruit from other countries, and if you're already living/working in Thailand, they either won't hire you, or they'll give you a "local hire" contract which means you'll get paid less and earn less benefits. So moving to Thailand to get your foot in the door won't necessarily pay off more than recruiting hard from your home country.

There IS fierce competition for good international school jobs, but as someone already mentioned, science teachers are always in demand, so that helps. Your marketability may also depend on your family situation. Schools seem to prefer married teaching couples or single teachers. If you have a "non-teaching spouse" and/or dependent children, you may not be as desirable to schools because hiring you costs them a lot more money.

Good luck!