End Of Term Again, Good/bad? - And What Plans For Next Term?

[scooterboy]

Yep - end of term, yahooo! Nice to get a decent break, even though it came rather unexpectedly. My contract was scheduled to finish March 31st, but that didn't stop the director informing me that I'd only be working for half a month, this month - and would only be paid for half a month, too. Naturally, the info was only passed on around the 1st of the month....

Too, there's no new written contract, as yet - just a verbal message to say that I'd be working at the school next term - I wasn't even asked, which I found to be quite funny at the time. Nobody's told me exactly when the new term begins - and none of the more friendly teachers apparently know, yet, either. Very weird, perhaps, but it's quite "normal" in these parts. Have to "wait and see", which seems to be the norm.

The now finished term was generally quite pleasant - most of the kids were good, but there were naturally the usual few rebels and some totally uninterested kids. They're at every school, I think. The kids hopefully learned something - and I know I learned a whole lot of things. Sure, made a few mistakes along the way - but maybe I won't make the same mistakes next time.

My biggest mistake was not knowing that there are a few kids with problems of one sort or another. I was stopped in my (teaching) tracks by a boy who just got up while I was talking, wandered (completely oblivious to everything) around the classroom for a while - and then disappeared out the door. On the odd occasion a kid would fall asleep in class. It took a while and some questions to find out that these kids were mentally disturbed and/or on strong medicine. Could've saved some unnecessary shouting (from me) by telling me about these kids.

All in all a pretty good experience.

And you guys?

Happy to get away from your school at the end of term? Going back to the same school next term?

[aidenai]

So, what about your work permit and the extension of stay?

No holiday for me. I've to sign in every day. However, every day, I leave school at noon to teach private classes at home.

[wayned]

Signing in everyday is a pain but found out that it stops when the Thai teachers don't have to come to school. It's better than no pay, no contract, no WP and no visa!

[puchooay]

I've had a good year. Today is my last day, no need to sign in. Paid holiday. Term starts on 16th May. May have to come in a few days early.

I got a total of 13 months salary this term as the school paid out one extra month for a New Year bonus.

Happy.

[Rolo Tomazi]

My year went quite well, I taught 10h EP and 6h what they call "general" - up to 50 kids in a small room, open doors, open windows, fans on the ceiling, noise. And down here in Songkhla it can get hot!

I got along well with my EP kids, P1 and P2. Parents approached me to teach privately, I had a class of six in one of the rich parents' house.

Three other teachers left or got fired during the year, I am the only new hire who is staying on. I'm getting along fine with the other teachers,

At the end of the term our agent mentioned a raise in salary, we were getting 30,000 on a 11-month contract. When I signed I thought: 330K is not much, never worked fopr that little, but if I do a decent job I ask for more in the second year. So I was happy when I heard: "more $$$"!

But then for weeks there was no exact figure. We asked the agent who said the school has to approve of the raise first, bla bla bla. Believable, but when the agent asked who will stay on for next year we said: depends on the raise, how much will it be?

I got an email later, asking again about my plans for the future. I thought I'd take the initiative and write how much I want. So I wrote that years ago I was making 360K a year in the first year and life was cheaper then, so I would be happy with 360K in the second year. I didn't think I was asking for too much! I added that many schools pay that kind of money in the first year, and if 360K can not be matched I will be looking for a job in April.

Again some time later I met with he agent and asked what the deal is, and was told that the raise would be 500, maybe 1,000 baht a month. All teachers were diasappointed - so much talk and then a maximum raise of 11K/year!

Then new teachers applied, we heard of a Philippina being hired, and a new female British teacher with a degree in Education. The agent and the new Brit teacher were talking to the head of the English program in the classroom I was teaching at the time.

Yesterday I found out that this new teacher with no experience in Thailand has been given my job. She will take over for me. Surprise!

I called my agent and was told that since I was asking for too much money my demands couldn't be met and it was assumed that I would find a job elsewhere. That's it!

I talked it over with the other teachers and we came to the conclusion that the agent brought in the Brit because she's geting a higher salary, which means more money for the agent. I wasn't directly asked if I would stay on because it's a better deal for the agent to replace me.

So instead of a nice holiday I was looking forward to I can go job hunting!

[Rolo Tomazi]

I've had a good year. Today is my last day, no need to sign in. Paid holiday. Term starts on 16th May. May have to come in a few days early.

I got a total of 13 months salary this term as the school paid out one extra month for a New Year bonus.

Happy.

Hey puchooay, they aren't looking for new hires at your school by any chance...?

[scooterboy]

So, what about your work permit and the extension of stay?

No holiday for me. I've to sign in every day. However, every day, I leave school at noon to teach private classes at home.

Exactly! Hopefully, things will be in place before the end of this month.....but as I said, have to "wait and see".

Ouch! Signing in for nothing at all (or very little) is a pain, though I'm aware that a lot of teachers are required to do just that..

I'm off for a couple of days to relax and enjoy acting as a tourist, for a change! Looking forward to that!

[teacher17]

It seems a "verbal contract" is quite common in the beginning. My director said he'd write my contract before I go on holiday, but nothing yet...not really expecting him to get it done before I leave.

This year was okay. Could have been better. But I've learned A LOT. Looking forward to next year since my school will actually have books for the kids, and they are making an official English Program. However, me being the only foreign teacher, means more work for me. No higher pay of course *sigh* But if things don't go well...I may leave early...I shall see...keeping my options open for now. I'm just looking forward to a break!

[Slip]

Teacher17 and Scooterboy was this the first year for you both? It's getting tougher and tougher out there but I'm glad you both feel that you are still progressing in at least some areas. Your stories remind me of when I started:

After my first year, I suddenly became the computer teacher. I spent literally hours trying to keep these crappy old systems running, fixing mice, keyboards etc as I sat watching TV at night. Eventually I went to the boss and said "this ain't on- I want a pay rise, or else". After stalling me for a year (yes literally an entire year), he asked me to write a computer syllabus for the entire school and then I would get my rise. So I did. When I gave it in he stalled for another 6 months, then told me that what he actually needed was entire lessons (plans plus materials), and then I would get my raise. Luckily I did't kill him because he left at the end of the year, a new boss came in and I was promoted to coordinator, with a reduction in hours and a pay rise to boot!

Talking of year on year pay increments, my school was very cool, and used to give 10% increase every year, but I think it was pretty rare. The result of that though is they have several teachers who have been there for 7-11 years. They capped that 10% from now on- 2500/month is now the maximum increase from next year.

Meanwhile back on topic, I have definitely had a BAD year. 22 contact periods per week which is OK, but 8 grades (P5-M6), and 3 subjects (R&W, Phonetics and Computers), of the 22 periods I have 3 lessons that are repeated. I'm on holiday now- term bpitted 2 weeks ago. My holidays are paid, and we have to work summer school for 4 weeks once every 2 years, there is a bonus for that if you work it, but not too much 15-30k for the month maybe?

They've promised me next year will be better. I hope so- if I have to work 70 hours a week then I might as well get an international school salary, lol.

If anyone is in need of work come May PM me and I will happily make enquiries locally.

[teacher17]

Teacher17 and Scooterboy was this the first year for you both? It's getting tougher and tougher out there but I'm glad you both feel that you are still progressing in at least some areas. Your stories remind me of when I started:

After my first year, I suddenly became the computer teacher. I spent literally hours trying to keep these crappy old systems running, fixing mice, keyboards etc as I sat watching TV at night. Eventually I went to the boss and said "this ain't on- I want a pay rise, or else". After stalling me for a year (yes literally an entire year), he asked me to write a computer syllabus for the entire school and then I would get my rise. So I did. When I gave it in he stalled for another 6 months, then told me that what he actually needed was entire lessons (plans plus materials), and then I would get my raise. Luckily I did't kill him because he left at the end of the year, a new boss came in and I was promoted to coordinator, with a reduction in hours and a pay rise to boot!

Talking of year on year pay increments, my school was very cool, and used to give 10% increase every year, but I think it was pretty rare. The result of that though is they have several teachers who have been there for 7-11 years. They capped that 10% from now on- 2500/month is now the maximum increase from next year.

Meanwhile back on topic, I have definitely had a BAD year. 22 contact periods per week which is OK, but 8 grades (P5-M6), and 3 subjects (R&W, Phonetics and Computers), of the 22 periods I have 3 lessons that are repeated. I'm on holiday now- term bpitted 2 weeks ago. My holidays are paid, and we have to work summer school for 4 weeks once every 2 years, there is a bonus for that if you work it, but not too much 15-30k for the month maybe?

They've promised me next year will be better. I hope so- if I have to work 70 hours a week then I might as well get an international school salary, lol.

If anyone is in need of work come May PM me and I will happily make enquiries locally.

It's my 2nd year teaching here. I used to work for a high school, now it's primary student's for me. Wow...certainly had to go through lot's of loopholes to get your pay raise. Pretty ridiculous. I understand about teaching too many subjects/grade levels. Since I'm the only native English speaker at my school, they are making me teach all the grades and English subjects (i.e. speaking, reading, writing, etc). My school would not even consider a raise, let alone pay for my visa, WP, etc. Where do you work? Bangkok? I am considering moving there in a few months...don't really know bout the schools there at all, but hopefully I'll get some connections before I go!

[simon43]

Let me give you a comparison with Thailand by summarising my teaching year in Myanmar. Some of you know me on this board as a builder/owner of small hotels in Phuket, but I also teach!

I initially started working as a volunteer teacher in south Myanmar at the end of 2011, but quickly obtained a paid job in Yangon as a primary school teacher in an EP programme, with 24 hours per week contact hours.

My starting salary was 53,000 baht with no tax deductions ==>

Work permit? Culture course? Not required! You simply obtain a 70-day work visa for $50 and do visa runs to/from Bangkok.

Soon I was asked to teach additional classes for adults at the weekend and early evenings.

Then another school asked me to teach their vocational students as well.

I had more work offers than I could manage...

At the end of term, I was promoted to Vice-Principal of my school, with a 12,000 baht per month salary increase, plus my overtime hours as I wish.

I'm currently working in the Summer School, teaching primary children and some adult classes, and using my business skills to improve the school's administration system, and using my IT skills to create a better web-site for marketing of the classes on offer.

So I'm quite happy with my progress so far. Although I have an MSc in Science from the UK and a TEFL, I've also signed up for the PGCEi from Nottingham University, and I'll be commencing that later this year.

Life in Yangon is not for everyone though. Unless you're on an expat salary or are a visiting tourist, it can be hard, with shortages of common foods, daily power cuts and very basic sanitary conditions. (I've just returned from Bangkok Christian Hospital after catching pneumonia in Yangon).

But is teaching here better than in Thailand? In my own experience so far ==> YES!

Simon

Edited March 16, 2013 by simon43

[chonabot]

Sounds like a great gig there Simon

My only issue would be the 70 day visa - do you have to leave the country every time you need to renew?

Seems a bit more painful than the 90 day reporting malarkey in Los.

[simon43]

Hi Chonabot, yes leave the country every 70 days.

There is talk by the government about issuing PR long-stay visas to foreign teachers and investors, but to be honest, I welcome the visa-run to Bangkok.

Although Myanmar is 'opening up', things will probably get worse before they get better, (due to the demands on infrastructure by tourism and new business). So I welcome the chance to visit BKK for:

- Get some new shirts made

- Go to a bank and do some international banking needs

- Log into Paypal or Google Adwords without problem

- Have a genuine Thai massage, (and er ... maybe a happy one!)

- Eats some tasty Thai food, (Burmese food seems to consist only of the reproductive and waste disposal parts of animals)

- Go to Chula academic bookshop

- See my son

- Have a hot shower (you are very lucky if your rented apartment has hot water)

- Buy some decent western food, (the last time I saw a Danish blue cheese in my local Myanmar supermarket was at least 4 months ago...)

I'm working in Myanmar for the moment to add to my work experience and finish some academic studies, but as another post I'll make in a moment shows, my longer-term interest is to return to live in Thailand

etc etc etc

Simon

[sirchai]

So, what about your work permit and the extension of stay?

No holiday for me. I've to sign in every day. However, every day, I leave school at noon to teach private classes at home.

Poor guy! We'll have a seminar for Thai English teachers at the end of this month. Then free until middle of May, but paid. Greetings from lower NE.--