TEFL-certificate/ teaching qualification

[peterkeip]

Concerning my TEFL-certificate there seem to be different opinions...

I would like to know for sure, whether such a TEFL-certificate (which means: 3-months-teacher-training at a private language school)

will be accepted for a teaching job (government schools, colleges etc. ) in Isaan (Sisaket area) or not.

Besides I have 4 years of teaching experience at language schools (in Phuket).

Unfortunately I am not holding Bachelor/Master/TOEIC etc. ...

Thank you for your reply in advance ...

[TerryLH]

"I would like to know for sure..."

I'd suggest going to some schools in the area you want to work in and ask them

1. if they have any openings, and 2. if they hire teachers with your qualifications.

Have resumes with you to hand out.

[stevo2]

You cannot work in a school with only a TEFL. In fact there is now law in Thailand to say that your need a TEFL.

You now need a university degree. That is the law from the Teachers Council of Thailand.

It governs all schools under OBEC, most schools in Thailand both government and private. It excludes language centres and universities.

[brewsterbudgen]

If you have a recognised TEFL qualification (e.g. a CELTA or Trinity TESOL) you should be able to find work at a language school or corporate work even though you don't have a degree. Teaching without a degree is not illegal, although doing so wwithout a work permit is.

[willyumiii]

You cannot work in a school with only a TEFL. In fact there is now law in Thailand to say that your need a TEFL.

You now need a university degree. That is the law from the Teachers Council of Thailand.

It governs all schools under OBEC, most schools in Thailand both government and private. It excludes language centres and universities.

" That is the law"

But this is Thailand where laws are very selectively enforced...or not.

I personally know of more than a few " Native English Speakers" working full time without TEFL or a university degree.

If the school and it's Director want you, they will hire you.

Get out to the schools, meet the English teachers and the Directors and show them what you know and what you can do.

If possible, volunteer to sit in on a couple of classes and " show your stuff".

Remember, many ( most?)" Native English Speakers" speak much better English than most Thai English teachers with a university degree.

Most good school Directors are aware of this.

ASEAN starts next year and Thailand rates the lowest among ASEAN countries on the ability to speak and understand English.

If you are good, they need you.

Good Luck!

[stevo2]

You cannot work in a school with only a TEFL. In fact there is now law in Thailand to say that your need a TEFL.

You now need a university degree. That is the law from the Teachers Council of Thailand.

It governs all schools under OBEC, most schools in Thailand both government and private. It excludes language centres and universities.

" That is the law"

But this is Thailand where laws are very selectively enforced...or not.

I personally know of more than a few " Native English Speakers" working full time without TEFL or a university degree.

If the school and it's Director want you, they will hire you.

Get out to the schools, meet the English teachers and the Directors and show them what you know and what you can do.

If possible, volunteer to sit in on a couple of classes and " show your stuff".

Remember, many ( most?)" Native English Speakers" speak much better English than most Thai English teachers with a university degree.

Most good school Directors are aware of this.

ASEAN starts next year and Thailand rates the lowest among ASEAN countries on the ability to speak and understand English.

If you are good, they need you.

Good Luck!

The penalties for working illegally are high and there have been reports of punishments being handed out.

Without the letter from the teachers council you will not get a work permit or an extension of stay.

I agree with your thinking with regards to ASEAN. Unfortunately the Thai government do not.

Things have changed a lot with regards to teaching. The days of "If the school and it's Director want you, they will hire you." are gone. The directors also know the penalties.

It's a shame but it is reality. There are supposed to be some amended rules being announced at the TCT at the end of this month. Let's see what happens.

[roodujardin]

As I live in Isaan I am constantly offered work from the locals, the private sector, primary & secondary schools and universities.

I have NEVER been asked for qualifications. Having said that I tested the local secondary school when they approached me. I do have all the qualifications required to teach here, so I took copies to the principle. It was obvious he did not have the ability to read the documents, but also did not have knowledge of requirements for a foreign teacher. I had to advise him on his responsibilities and what was required. He didn't have the capability and/or desire to follow through.

So work here is easy to find without qualifications for native speakers. The rural areas are desperate.

What the ramifications will be for accepting work under these conditions though, is unpredictable and potentially risky.

[DILLIGAD]

I agree with your last paragraph. It is really for US to understand and then obtain the correct type of Visa and work permit rather than rely on others. If you do, your likely to get nothing

[lostinisaan]

As I live in Isaan I am constantly offered work from the locals, the private sector, primary & secondary schools and universities.

I have NEVER been asked for qualifications. Having said that I tested the local secondary school when they approached me. I do have all the qualifications required to teach here, so I took copies to the principle. It was obvious he did not have the ability to read the documents, but also did not have knowledge of requirements for a foreign teacher. I had to advise him on his responsibilities and what was required. He didn't have the capability and/or desire to follow through.

So work here is easy to find without qualifications for native speakers. The rural areas are desperate.

What the ramifications will be for accepting work under these conditions though, is unpredictable and potentially risky.

<deleted>

Edited October 9, 2014 by lostinisaan

[manxninja]

Plenty of work in Buriram and surrounding areas for well presented English teachers. No qualifications but a TEFL will probably help. Most of the "qualified teachers in los wouldn't get in the door of any school in the UK, but think of themselves as the best teachers...... go figure.

If you are looking for a job just call in to the schools well presented and have a chat you will be surprised at the outcome.

As for the illegal side its not even worth considering the school principle would not lose face by employing you if they thought they could be in trouble. Just do it.

[FACTOR]

peterkeip wrote: "Unfortunately I am not holding Bachelor/Master/TOEIC etc. ..."

Not sure exactly what advice to give you, but for starters you might try using proper grammar --- "... I am not holding..." ??

Are you Indian?

[Dakling]

I get asked to teach every time I go into my little guys school. Many schools won't care if you have the qualifications or not. It is true you can get in crap if you are caught out with no work permit but this seems to be a very rare occurrence. Oddly enough I don't think this law applies for Universities though so you might be able to get on at a Rajabaht without the degree. Be sure to go in well dressed and presentable when you go to inquire. Being ready on the spot to show qualifications and perhaps do a short demonstration is also a good idea.

Any of the 120hr Tefl programs are good to take provided they have critiqued classroom lesson practice with real students. I noticed in the OP you seem to be focused on Sisaket. Most of the jobs in Sisaket seem to be concentrated in The city of Sisaket or the smaller center of Kanthalalak though I have heard of people teaching in Khu Khan and Sri Rattana. Once you get into the area do the rounds at the local pubs and you will eventually run into some teachers who can help you out with more specific info.