Happy Birthday, Teacher's Forum

[Ijustwannateach]

It went relatively unobserved, but according to the opening announcement post, the official birthday of the subforum is August 17, 2004. That makes this subforum 2 years old as of 5 days ago.

When I started posting here, things were quite uncertain. Ajarn.com had just had a major meltdown both socially and technically, and the established posters (including some of the mods!) were not exactly sure if they welcomed the idea of a teacher's forum. I started posting then, and it strikes me from the attitude of certain posts made around that time that teachers had been frequently considered convenient targets on Thaivisa before that point.

How things have changed! Today we have what I consider to be one of the most functional and harmonious subgroups on Thaivisa (aside from the occasional isolated incident), requiring very little overt moderation. Most posters here seem to see eye-to-eye on the goal (proper, complete, and safe education of kids in Thailand by foreign teachers who are qualified enough, managed by competent, clean administrations). Members have been quite generous with their time and information, and have been happy both to give help and receive it publicly and by PM.

Most topics and members seem to stay focussed on relevant discussion, without the immature flaming and baiting seen on a number of Thai teaching forums. Except of course when Boon Mee steps in half-heartedly to keep us in our place...

Congrats, Teaching Forum! I'm proud of you. Keep it up, and here's to the next few years!

"Steven"

[kayo]

well done teachers!

[Loaded]

I notice that often there are maybe 1 or two members viewing but often 10 to 15 guests. Many of these 'guests' are probably new teachers, teachers thinking of moving to Thailand, students or parents. Maybe this forum will develop a reputation where new teachers can ask all the 'naive' questions that old soldiers often flame on other boards, and the old soldiers pass on their experience and knowledge about teaching in Thailand without sarcasm or vitriol - a safe haven for everyone.

There's great potential here.

[kenkannif]

Yes Happy B Day and all that!