The lowest paid job was my happiest
Teaching English in Thailand: A Journey I Never Expected
Introduction to a New Path
I never anticipated that I would find myself teaching English in Thailand. My journey began unexpectedly when the unit I was attached to at Bluescope Steel was suddenly made redundant. This abrupt change left me feeling uncertain about my future career path.
Navigating Uncertainty
In the wake of my redundancy, I attended several sessions with job providers and Centrelink, but I found myself at a loss regarding what direction to take next. The uncertainty was daunting, and it prompted me to explore various options for my future.
Discovering TESOL
While browsing course brochures at home, I stumbled upon one for TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). The idea of teaching English as a second language resonated with me, especially given my passion for travel and my proficiency in English. It seemed like an opportunity that could align well with my interests.
Funding Opportunity
Fortunately, due to the notice of redundancy I received, we were offered funding for courses. Seizing this chance, I enrolled in the TESOL course, eager to embark on this new educational journey.
Immersive Learning Experience
To kick off my training, I took a week off work and traveled to Melbourne for a four-day introductory course. This intensive program was designed to help participants grasp the fundamentals of teaching English to students who had little or no knowledge of the language.
Practical Application
During the course, we were tasked with creating lesson plans for short lessons conducted in a foreign language. To challenge our skills further, each participant was assigned a different language; I was given Hindi. This exercise not only tested our creativity but also provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by non-English speakers learning the language.
Continued Commitment
Motivated by this experience, I continued to dedicate my free time to developing my skills and understanding of teaching methodologies.
This commitment laid the groundwork for what would become an exciting chapter in my life as an educator abroad.
A few weeks later, I received my first assignment, prompting me to dive back into my studies with renewed focus. During this time, I was informed by Bluescope that I would not be facing redundancy as previously anticipated.
I communicated this development to Centrelink and the job center, as they had funded my course. When I confirmed that I had already started the program, they responded positively, suggesting that I continue with my studies if I wished.
Consequently, I persisted in my coursework during my free time, balancing both my educational pursuits and personal circumstances.
Online training began
Well i finally finished my course. During this time, I even managed to work on my final assignment while employed in India with Bluescope. The moment I received all my certificates was incredibly rewarding, as it represented a significant achievement in my educational journey.
Shortly after this accomplishment, Bluescope announced another round of redundancies.
Once again, I found myself on the list of those affected; however, this time I felt prepared for a change in my professional life.
In an unexpected turn of events, I was able to negotiate a swap with a colleague who was also facing redundancy but was reluctant to leave the company.
After some discussion, my manager reluctantly agreed to let me take the redundancy instead.
My Journey to Teaching in Thailand
In 2013, I embarked on a journey to Thailand with the intention of spending at least three months unwinding and enjoying the vibrant culture. However, my plans took an unexpected turn.
While enjoying a drink in a bar in Bangkok, I struck up a conversation with another foreigner about my aspirations during my stay. This encounter proved to be pivotal; he shared with me the contact information for an agency that was actively seeking teachers.
A few days later, after attending a meeting at the agency, I found myself hired and ready to start teaching the following Monday. This opportunity led me to Ratchawinit School in Bangkok, where I began my teaching career.
Ratchawinit is located in the government area of Bangkok, and the students were already good at english.
Their parents were police,army and government officials. So their children were given the best education early on.
The 2 classes I taught were the best.
At Ratchawinit School, I taught two classes, each comprising approximately 40 students.
My subjects included:
- English for Mathematics
- English for Science
- English for Grammar
- English for Thai Studies
This experience not only allowed me to immerse myself in Thai culture but also provided me with invaluable teaching experience that shaped my professional journey.
I did have a Thai assistant during the classes. She turned out to be an absolute bitch.
She was a trainee teacher on a power trip.
On several occasions she set out to sabotage my lesson plans and basically made my life difficult.
One day she interupted my lesson to tell me that the word i was teaching was not even a word.
The word was Riding. She felt quite good telling me and the class that RID-ING wasnt a real word.
After this we had words alone, and we never got on after that.
Teaching the kids was great, they really enjoyed my lessons.
I had a few issues with the school management and I only ended up teaching here for 1 term.
I only found out they didnt want me back when i saw an agency email saying everyone should have there schedules for next term.
When i contacted them they just said the school didnt want me back.
I was living at ON-Nut at the time and the commute was a slog.
I would have to be at the BTS skytrain early each day and then wait for a bus, followed by a long walk.
Getting home sometimes took ages due to the traffic congestion.
Anyway i had moved on and got offered a job at a local High school.
This was to be a job that lasted 7 years and I absolutely loved it.
More to come soon
Rattanaburi High school was a fantastic place to teach.
I had about 1000 students each week. Every year you teach 2 different grades.
i would normally teach grade 1 and maybe grade 4.
This was determined by the school.
I taught them how to communicate with me and their classmates in english.
There was no point using those oxford english workbooks on students that needed to be able to say basic things like Hello, how are you.
