Teaching in Thailand

Jan 4th, 2016
I set out on this crazy journey a little over a month and a half ago, and I'm now finally doing what I set out to do: teach. I've accepted a position at the Australian International School of Bangkok at the soi 20 campus. I teach the K2 Wallabies, which are 4 and 5 years old. I have a TA, Dolly, and a nanny, P. Nun, and 16 students. My classroom demographic includes thai, korean, danish, American, australian, Indian and Turkish students. I work in a syndicate (grade level team) with 3 other teachers and they couldn't be nicer. In many ways it's similar to American schools, but in a lot of ways it's really different. I won't bore you with the pedagogical similarities and differences, just the fun ones. In Thailand you must take your shoes off before entering a room. Try doing that with 4 and 5 year olds ten times a day (I have a whole new appreciation for crocs!) Teachers are fed lunch. Everyday. And a morning snack. And ice cream on Fridays. For free. Students have swimming class in the school swimming pool once per week. This means, change 16 kids into suits, get them in the pool, get them out of the pool, get them dry (sometimes requiring the use of a blowdryer), change 16 kids out of suits into dry clothes, bag up 16 suits all in one hour. Try not to lose your mind. Repeat. Again. Next Monday. Practice safe sun practices at all times by wearing a hat outside. Don't worry dad,I won't be picking up any thai boys with this sweet UV blocker.