[quote="PsyGuy"]Yeah I took the same classes in child psych and development, and independently primary is important, and within primary even PYP1 is important, but as soon as I start comparing primary to secondary (especially when getting to upper secondary, like A levels, Gymnasium, and Diploma) they just dont compare to primary grades especially early childhood grades when it comes to the significance of student outcomes.
The same arguments can be applied to Special Ed, or any other special student population. Adolescent minds are just as difficult in the early teens when being saturated with hormones. Again, every teacher thinks their grade, and age group is special and difficult to teach. The only people that dont snicker at the "importance" of primary education, are primary teachers, and primary students parents.[/quote]

You definitely took the same classes I took. I assume you also have a MS Early Childhood and near completion of a PhD in EC. Congrats, thats impressive.

No respectable professional educator snickers at early childhood education. Do you snicker at the concept of girls attending school as well?

psyguy - just bail out of this discussion because you don't have a clue about early childhood.

There is a reason why there are so many conferences, pd opportunities and elite schools pushing their EC department. Highly qualified EC educators draw on resources from child development, family counseling, child psychology, understanding the dynamics of early cognition, applying learning through play fundamentals, experiential learning, child nutrition, and parent-teacher teamwork building.

The human body and brain develops most dramatically between the ages of 2-5. A child's level of self confidence has already solidified by the age of 4-5. Highly qualified early child educators maximize that window of opportunity during the greatest amount of development and shape a child holistically on every level.

Basically, your being handed wet clay and asked to mold it, whereas in grade school you are given hardened clay and asked to help shape it.

Just look at the physical differences that occur between the ages of 2-5. Now stop and think about what must be going on inside. Highly qualified EC teachers not only have to ensure that the classroom and activities promote developmentally appropriate practices, they also have to be aware of developmental stages/ milestones in order to ensure the child is developing holistically. Not only do the teachers have to do all of this for the child, in many cases they also have to teach the parents because most parents have no clue about child development. I teach my parents on a daily basis about their child and it is an expected part of my job. I also provide parents with resources on family counseling because it is my responsibility to both recognize and assist my young students when they experience a traumatic event at home. I have to have both the knowledge and experience to recognize when a child is just acting up for attention, is bored, or is acting out in a manner consistent with internal strife due to stress and trauma.

Early Childhood Education seperates the pretenders from the dedicated professionals instantly. Walk into any elite EC program and ask the teacher about child development and they will draw on resources from every science. They will discuss nutrition, proper exercise, classroom lighting, multiple intelligences and child intelligence profiles. They will also point out areas in the room that support the different types of intelligences and how they are used to both encourage and develop their application. A teacher will also be able to explain the dynamics of child play, the developmental practices in play and how they apply to both motor skills and social interraction.

You look at a kid coloring and playing and see just that. A kid coloring and playing. A highly qualified Early Childhood Educator looks at that same things and instantly recognizes the dynamics that are in play and how best to maximize those dynamics in the given environment and structure.

Its a whole different world. I do not expect you to understand but please recognize that you do not understand and its better to just leave this one alone.

I am sorry but this question is absurd.

What would it take teachers in Japan to leave? Do they have to end up looking like Gumby?

How many 'Arab Springs' would it take for teachers in the Middle East to leave?

How many threats by N. Korea would it take for teachers in South Korea to leave?

How many default threats by Greece would it take for teachers in Greece and Eastern Europe to leave?

People come to Thailand for the culture, food, people and overall quality of life. Disasters come and go. Mai pen rai. It doesnt change anything.

[quote="Daisy"]Duh...100,000 Baht per month is about USD3250 a month, which is less than USD40,000 a year. Whaddya think Psyguy - that people at ISB or NIST don't earn $40,000 a year - after tax? I bet you no teachers there earn less than that! How do you make up this nonsense? And why? PLEASE PLEASE go back into retirement.[/quote]

Daisy - 100K Baht a month is massive in Thailand.
I rent a brand new 2 story house, 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, fully furnished, and have a maid and I pay a total of 9K a month.

100K in Bangkok is not easy. You would have to be at ISB and be near the top of pay scale.

Thai college grads make 9-15K a month.
Most International School teachers in Bangkok make 50-70.
TEFL. ESL. language school teachers make 35-40K.

I work at a tier 2 International school in Chiang Mai and have 2 masters degrees and I make 55K a month.

[quote="PsyGuy"]According to Search, their annual salary for BA+4 years is $17K USD, after conversion to Thai Baht, and depending on which conversion rate you use, the salary would be about 55K Baht a month, so 60K Baht is in the right neighborhood.

Reviewing their compensation package they provide fully furnished accommodations (single unshared apartments), with free utilities on campus. They also provide up to 3 free meals a day on campus. A one time $500 in relocation expenses ($200 settling in allowance, and a $300 shipping allowance). They also provide full round trip airfare from place of hire. You get full worldwide medical insurance (no dental), two tuition waivers for dependent children, and a retirement plan after 2 years.

They dont pay the same for ESL teachers in their language support department, and local hires dont get the same package either.[/quote]

I had to laugh (and then cry) when I saw that 17K figure. It doesnt sound as bad when its in Thai Baht, but seeing the yearly figure in USD makes me want to hang myself.

If saving money is a big priority then you have to work in Bangkok.

As far as Chiang Mai, PTIS (Prem) is the only school that pays upwards of 85,000 baht +

Disney English really comes down to what you make of it and your goals and reasons for pursuing it


[b]Pros[/b]
One of the most influential companies in the world establishing its brand to the most populous market in the world

Would look good on any CV in terms of experience and learning som Disney "best practices" (subliminal imagery)

Opportunity to get some experience, get your feet wet, and network while you have your boots on the ground in China

Livable salarly if your cautious. The local population lives off a miniscule percentage of that so if your willing to learn to live a little like the locals it would be a great chance to learn Chinese culture, food, language, etc

[b]Cons[/b]

Its Disney in China - meaning expect to be treated like crap. They will have a million applicants so the best thing would be to accept it for what it is (stepping stone into China) go with a great attitude, dont complain, and play the game. Try to surround yourself with peers that also have a positive attitude and don't get stuck in a group that always complains about management, policy, etc because it will become a nightmare.

Low Salary. There will be plenty of western pricing to cater to rich chinese and well paid expats. Avoid those things. Learn Chinese, find some local eateries that are both cheap and authentic and try to live a little like a local. The salary is more than enough to do that.

Marketing to children. Your job will be to teach English by establishing Disney Brand Recognition to 3+ year olds. The whole point of the program is to turn children into Disney brand consumers. Its the parents that have the responsibility to understand this and decide whether it is appropriate to market for their child, so just understand both sides (English and Branding) and there would probably be ample opportunities to move up in ranks.

[b]Advice[/b]

I would heavily advise learning some Chinese during the program and networking with other teachers and students to find a better position.
Disney is heavy into subconscious imagery so it would be pretty interesting to see some of their "best practices." The agenda probably promotes English secondary to establishing the Disney brand in the largest developing population in the world. Basically - your marketing to children in the guise of teaching English but if they learn the language and then become Disney consumers I guess that was the choice the parents made when they enrolled their child.

Best of luck with whatever you decide.

No one is going to save you if the proverbial beep hits the fan.
Just be prepared. The world is on fire right now so it really doesnt matter where you go - something will be happening

I would be cautious of moving into high towers because of potential earthquakes and most buildings have zero earthquake preparedness planning.

As far as the political situation, learn some Thai, respect the King, and stay completely out of political discussions. Also bring a certified copy of your background check, all degrees and transcripts, and current drivers license.

When you get to Bangkok, immediately get a Thai drivers license (even if you dont plan on driving) so that you have a Thai identification card to show at checkpoints, etc. Also make a copy of your passport and visa page, shrink, laminate and place it in your wallet and carry it with you along with your Thai identification card. This way if there are any problems later with civil unrest you will easily be able to move through a checkpoint and will be treated very well.

Yes being an RA + Counselor would probably require more time after hours than a normal teacher but I assume you enjoy spending time with the students outside of the traditional classroom if you sought after those types of positions - so don't let the afterhours discourage you from something you enjoy doing.

Its still Thailand and Chiang Mai - 'sabai sabai' and 'mai pen rai' still dominate the culture in every aspect of life

Do you have children? If not, a motorbike is a pretty easy method of transportation. A used car will set you back atleast 70K. Whereas a used Honda Dream/Wave would only cost 8-12K or a monthly rental of 2K

As long as you have some form of transportation its only 20 minutes from town. The big shopping mall is only 10 minutes and there are plenty of places to eat near by. Southern Chiang Mai and Hong Dong are very nice areas and many expats choose to live down there.

Your not going to get rich teaching in Chiang Mai but the leisurely pace of life, availability of inexpensive travel, relative proximity of beautiful mountains/ beaches, and the abundance of wonderful Thai food makes the experience very enjoyable.

There is nothing demanding about teaching in Chiang Mai

Overall quality of life is great so if the salaries are close I would definitely take Chiang Mai

This is going to be happening all around the world

The price of food and petrol is going to continue to soar

So just keep that in mind - Egypt is not an isolated case

www.isdedu.de

www.is-ruhr.de/eng

http://www.mercer.com/press-releases/qu ... ing_Tables

www.toytowngermany.com/forum/index.php?showforum=141

Its Thailand

If your not at the best International Schools then you definitely run into the bizzare, absurd, and sometimes outright ridiculous

Its the price you pay to teach in paradise (for some)

Its not what she says -- its the way she says it

I am sure she would be a joyful addition to any staff breakroom

:wink:

Being a male expat I have definitely had colleagues that are very interested in expat females.

Local guys are always interested in expat females because they are just as exotic and interesting as the local girls are to guys.

Expat male teachers are also interested in Expat female teachers - especially with the advantages that being a teaching couple gives for interviews, school placement, etc.