Old English Teacher

[visionchaser45]

I have noticed that some teaching positions exclude individuals over the age of 50. Is this common? I planned to teach English for a few years after I retire and move to Thailand. I will be approximately 62. Is my plan unrealistic? I was planning on getting certified just prior to my retirement. I have both undergraduate and graduate university degrees and experience teaching at a public university in the USA, so credentials shouldn't be an issue. Any insights or advice?

[Betti]

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/...-old-to-teach/

a few opinions were presented here.
personally, I would think that 1, personal contacts 2, region or province desperate for teachers 3, teaching IT or whatever your specialty is (as opposed to primary or secondary) could be key issues / opportunities.
I don't know if it has anything to do with visa regulations, that age limit? but I presume you would be on a marriage / retirement visa anyway so getting a non-B would not be essential?
hope you find people around who have much more relevant experience, sorry I cannot help more :-(

[Susana]

On AUA's website there is a section of FAQ's in the teacher training section. Under the question "What kind of people take this course" is this statement: "Many others are working professionals preparing to teach English as an alternative career or in retirement." www.auathailand.org

Personally I feel I would be a better teacher than I was years ago simply because I have more life experience. I have the same enthusiasm as always.

The key is whether you have a good rapport with the students. That aspect will be covered in teacher training and in classroom visits.

[visionchaser45]

I am an excellent teacher. My average teaching evaluation is 3.7 on a 4-point scale. The issue I am concerned with is age bias, which does not take into consideration whether you are an excellent teacher.

I would like to teach in the Khon Kaen area. I enjoy teaching the youngsters, but could teach at a technical academy or university too. My graduate degree is in Psychology, and I don't see much of that subject being taught at Thai universities. I am also very strong in both parametric and non-parametric statistical methods and social science research methods.

[KhaoNiaw]

If you've got credentials that a university is interested in, they'll find a way to take you on whatever the official policy may be.

I'd guess most universities have Psychology courses in one form or another, maybe as part of the gen. ed. part of the curriculum or other courses related to different majors. It's worth putting out some feelers before you come over permanently.

Universities are undergoing some major changes at the moment and a much stronger emphasis is being put on research. This particularly affects private universities where research traditionally hasn't had the support that is given to the state universities. If you've got a decent record of published work and are still interested in new research, or could act as mentor to new researchers, you might find a good niche for yourself.

[Marie]

If you've got a decent record of published work and are still interested in new research, or could act as mentor to new researchers, you might find a good niche for yourself.

I could be wrong, but I have the IMPRESSION that research is not given much emphasis in some Thai universities. Based on my experience talking with about a dozen of cases ( and I know that may be limited) of Thai graduate students doing research, they hardly know what they are doing. I was thinking that it's either that the teachers/advisers themselves don't know research or they know but don't know how to teach it.

Surely, they may need good mentors in this area.

[yy]

My graduate degree is in Psychology

Hi, just wondering if it is purely research or does it include work placements? Meaning, do you practise as a psychotherapist in the States? Cos thinking if you will consider doing psychotherapy for the expats in Thailand instead if teaching is not quite possible due to age issues. Has seen a few advertisements from private practitioners, and one of the clinics in BKK is charging about THB1200 per session.

Btw, Chula Uni offers psychology at graduate level a few years ago, but then, it's in BKK, not Khon Kaen...

Another little (lousy?) idea - how about applying to teach at SET e.g. emailing them cos you have the credentials? Think the British Council pays for the teachers. It's like cutting two carrots with one knife (Ajahn Brahm's non-violent alternative to 'killing two birds with one stone'!); you get to do something for the local disadvantaged community and yet you are paid fairly too. Then again, it may be in Nakhon Sawan or somewhere else :S

Anyhow, good luck!

[KhaoNiaw]

I could be wrong, but I have the IMPRESSION that research is not given much emphasis in some Thai universities.

I was thinking that it's either that the teachers/advisers themselves don't know research or they know but don't know how to teach it.

Surely, they may need good mentors in this area.

The situation has pretty much changed overnight, or at least in the space of a year. Research is now a must and it's quite tough on some of the old guard who are only used to teaching duties (and who may be very good teachers too).

Some universities are probably coming with up tricks at the moment to make their research targets, but the new research requirements are something that all universities are starting to face up to.

That's why they'd probably welcome active researchers of any age, and if you hold a PhD or any title such as Professor, Assoc. Prof. etc. so much the better.

[paul_au]

It seems to me Vision is over qualified. I know the reality of old age, every one has an expiry date, but know one knows when it will be, it could be sooner or latter., Once you reach 60 the odds of dieing every year get quite high, you can pop off tomorrow. I personally can't see why anyone would work past 50 unless they have to. Life is short you want to enjoy what little time you have left in old age and being enslaved into the drudgery of having to be somewhere every day is little less than imprisonment. I fully intent to remain free and enjoy not working.

[yy]

Some people get a joy or a sense of self fulfilment just being gainfully employed, even if they don't need the moolah.