Teaching blues

Dear Education Minister of Thailand:

Please do not feel confused about why the quality of education is so low at the tertiary level in Thailand. Here is an example of what happens when you apply for a position at a Rajabhat university.

I have graduate degrees in English and 15 years’ teaching experience at the university level in the United States. I have even published several books, articles and essays. I am not an Ivy League superstar, but I am easily qualified to teach locally. I would even be considered an asset in normal circumstances not only because I have experience, but I enjoy the work. I want to help fix things and care about the students I am serving.

Also, I happen to live in the Northeast of Thailand with my family. I recently expressed an interest in teaching at our local Rajabhat. The main concern of the English department is: Will I sit at my desk every day when I am not teaching?

They want to know if I will be obedient and cooperative. The pay is incredibly low. Only 27,000 baht per month for five classes with 30 to 60 students! I could accept it if I were treated with some respect and professionalism. I could agree to about 10 additional office hours per week, but for students, not employees of the school. I cannot sit at a metal desk all day at the beck and call of every Thai “professor” who passes by. What a shame.

I offered to inject a tracking microchip into my thigh, but the idea was beyond them.

There are more and more details that I could explain.

ERICH