Preschool and Early Elementary Math and Science

  Thailand

• Chiang Mai: 
Chiang Mai

Length of Position: One year or more

Description: The Starfish Country Home School is a free bilingual home and school for needy children in northern Thailand. It is located about 45 km (about 27 miles) north of the city of Chiangmai at an attractive site of a former resort. The approximately 10 acre site, which is on the River Ping, is remote and quiet but has two swimming pools, a tennis court, gardens, fish ponds, a park and other features. There are currently 29 children in the program, most of whom are age four to eight and most of whom are girls. About 80% of the children are hill tribe children. The fathers and sometimes the mothers of almost all the children abandoned the child, are in prison for drug trafficking or are dead. In most cases, the child was also not living with the natural mother. The children periodically go back to their villages to visit relatives but spend most of their time at the Starfish Country Home School and school goes on almost all year with times out for travels and special events. The school also emphasizes cultural activities, in particular dance and music.

We endeavor to teach the children at their level of understanding, not based on their chronological age. We usually have no more than eight children per teacher in the classroom. Teaching is by a combination of Thai teachers and English-speaking teachers plus English-speaking volunteers. Many of the children come in not speaking Thai language and most still have a limited comprehension of English.

We seek a certified teacher who is experienced at teaching of mathematics and science to young childrento teach these subjects. The mathematics curriculum has been developed at the school but needs to be expanded to accommodate the students as they progress to higher levels. The teacher is expected to assist in expanding the math and science curriculum and to develop relevant multi-media-based study materials. Teaching will be in English but most of the younger children currently have limited capabilities in that language. In some cases a Thai assistant who speaks some English will be provided in the classroom. Thus, prior ESL-related experience and previous experience teaching in a foreign country is strongly preferred.

The school operates most of the year with periodic breaks and several holidays, during which time the teacher can travel.

A minimum one-year commitment with a standard employment contract is expected although a six-month or more contract may be acceptable based on our anticipated needs.

Highlights: The children. An opportunity to put into practice some of your educational theories. A quiet place to live at a cost of almost nothing and with no taxes due. Thai food. No snow.

Qualifications: Early childhood education certification. Experience teaching mathematics and science to young children. Preferably ESL-related training and experience. Preferably experience working in a foreign country with needy children age four to nine. Familiarity with Internet-based teaching resources and with mathematics and science curriculum development is mandatory.

Certification of no prior involvement in criminal activities may be required.

Minimum Education: Bachelor of Arts

Salary / Pay: A salary of up to 30,000 baht (~US$900) a month for a well-qualified candidate with appropriate experience. The salary usually is not subject to Thai income tax. Essentially free accommodations and food. Reimbursement of visa and work permit costs after six months of service. Reimbursement of up to US$800 for travel costs and $200 for personal medical insurance costs after one year of service.

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 2 including a Thai-speaking assistant

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Starfish Country Home School Foundation's Mission Statement: The Starfish Country Home School will provide a quality education and living environment for all of its students so that they can lead a happy and productive lives. Academic excellence, individual creativity, personal responsibility and concern for others and for the environment are our goals.

Year Founded: 2005