International Teaching Team English Teacher

  Thailand

• All Other Areas in Thailand: 
Khon Kaen

Length of Position: Minimum of 5 months (preference given for 1 year commitments)

Description: KKEI is a program that the schools and municipality are using to develop a more integrated method of teaching in the schools. KKEI is made up of the International Teaching Team (ITT) and the Thai Teaching Team (TTT). Each ITT teacher is placed in one or two public schools and work directly with 2-3 teachers at each of the schools. Together, the teachers create a curriculum, co-teach in the classes, and then evaluate the lessons afterwards.

The role of the ITT is to help the TTT feel more comfortable about speaking and teaching English, and encourage their preparedness and creativity in each of the classes. The key is that this is a Training program, rather than a Teaching program, and the emphasis is on developing a model of working harmoniously and creatively within the formal school structure. The goal is to increase the sustainability of the local school system by co-teaching and assisting Thai teachers in teaching English, rather than being the sole teacher in a Thai classroom.

Teaching English is the activity that is used to change the school environment, but your role in the school is not limited to teaching English and you will be encouraged to get involved in other school activities as well. The focus is first and foremost on the process of learning and improving for the Thai teacher. The class is secondary, and viewed more as laboratory for experimentation. The aim of course is to create better, more dynamic and interesting lessons, with an increase in English competency to follow over time.

The entire KKEI team and its NGO and municipality advisors meet on Friday afternoons for meetings and cultural exchange activities. The working structure focuses heavily on group process; our meetings are self-directed and everyone present is encouraged to contribute. There will be an orientation and also a study trip or retreat planned during the school year to visit other models of alternative education within Thailand.

Job Duties and Terms:

You will work on the school schedule, Monday through Thursdays from 8:00am-4:00pm. Friday afternoons are for KKEI meetings and cultural activities. There is flexibility in your schedule, to be determined by you and the teachers you work with. About 15-18 hours each week will be in-classroom student interaction; the rest will be working with your co-teacher on lesson-plans and English speaking skills.

Your Responsibilities:

1. Train Thai English teachers in curriculum develop and English skills;
2. Co-teach students in public schools with Thai English teachers;
3. Participate in exchanges of knowledge and teaching methods, and training with Thai English teachers and other KKEI participants;
4. Help, plan, and run English camps for English teachers and /or students;
5. Help develop a creative English-language curriculum and activities in the schools;
6. Participate in orientation, evaluating sessions, and retreats designed specifically for KKEI participants

APPLICATION DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 5TH, 2009. There is NO application or program fee.

Highlights: Teachers joining the Khon Kaen Educational Initiative have many opportunities to become involved in the life and culture of Khon Kaen and northeastern Thailand. Participants can take advantage of the following opportunities during their time in Khon Kaen:

- Field trips to places of interest in Khon Kaen and throughout the Northeast;
- Involvement with helping organize and run special camps, covering issues of environmental, health, food, and other issues;
- Opportunity to stay with families in communities;
- Become involved in the alternative education movement of Khon Kaen;
- Shadow local NGOs;
- Help organize projects based around livelihood, sustainable environment, and traditional way of life;
- And much more! We will try to incorporate your interests into the semester.

Qualifications:
1. Have experience and interest in working with young children
2. Have at least a Bachelors Degree, preferably in a field relating to education
3. Be able to work in groups and understand group-process
4. Be familiar with the Thai language
5. Commit to a period of at least one full school semester

In addition, the idea applicants will have the the following skills or interests:

1. Be willing to communicate with school community members who have limited English skills
2. Be willing and able to improvise
3. Be flexible and patient with the program-building process;
4. Be hardworking and committed to the success of the program
5. Desire to learn about local culture and be willing to adapt to new cultural surroundings

Applicants who fail to meet any of the stated requirements are encouraged to submit an application anyway, as each applicant will be considered individually based upon his or her own merits.

Minimum Education: Bachelor of Arts

Salary / Pay: Salary will start at 12,000 baht per month for 5 months each semester, but may be re-considered based on experience. For comparison's sake, a studio apartment will cost you between 2,000-3,000 baht per month (shared housing is an option) and the average meal is about 30 baht. KKEI can help you get your visa, work permit, and will provide Thai language lessons. You will be allotted a generous number of sick and personal days. You will also be provided with Health Insurance and assistance in renewing your visa.

Experience Required: yes

Applicants who fail to meet any of the stated requirements are encouraged to submit an application anyway, as each applicant will be considered individually based upon his or her own merits.

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Essay
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Khon Kaen Education Initiative (KKEI)'s Mission Statement: The Khon Kaen Education Initiative (KKEI) is a joint project between Khon Kaen Municipality and local NGOs. KKEI seeks to help teachers and students use alternative, hands-on educational practices and reconnect their schools with the local communities. The overarching aim of KKEI is to gradually change the way that Khon Kaen thinks about municipal education, starting from the ground up. KKEI is a group-process oriented program that encourages the sustainability of English programs in Khon Kaen schools. To do so, native English teachers and local Thai teachers work together to develop English and faciliation skills, create an engaging curriculum, co-teach in the classroom, and participate in cultural exchange.

Year Founded: 2006