Employment Update

Good news!

I am hired at HeadStart International School (www.headstartphuket.com). I will have my 2nd grade class in September, alongside an assistant to help me in the classroom! From what I observed the assistant whisks around the class to remind students to pay attention and to help those who don't understand. So helpful! Plus the classes don't have more than 18 students!

The school is close enough for me to take the local bus every day. I will be teaching English, Math, Science, History and Geography. The school has specialists for Arts, Technology, Thai, Mandarin and Physical Education. It seems like I will have many free periods to correct and plan which sounds great! The schedule is from 8:30 to 15:30, but the teachers have to be there from 8:00 to 16:30. There's another 2nd grade class and I think the other teacher is Canadian as well, so it will be nice having someone to plan with!

The interview process was quite long and stressful. I did feel like they dragged me around a bit too much, but now that I'm hired (verbally for now, hopefully I will sign the contract soon). In a nutshell, I first went to the school and met with the principal for the first interview. Then I went to observe a 3rd grade class on Monday, and went back on Wednesday to do a teaching demonstration (English and Math class). It went very well and the principal who evaluated me said he was impressed but he was waiting for the other principal to come back from holiday the following Monday to confirm everything. Then they asked me to come in again for another interview. I talked to the three principals - headmasters for about 30 minutes. They asked me the classic questions about my philosophy on education, my management skills, etc. It all went well, but I was crushed when they said they would call me back in one week. I made it clear I was hoping to hear back from them as soon as possible... and then I got back home and received a phone call with an offer!!!! They should sort out my visa too, but in the mean time we had to do a border run because our 30 days visa was expired!

So everything is looking up! In a few days we will start looking for long-term accommodation which should go easier than the first time, because we now have a few contacts!