Negotiating a contract with a gov Matthayom school: what to look for?

**Fantomas** · 17th April 2012 19:02

I'm looking for general contract info about contract negotiations with Matthayom gov schools in Bangkok, for English teaching jobs:
What is standard for non-agency contracts (ie. direct with the school)? 12 months contract with same paid vacations as Thai teachers, or are there any pitfalls to look for in that regard?
What is to be expected (or negotiated?) for medical insurance coverage?
Last but not least, what is a reasonable base to negotiate salary? I know that 30K isn't (reasonable that is) and the school is recruiting via an agency so they're obviously ready to pay more (they've put the word out there and will look at independent applicants though). I have a US Master in TESOL and no experience in Thailand (except pavement beating, lots of it

). Please let's keep the discussion to Matthayom jobs and any tips and tricks would be welcome.

Thanks

F.

**zeusbheld** · 17th April 2012 19:19

i've never negotiated with a gov school but i suspect they have a lot less leeway than private schools when it comes to terms (and salaries).

**Fantomas** · 17th April 2012 19:38

Originally Posted by zeusbheld

i've never negotiated with a gov school but i suspect they have a lot less leeway than private schools when it comes to terms (and salaries).

But they're dealing with an agency so they must be paying more when they do that. On the other hand, TIT so it's a grey area.

F.

**zeusbheld** · 17th April 2012 19:40

Originally Posted by Fantomas

But they're dealing with an agency so they must be paying more when they do that.

i'd imagine so, but i wouldn't know where to start as i don't really know any agents.

**keekwai** · 17th April 2012 19:47

Apparently all Government schools are only authorised to pay you for 11 months. OFFICIALLY. They can and will fiddle things to give you 12 months. (Couple of days English camp in late April -Early May for example)

This has been my experience with the last two E.P positions I've had ... and again with my new job starting next month ... and it's been stated in the contract/s.

Probably wouldn't happen via a blood sucking agency or a position teaching to General classes though.

If they won't ... then up to you to accept or decline.

**Amanpour** · 17th April 2012 19:53

Originally Posted by keekwai

Apparently all Government schools are only authorised to pay you for 11 months. OFFICIALLY.

Got anything to back that statement up with?

**keekwai** · 17th April 2012 19:59

Originally Posted by Amanpour

Got anything to back that statement up with?

No. It's only what I have been told by the admins of the last two schools I've worked for. They could be bullshitting I guess. (Surprise!)

---Update---

... I guess I could do a Google search (in Thai) for it. But seeing as I've got the 12 months in the past ... I've never bothered. The new school said the same thing. I need to do a 3 day English camp next April.

**Amanpour** · 17th April 2012 20:02

Didn't think so

**keekwai** · 17th April 2012 20:03

Hence the use of the word "Apparently"

... but 3 different schools with the same story (In 3 different Provinces ... Nakhon Ratcasima, Chanthaburi and Bangkok) ... who knows.

Originally Posted by Amanpour

Didn't think so

I'll make sure to video record my next interview.

Tell ya what ... I'll do the search ... unless you want to? I'm easy.

EDIT ... On second thoughts ... I won't. I'm going out for a feed. But it's something for the OP to watch out for and consider.

**Fantomas** · 17th April 2012 20:06

Thanks for all who have replied. I'll be without net access for a few days but I'll follow up. If I don't get short-listed on this one (I'm late in the game) it looks like the info will come in handy anyhow and I appreciate anything I can use: I hadn't prepared for this environment and it shows

F.

**TerryLH** · 17th April 2012 21:43

Health insurance with government schools should be Social Security.

**peelieorion** · 18th April 2012 13:30

30K is the norm. you have a TESOL and no teaching experience in Thailand. when you have experience, you are in a better position to negotiate.

**Guy Mandude** · 19th April 2012 00:10

Originally Posted by Fantomas

But they're dealing with an agency so they must be paying more when they do that.

The agency kicks back to the school director, or else the school directly pays ajarn farang a nice low salary. The school director gets his/her palm greased either way. You are like the chicken asking how to outfox the fox ... you don't. I have 7 years' direct experience negotiating directly and with agencies, so you can PM me if you want the skinny a particular school. Chances are, I've been there.

**slamb** · 19th April 2012 00:37

Sounds like gov't schools & EPs are to be avoided at all costs. At least in private schools you can potentially earn double the salary & get paid for the full 12 months to boot. Why would anyone choose to work for the state?