Staff Interview with Jason Ritchie

What inspired you to begin teaching with SLS Teacher Training Centre?

I learned of an open position at SLS Training Center and I found that there is an open and friendly environment at SLS. You are given a certain amount of autonomy to teach what will work best for each student or each group class. Your first lesson is always an opportunity to learn where the students are at in the English education. It is wonderful to give the power to the students and aid them in their journey to success. At SLS everyone is willing to help you out if you are in need of assistance. It is wonderful to work for a company that has a real family feel to it.

Describe a typical day/week as an English Teacher with SLS.

Well, when you teach English abroad there is no such thing as a typical day. Being a teacher means being an actor and being flexible. I teach Korean students who are seven and eleven years of age. I teach a college student that wished to expand her understanding and enhance her English-speaking skills. I also, teach corporate work to a class of seventeen that comprises Business English, Email writing, and Business Conversation. A teacher needs to be animated and draw the student out with a steady tempo to the class that will be fun and interactive.

What do you love most about your job?

When you teach in a country that does not have the economic opportunities that you find in a lot of western countries, it is very rewarding. As an English teacher, you not only help the student with English, but you give them and their family an opportunity for a better life. English is a global language and a lot of companies look for employees that have a firm grasp of the language. I love the idea of helping others to obtain a better life.

How do you work towards maximizing performance, inspiring interest in English language learning, and instilling self worth with your students?

I maximize performance by putting the students at ease. Many students are scared to learn a language and afraid of making mistakes. I let them know that I make mistakes every day and will continue to until the end of my days. Mistakes and questions are how we learn in life. I let the students know the difficulties I have with learning Thai and that we are the same. Lastly, I tell them that they are the boss. I work for them, and their success is our main goal. We need to work as a team.

What challenges do you often face in this role and how do you overcome them?

I deal with a lot of students that are shy to speak up when they are using English. I often ask if they can help me by speaking up because I am old and my hearing is not that good. In addition, homework can be difficult to get the students to do. I usually will talk to them and ask them to help me and do some homework, so we can enjoy our lessons together. I find these usually work and I have positive results.

What does it take to be a successful teacher with SLS?

Putting the students first. It really is that simple. Make sure you are prepared and come equipped with some patience and understanding when teaching. The success of your pupils is about helping them discover their ability to succeed in English and in life.

Can you tell us about the similarities of teaching English in the United States and in Thailand?

Teaching ESL students in the U.S. and Thailand are similar because there is a passion in the students to improve their lives through fluency in English. In the U.S., anyone wishing to obtain citizenship can gain it through military service and in Thailand, the students are learning for university and or work.

You completed your TEFL Certification in 2017. Why do you think it is essential to be certified and prepared for teaching English abroad?

I taught English in Thailand and ran a Language School in Bangkok without a TEFL for a few years. I love to teach and wanted to give my best to the students that work so hard to learn English. You have to love what you do, and the money will follow. I have never understood the driving force that will corrupt a person's true passions when it comes to money. I don't make a lot, but I am very happy.

How does your background in History and Business Administration influence your work today?

History got me into the U.S. Navy, and that is how I discovered the world including Thailand. I have traveled to over 50 countries and love to travel. Business Administration helps me to know how to run a language school and how business English can be useful for companies that I teach at.

What does meaningful travel mean to you?

Field Trips! That's where it all started. I loved field trips as a child and never understood why they tapered off as I got older and went to high school. It is so nice to explore and discover new places, new cultures, new food, and meet new and interesting people. I know people who have never left the United States and that breaks my heart. Life is so short, and you have to get all you can from life. Go abroad and have the adventure of a lifetime.