First Quarter Grades

So, our first quarter grades are due today. They told us to use a program called GradeQuick because it works well with exporting and other things like that. Well, I tried using it a while ago and it didn't go so well. So I'll try again.

As is the case with many other things at ASB, they tell you to do something but give you no help, guidance or direction on how to complete the task. I think some kind of tutorial would be very helpful, just a little session to show how to use the program. The designated IT Teacher Representative did offer the last two days of support after school for those who have questions. The problem with that is all new teachers had to go to the Ministry of Labor and Department of Employment the last two nights to get our Visa and Work Permit. Which pretty much nullifies any possibility of getting help during those times.

Funny thing is the teachers that had to go to these places after school are the same ones who needed the extra help with the program. Sometimes, things don't work out the way we expect them to and we must simply roll with the punches.

I am coming to find that the package offered by ASB is really not all that great in comparison to other International Schools. For example, all of the fees for processing visas and work permits are the responsibility of the teacher to pay. Now, this may not seem like a lot, but after a few $100 US fees, things start to add up. Also, a fellow teacher new to ASB this year has taught in the Middle East and told me that they offer a free plane ticket back home every year, not just one round-trip ticket for the contract.

The pay in respect to the standard of living in Thailand is great, but not in respect to the pay in the US. This is becoming somewhat of an issue since I have student loans I am trying to pay and the exchange rate is not great. Trying to survive on half a salary over here is feasible, but very challenging.

Everyday, there are some small things that I worry about, some in class, some outside of class.

Aaron