School boss with no education background

[Borsch]

I have recently made the move from Singapore and have been doing the rounds of language schools looking for a Thai language course so that I can least do shopping at the market.

Anyhow, reasonable information, prices and credentials from the places I visited with one exception. I understand that this particular school is said to be the busiest. I spoke to a Thai lady there who said that she was the owner. I asked if she taught Thai? Oh no, I am not a teacher. Do you have any education management background or teacher experience? No, I leave that to my staff.

Just surprised me that such a person could be running a school. In Singapore she would not have been able to open her door. What qualifications are required here?

[dtaai-maai]

"Such a person"?
I'm not sure what you expected. This lady wasn't a teacher and didn't claim to be.
I'd much rather go to a school owned and run by someone with a bit of nous who employs good, well-qualified teachers than somewhere run by a Linguistics professor with a PhD, no communications skills and crap teachers.
Qualifications don't mean much in a region where they can be bought "off the shelf".
If the school is busy, that's probably because people are happy with the results. A much better indicator than a framed degree on a wall!

[Big Boy]

Let the administrators do the administration, and the teachers do the teaching.

If Borsch finds a teacher doing the administration, who does she think will be doing the teaching? It's horses for courses in my book.

[johnnyk]

Education around the world is littered with advanced-degree types who can't teach and don't understand people.

[Elaine]

I think I know where you mean. I have also visited there. Owner manages a local guest house and told me that she only drops into the school now and then. Personality, I did not like her attitude and eventually enrolled at WECI. Note that I said personality.. she may be great but not my cup of tea.

[KateB]

I ran a language school and it was my previous managerial experience which made this a success, not my previous teaching experience.
I know nothing about the school you refer to, but the woman was straight about not being a teacher which is to her credit. She could be the best recruiter/manager/motivator in the business, or she could be rubbish at running a school but because she is not a teacher doesn't tell you anything.
I have some lovely friends who are excellent teachers but couldn't organise a you-know-what in a brewery.

[KateB]

Oooops I meant 'the fact that she is not a teacher' not 'because' - it's morning here in the UK and I need a second cup of coffee.....

[Spitfire]

Education around the world is littered with advanced-degree types who can't teach and don't understand people.

That is spot-on JK, people have to learn how to teach and interact properly. Teachers and academics are not the same.

[johnnyk]

Education around the world is littered with advanced-degree types who can't teach and don't understand people.

That is spot-on JK, people have to learn how to teach and interact properly. Teachers and academics are not the same.

Indeed. I have worked with PhDs who couldn't change a lightbulb. Academics for the most part read and regurgitate other people's bumpf. Perseverance and lack of imagination are the prized qualities of academics, many are simply not that bright.