In Leading Toward the Change Culture
“I wasn’t sure at first if they could lead our students, but they proved capable,”
Reported Mr. Siriphong Chamchai, director of the Chit Jai Chuen School in Prachin Buri, one of Teach For Thailand (TFT)’s long-term strategic provincial partners.
“Our students admire the leadership spirit in TFT’s ‘Fellows’,” said director Mr. Salee Cherdchoo of Srirak Rat Bamrung School, another TFT’s partner.
“They show ambition to learn and improve themselves as teachers; always showing up early and bringing their expertise to their classrooms, which they design to create a learning experience that is mutually fun for both the teacher and students.”
Working closely with the Community
“Fellows are great with both students and supervisors and participate in community activities regularly,” added Mr. Chamchai. “With the hours they dedicate to the students, sometimes I ask if they ever go home.”
TFT’s mission to work hand in hand with communities ensures positive change not only in classrooms but also in the communities in which students grow up. In Srirak Rat Bamrung School, Fellows encourage students to learn about business, finance, and investments from local success cases, letting them take part in youth development.
Aligning with School’s Vision
“Fellows have become great examples for our students, in terms of the ability to think, to be aware of one’s capabilities, and to maintain moral standards, and that is our school’s vision,” said Mr. Chamchai.
“We want to integrate the bottom-up approach of communal needs and Sufficiency Economy, with the top-down direction from the government to create 21st Century Learners,” described Mr. Cherdchoo.
“This highlights the importance of having a collective vision, and the Fellows have been coordinating very well between teachers, management, and our community towards that goal.”
Inspiring the Change in All of Us
“Why should we wait for two teachers to create change, whilst our teachers can be the Change Agents ourselves,” remarked Mr. Cherdchoo. Amongst all, Fellows have inspired the spirit of change in the school.
“Our teachers, even me, and our students are working towards a positive change, it truly adds more value to what we’re pursuing together.”
The two-year Fellowship Program is not only the opportunity to change the education system but also one that changes the fellows for the better. One example is Ms. Lada, a TFT Fellow in Chit Jai Chuen School, who aspires to become a full-time teacher after her 2 years with TFT – something that the school wills to support fully.
“Fellows improve themselves and that ambition transcends to our students,” added Mr. Cherdchoo.
Our Fellows and leadership network have been working continuously for the betterment of the education system and will continue to do so until all children in Thailand have equitable access to high-quality education, as has happened in Chit Jai Chuen, Srirak Rat Bamrung School, and hundreds more.
