7 Years of Driving the Change with Teach For Thailand
‘Em’ -- Tanit Kleawyotha, a Teach For Thailand Alumnus from cohort 3, shared his transformative journey. His experience at Pianpin Anusorn School inspired him to join the foundation as a staff member and contribute to the improvement of Thai education.
Driven by a passion for human rights, Em would actively pursue opportunities in this field while studying Social Science at Chiang Mai University.
“I participated in volunteer camps and academic activities focused on understanding the lives of diverse communities. These experiences heightened my awareness of inequality, particularly between urban populations and marginalized groups.”
Em’s perspective was challenged when he encountered Teach For Thailand’s recruitment team, who were seeking teaching Fellows at his university. He realized that many other groups of children, such as those living in slums, faced even greater forms of inequality.
“How many people truly comprehend this complex situation? I saw an opportunity to learn and contribute to the betterment of our country.” Em fondly reminisced about his decision to join the Fellowship program as part of cohort 3.
Leveraging his background as a social scientist and educator, Em dedicated himself to his classes at Pianpin Anusorn School, earning the admiration of his students.
However, a significant challenge emerged when some of his students began to turn against their own families.
“They told me that studying with me was very good, that I was rational and willing to listen. They said there was no one like this back home, and that they wanted to run away as far as they could.”
This revelation deeply impacted Em’s role as a teaching Fellow. He recognized that such an outcome was unsustainable, as it would lead to long-term harm for his students.
Despite facing setbacks, Em remained resolute in his determination to positively impact his students and their families.
Em’s mission began with his students. In addition to being attentive, Em was determined to transform his daily interactions with them into learning opportunities. He often encouraged students who confided in him to reflect on their emotions and motivations for their actions, while also urging them to consider solutions.
After two years, Em successfully fostered an inspirational and safe classroom environment for his students to unlock their potential by involving parents and the community.
“Parents who previously claimed they didn’t have time for their children began engaging in conversations with them and with teachers. The community started to regain faith in its youth.”
Reflecting on his journey, Em has no regrets about joining the Fellowship program.
“The two-year experience helped me grow. Being able to try, fail, and then succeed was fulfilling,” Em recalled with pride.
“Most importantly, being a teacher and learning about my students’ lives taught me the effort, time, and determination required to raise a child. I wouldn’t have understood it if I hadn’t spoken to them myself.”
Although he completed the Fellowship program five years ago, Em still keeps in touch with his students.
“I encountered a ninth-grade student who was struggling to fit in at school. After talking with him and making him feel more welcomed, we began conversing more often. He recently messaged me to share that he has graduated and secured a job.”
“He said, ‘I would have regretted not studying. I’ll never forget you. Thank you so much for your words,’” Em recounted, displaying the screenshot.
But not all students found success.
“Many of my students aren’t achieving their goals due to various factors, such as lack of financial freedom or being in a highly restrictive environment.”
In response, Em decided to redirect his regrets to benefit future Teach For Thailand (TFT) cohorts by joining TFT as a staff member after completing his two-year program. He mentors new teaching Fellows to collaborate closely with communities.
“I understand this process from start to finish. I know where to focus and where Fellows may encounter challenges.”
For the past seven years, Em has been a driving force in Teach For Thailand, serving as both a teaching Fellow and a staff member. Currently, Em works as Regional Lead, utilizing his ambition and belief in systematic changes to guide his work.
However, his ultimate motivation stems from the daily changes he witnesses.
“I’ve seen transformations in my students, improvements in their families, and satisfaction among teachers. I’ve noticed more individuals striving to initiate systematic changes – and that’s what fuels my passion,” Em concluded the interview.
Teach For Thailand is committed to transforming students’ lives by collaborating closely with them, as well as with parents and communities. We believe that by recruiting the most capable individuals to tackle the toughest task – teaching – they can become a significant force for positive change in Thai education.
Join us in driving change for Thai education by working with us, here. http://www.teachforthailand.org
