Teacher Background Checks.

Although I am not in mainstream teaching here in Thailand I like to keep abreast on what is happening in the TEFL world. One of the best forums in Thailand for this is Ajarn (teacher in Thai).

Today I was reading a forum post regarding background checks on teachers here in the Land of Smiles. Unfortunately in the past this country has attracted its fair share of paedophile teachers who are only too willing to take advantage of the warm welcome offered in Thailand.

Some background checks are carried out by the Ministry of Education but this is by no means thorough enough. The recent arrest of the Director of Studies of a leading English learning provider, for child abuse, in Bangkok adds further weight to this argument.

But what do you think, if you are a teacher or learner, what are your experiences in this area?
Should compulsory checks be carried out, perhaps involving an international organisation.

For me there is no question about background checks, since I believe they should be compulsory and carried out in the applicants home nation as well as their host nation. It might not be foolproof but I am sure it would help. The bottom line is that teachers have a responsibility to their learners, while employers also shoulder a responsibility to other teachers, learners and parents.

As always your comments are welcome.