The First Community Selection Program in Central Thailand
On February 1st and 2nd, 2024, Teach For Thailand conducted the first "Community Selection Program for Fellowship Cohort 11" for provinces in central Thailand. The two-day event brought together school executives, teachers from four schools in Bangkok and Nakhon Pathom, as well as instructors from Teach For Thailand. A total of nine candidates were selected to participate in the workshop, which will prepare them to serve as change agents in education across six provinces in central Thailand.
“Every community possesses its own wisdom, capabilities, and unique needs. Wouldn’t it be advantageous if communities could select teachers who can enact tailored changes for the benefit of their children?”
Guided by this principle, Teach For Thailand launched the “Community Selection Program” in northern Thailand in 2022. Collaborating with community representatives, the program aimed to identify the most suitable Leadership Fellow who could effectively work within the local context and engage with community members during their two-year tenure as a teacher. In 2024, the foundation expanded this initiative to central Thailand for the first time.
“It’s good that Teach For Thailand involves community members and teachers in the selection process, as they possess a deeper understanding of the school’s context. This advantage enables them to ask deeper questions and ensure that candidates are well-suited to work effectively within the real context,” reflected Tamonwan Rungwipoosana, a professional-level teacher from Samphran Wittaya School and one of the judging committee members.
The selection process involves individual and group interviews, teaching simulations, critical thinking tests, and self-reflection exercises, allowing candidates to demonstrate their full capabilities.
“Organizing this activity presented challenges. We needed to align the needs of our donors with Fellows and communities while maintaining the standard of the selection process to ensure the quality of the Fellow and alignment with the school’s objectives,” shared Keerata Mukherjee, Head of Scale, reflecting on the program.
“I was particularly excited about the involvement of community members as judges, as this signifies a new direction for Teach For Thailand that can foster sustainability in the future,” commented Sureepat Hormraruen, Teach For Thailand Alumni cohort 2, who was one of the judges.
“As an alumna, if I could turn back time I believe involving community members in the selection process would have been invaluable. They can provide insights based on their specific needs, allowing us to consider the school’s perspectives through their questions.”
“I have never experienced such an extensive selection process in any job interview. Teach For Thailand’s rigorous criteria also emphasize candidates’ self-reflection skills.”
Sureerat also notes significant changes in the foundation over the past decade. “Teach For Thailand is looking for individuals who can navigate the two-year journey with resilience and dedication, as it demands considerable adjustments and adaptability to effect real change.”
“It prioritizes long-term, sustainable, and flexible change. The ideal candidate isn’t just a leader but someone who listens attentively and embraces diversity.”
Through the “Community Selection Program for Fellowship Cohort 11,” Teach For Thailand is confident in recruiting the most suitable Fellow, tailored to community needs, capable of effecting tangible positive change. The program’s success highlights the importance of education to communities and society, fostering collaboration toward the vision that all children in Thailand have equitable access to quality education and the autonomy to shape their own futures.
Additional interview
Judging committee from target provinces
Somchai Siritong
Vice Director of Matthayom Suwitsereeanusorn School
“As a member of the executive board, I am glad to participate in the selection process for Teach For Thailand’s Fellows. I believe this program offers a valuable opportunity for individuals from diverse fields to contribute to enhancing Thai education. It signifies a genuine collaboration among individuals with varying potentials for the betterment of Thai children.”
Ratana Klaysripoh
Vice Director of Matthayom Suwitsereeanusorn School
“I am very pleased. I believe this program is the best for schools that will receive Teach For Thailand Fellows to work with. It provides us with insight into the selection process. It offers a valuable opportunity for improvement, such as enhancing our decision-making abilities and gaining a better understanding of diverse perspectives.”
Saitawin Saehum
Vice Director of Makkasan Phitthaya School
“I am honored to have been part of the local judging committee. These past two days have made me realize the challenges applicants face in becoming Teach For Thailand Fellows, and have provided me with a deeper understanding of the selection process. This knowledge will make it easier for me to communicate with other teachers in the school, enabling them to align their work with the foundation.”
Yupawan Kunthura
Head of Department of Mathematics, Wat Rangbua School
“I am honored to have been part of the judging committee. Over the past two days, I have witnessed the Foundation’s carefully curated selection criteria, which enables us to choose the most suitable candidates. The applicants come from diverse fields and possess various expertise, all of them remarkable.”
