Teacher pay figures come from RAND's 2026 State of the American Teacher survey. Program figures are current as of September 2026, from CEP's Thailand summer page.
Thirty percent of you hold two jobs. Over one thousand public school teachers reported finances to RAND in this report, revealing this trend among others.
After reading these figures, I thought about summer. Not summers spent by teachers floating in their pools, enjoying the luxury of leisure. Rather, summers spent tutoring, serving tables, or completing an additional contract writing coursework for schools.Other Findings by RAND
Average salaries for teachers reported this year amounted to $75,599. Persons similarly educated and with equivalent hours earned roughly $105,000 for their efforts this year. Only 40 percent received raises exceeding inflation rates for 2026. The average teacher reportedly spends $600 per year of his/her personal funds purchasing materials needed for the classroom. Eighteen percent plan to retire within five years. All facts which do not shock one working in a classroom of 30 students. However, this year RAND compiled those figures into a single resource.
Many emails come our way daily from those seeking information and opportunities. Recently, more inquiries seek advice on making summer employment worthwhile for current classroom teachers holding contracts for the following fall term. What can one do with seven weeks between positions to maximize benefit for oneself?
Here is an idea. Seven to twelve weeks teaching English in Thailand, from late May to August, with your placement assured prior to departure. Wages range between $900 – $1,200 monthly. Rental costs average $150-$300 monthly. Meals average $3 apiece. Typically, teachers report saving anywhere from $200 – $300 monthly after expenses have been deducted. In essence, this means a bonus after your summer employment.
Requirements include completion of a certification in ESL/TESOL/TEFL, unless one qualifies as either a licensed educator or recent education graduate. Otherwise, we recommend consideration of the TEFL Plus Certification Course offered through our partner institutions for all applicants. The course requires 120 contact hours, resulting in internationally accredited certification. Furthermore, potential participants enjoy three modules gratis prior to registration.
Most classroom teachers opting for placements through CEP have selected the summer program. Why? Because this particular placement suits perfectly a temporary, paying assignment outside a regular teaching contract. Furthermore, it allows the individual ample opportunity to reflect on their career path without making decisions regarding their future in education.
The placement will not resolve the disparity between wages earned annually by teachers ($30k). Nonetheless, this opportunity provides monetary gain, and a personal story to relate to students next year regarding how one invested their vacation months.
Interested teachers have expressed concern about scheduling conflicts with ongoing careers, as well as lack of funds to pay for additional training. Therefore, we have outlined logistical concerns involved in participating in a summer placement.
If you'd rather stay closer to your current job while you weigh it, we also wrote up the logistics of doing this without quitting anything.
Talk to us about a summer in Thailand.
Yes. Programs last 7-12 weeks and commence between May and August. Placement guarantee occurs in advance of departure, ensuring the applicant will return to his/her place of employment by September.
Participants receive a salary ranging between $900-$1,200 monthly. Rent averages between $150-$300. Meals cost roughly $3. Therefore, participants generally manage savings of $200-$300 monthly in addition to their salary amount.
No, provided you are employed or recently graduated as an educator. Others will complete the TEFL Plus Certification Course through our affiliate institution. The course requires 120 hours and leads to internationally recognized certification in the field. Free access to the initial three modules is granted before registration.
Applications are processed on a rolling admission basis with no application deadlines set. As placements span late May to August, individuals often begin applying months earlier to secure their ideal dates based upon the schedule of their respective districts. Confirmations precede booking travel arrangements.
CEP facilitates both long and short-term placements in multiple regions worldwide. The Thailand Summer Program accommodates educators who wish to pursue teaching opportunities concurrently with their permanent career endeavors.
The Cultural Exchange Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has placed native English speakers in paid teaching positions abroad for decades. Programs in Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Costa Rica, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
Randy LeGrant, CEP's Executive Director, writes these blog posts. If you like his writing, he also writes The Crossing — a weekly letter drawn from fifty years of watching people change their lives and their location. One story, one step, one question. Three minutes, every Friday. Subscribe free here.