Yes, joyayi!

It is a very unfortunate and infuriating situation for many very qualified and passionate teachers. There's far too much concern about someone's appearance here, as a barometer for their effectiveness and value and "marketability" (for the school). I am lucky to have a typical (certainly not handsome) Western face. But I have been railing against this mentality that you speak of with school managers and students ever since I came here. The best education comes from diversity -- diversity of opinions, cultural background, experience, and appearance!

Yes, in America we value the strengths and perspectives of good Filipino teachers.

Recently, I refused to teach a new class of students for numerous reasons which I will not detail here (sorry!). I had a long talk with the education manager explaining to her that my services were not necessary at this point in the students' English-speaking development, and that they would be better served by a Chinese teacher at this point.

Her reply was that although the students couldn't speak at all and basically couldn't understand anything I said (despite how simple and slow I spoke) they were demanding a foreign face! I found this response rather offensive as I take pride in my work and strengths as a teacher. I suggested to her that if this was their only desire, then perhaps she should just hang a photo of me in the classroom. Mission accomplished!