Kevin, I would like to know, what is your definition of a qualified teacher? Maybe I should rephrase this question. What makes someone a good teacher? If you think there are too many people teaching English in China without a degree,then how can their teaching ability be improved?

You may think this is a stupid question. I ask it because no matter what you think,FT's armed with only a TESOL certificate will continue to arrive in China. Some of these people will have natural teaching ability,but who are they going to ask for help and advice?

I know one bloke who came to China with just a TESOL certificate, taught primary school for six months,then became a DOS. His biggest claim to fame is that he can read a Superkids textbook and extrapolate from it.He is either to lazy,or stupid,to come up with his own original ideas. He thinks he is a great teacher, but he is lost without his Superkids and NP3 textbooks.

When he has to teach high school,or an adult conversation class,his confidence wanes, and his weakness is exposed. This is starting to sound boring so I will get to the point. This DOS is giving advice to real,highly qualified teachers. It is like a little kitten giving orders to the big cat. He even said to me: " I don't mean to bragg,but I am the best teacher in eastern China".

So,when newbies come to China, they are taking direction from morons like this.As you would know, there are hundreds of people like him. Chinese schools will continue to hire non-degree holders. The question is, how can they become good teachers. So I agree with Choatle,it is the schools fault. They could be honest, and look after their teachers and students,but they won't, the mighty dollar rules in China now.