Korean Job Discussion Forums

katsu · Joined: 15 Mar 2007 Location: here and there

I've been reading a few blogs on SMOE, and researching here and there and I'm finding quite a lot of negativity in terms of Seoul schools (principals, co-teachers, SMOE district officials and coordinators)

Are you currently working with SMOE? Have you worked for them in the recent past?

What was your experience like? Any regrets?

World Traveler · Joined: 29 May 2009

SUPER hard to get into these days. I wouldn't count on getting a job with them. They cut jobs, and those already within the system got first dibs on the remaining ones.

goreality · Joined: 09 Jul 2009

There are some schools that do have coworkers and principals who can make your life more miserable than it should be. They may not like the program or they may feel you are annoying or unqualified. If you are a good teacher, worker and person, you can usually turn them around. There are probably even more foreigners who come to work in schools and turn their coworkers against them, for failing in those categories, but fail to realize the source of the problems. Coordinators and district officials don't bother you unless you have some sort of serious conflict with your school, usually they just clarify your role or duties when there is a misunderstanding.

byrddogs · Joined: 19 Jun 2009 Location: Shanghai

I don't have any regrets working for SMOE. I was treated well by both the BOE and by my school during my time there. I do regret a little becoming too comfortable and not moving on from Korea earlier, however. I'm content these days working at an international school for Korean expat students in another country.

schwa · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Location: Yap

byrddogs · Joined: 19 Jun 2009 Location: Shanghai

cam83 · Joined: 27 Jan 2013 Location: Seoul, South Korea

I'm currently working for SMOE and have been since 2009. Im a black guy from London and have been treated very well over the years. Any issues I had were sorted out in a professional manner and there is generally a lot of support if you ask for it. There were a few teachers I didn't get along with but you just suck it up and do your job well... small gestures like offering to help with a little paperwork or bring in some fruits for the staff goes a long way ^^

SMOE is probably the most difficult public school job to get nowadays (for reasons stated by an earlier post). In order to stay on, every year they give us a practical review (40-45min class demo seen by SMOE admin), then a teachers review (basically shows you get along and can work well together) and then a student review (they evaluate what they think of your lessons/attitude/general enjoyment of the class). Oh and let's not forget the parents. Overall, you have to score 80% or above to be considered for renewal.

I think the negative posts will likely be from those who have had a particular issue/problem with their schools/co-teacher that they couldn't resolve. I'm interested to know, what type of bad reviews have you been reading? Could you give any examples.