Korean Job Discussion Forums

[brianfkelly10]

I have made an improvement list for my hagwon. I feel after working at 2 hagwons before my current one, as well as 3 schools in 3 other countries, and having most of my MA, I can submit it. The boss seems laissez faire about anything I do, but she does teach and work in the teacher's room.

Should I submit the list? Will it improve things, or make me look like an arrogant waygook?

The list includes specific things, e.g., organize the curriculum content on the shared drive, repaint the front of the podiums, adjust the overhead projectors, change the layout of the vocabulary tests, etcs.

[tophatcat]

[edwardcatflap]

[nicwr2002]

First, what is your relationship with the director? From my experience, most hagwons don't give 2 cents about what you think. I've only worked at one place that valued my input, so you have to gauge if your director will appreciate it or not. I'm sure they won't be upset, but just don't get bent out of shape or feel bad when they ignore your suggestions. Your suggestions are good though, in my opinion.

[Gatorwild]

[Chia Pet]

It depends on your relationship with her, but if you have any doubts then I do NOT think it's a good idea to submit the list.

One example you mentioned was repainting the podiums. Do you have a special idea or insight about these podiums that she has not thought of? If not, then there's no need to talk about them. If she thinks it's important to repaint the podiums she will get to it when she wants. You are not showing initiative by telling your boss what you think she should do. If you have an idea, then fine. Otherwise, it's like telling her to tidy up her desk. She probably won't act upset, but it's likely she'll feel disrespected as a boss and you may see her behavior towards you change. The fact that you think your work experience and your MA have anything to do with this makes your idea seem especially bad.

If the podiums or other things have little influence on your work, then forget about them. If something like the computer files or projectors are making the job harder for you and other teachers, then you could offer to work on those problems YOURSELF, and explain your plan. Then after you arrange things your way you can let her decide if she wants to go with it or keep things the old way.

She has been good to you by being laissez faire. Don't ruin it for other teachers by making her want to change, and don't let it go to your head.

[brianfkelly10]

Well, I gave her the detailed list, very well detailed. I explained why I gave her the list — because I want more students at the school [for job security.]

Today, I was fired. No warning. The vice principal, not the boss, told me, "Elementary students complained. Not to you, but to homeroom teachers."

*I worked there for five months.
*My first week I was told that students didn't know foreigner teachers could teach, implying I'm a great teacher.
*My boss told me in my first month to be in contact with a prospective new teacher because they wanted to fire the only other foreigner teacher. *Eventually, they didn't. He's still there.
*My boss signed her name for a letter of recommendation for grad school for me.

Basically, I was fired because I showed I care. Guess I was too academic. Not entertaining enough. *sigh*

[goat]

You are messing with us?

You are funning with us, right?

I want to believe you, but this seems…

[brianfkelly10]

True story. I'm looking for a new job now. I have to leave by September 15th.

[nicwr2002]

They can't just fire you for no reason though. You had no warnings in writing. There is no 6 month probationary period for contract workers btw. Are they going to give you a letter of release so you can find a new job? Did they give you 30 days notice? If not, you are entitled to another month's pay.