Korean Job Discussion Forums

[DanseurVertical]

In my first month in Korea (2011) I met a teacher who taught after school classes at a public elementary school in SW Seoul. At the time I was teaching regular classes at a public middle school. I enjoy teaching and would prefer to work in a public school environment. Of course I completed my year of teaching regular classes, but the year was very tiring, since I am by no means well suited to work early morning hours. Yet I cannot work nights (past 7 or 8pm) either.

From how I understood, certain public schools commission private agencies to find for them a teacher for their after school classes. I do not clearly understand the arrangement or associated contract, but I am curious about positions like this.

If you have experience in such a position, please provide more detail about the nature of the work. In particular, the contract, typical pay, typical hours, number of different lessons per week, office location & hours, and anything else you judge relevant.

Any useful information is appreciated!

[RK12]

[DanseurVertical]

[warmachinenkorea]

http://www.thinkoutsiderecruiting.com/after-school-program.php

This recruiter does hagwon, PS and after school.

These jobs are becoming more and more common. I know a few people here in Daegu that do it.

[missty]

^ Thanks for that link. I am actually looking into working in the Bundang/Suwon/Yongin area next year, and it looks like this company places people right in that area.

I worked in afterschool last year, and the hours were by and far the best thing. I worked 1-5:30, but was teaching straight through with five minute breaks. Obviously I also came in an hour earlier for prep work as well. My job was through a separate company, so I wasn't contracted directly through the school.

I can't really give a 'typical' idea of what after school is like, as I am sure most places are different. But I was on 2.3 with basic holidays, working about 24 hours a week. The downside was the parents had massive control over everything, and we would have bi-yearly observations where they would grade me on my class. But if you are a confident teacher with a few years under your belt then it shouldn't be an issue.

[Weigookin74]

Are you teaching out of books like in a hakwon environment or do you have some freedom over your teaching or a bit of both? Is it like public school where they just non renew you if they don't like you or fire you with no warning like I have heard some hakwons do?

I'd like to use some hakwon style books but occasionally submit my own materials. I like having partial control and using my own power points in public schools. I think just reading a book from a desk like a hakwon all the time would be extremely boring.

[crisdean]

[Weigookin74]

[beckett]

Do you have any idea how early you should start applying? My public school gig ends in August but I'm already thinking about next year. I am starting studies soon and would like to have free time in the morning to get some extra work done. I suppose about May/June would be standard to start applying for a Septemeber start?

[s.tickbeat]

I worked for an after school program last year, and your entire experience will depend on the relationship between the school and the company that's been contracted. When I worked at one, the relationship started well and went very badly after one of the Korean teachers left. After she left, we were being told again and again to change things. The vice-principal of the public wanted more worksheets, then we were using too much photocopy paper; then she wanted more games, but we weren't studying hard enough; then more activities and songs but not for the older students; then more tests but the students complained. . .

Eventually, a few months after my contract ended, the contract was cancelled. I could see it happening, and it's why I didn't renew or re-sign.

I guess that the pros are REALLY good: really good hours, decent pay, and all the benefits of a standard contract (medical, pension, severance)

The cons are awful - at my school, the Korean teachers were paid based on enrollment, so the students basically ran that program. Their behavior was shockingly bad, and there were no consequences for fear of losing students.
Additionally, you have little job security. If the contract goes bust, you're toast.

[jennad]