Job Discussion Forums

corall · Joined: 23 Apr 2004 Posts: 270 Location: istanbul, turkey

stick it out girl... at least you teach english, it could be worse you could be their english art teacher like my flatmate. they walk all over her not only because it's english but also because its art... aka break time.

but seriously, you are not alone and you will feel much better when the holidays come and your getting paid for them...

Ebenezer · Joined: 02 Sep 2004 Posts: 99

My dear...
I feel so sorry, for you... I've been there and if I didn't believe God I would have committed suicide or killed someone... but maybe you don't believe God, so you should consider these options... my friend, unless you take a gun to the classroom you have no chance! You're history...
there's something else you can do: leave them high and dry!!! If all the foreign teachers started doing it, I'm sure things would change. Fail the students??? Call their parents??? Their parents don't care!!! You can't fail students!! I know what I'm talking about, believe me!!!

richard ame · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 319 Location: Republic of Turkey

I don't usually stick my toe in much these days but the last post compelled me to add my two cents worth .
I did my stint at a private high schools about 7 .5 years in total,not an easy time ,but I survived I still teach a lot of those kids now but in a uni still I don't really want to say too much on an open forum (experience is such a great teacher) pm me and give me a bit more detail about your situation, place of work etc and I may be able to give you a bit more useable advice than you received thus far .
Failing the kids will not help things only make it worse are you the only foreigner ?
Above all else remain calm and professional .

ghost · Joined: 30 Jan 2003 Posts: 1693 Location: Saudi Arabia

Faustino · Joined: 10 Sep 2004 Posts: 601

I suggest reading 'Diary of a Language Teacher'. This is a classic text, and it will help to put things into perspective. Even after six years in this profession, I return to this book now and then.

mongrelcat · Joined: 12 Mar 2004 Posts: 232

oh great I'm about to start in a private kolej for k-12 for the next year and a half.

anyway, i heard that an ESL teacher in one of these schools got fired recently because he wouldn't pass the student who, apparently, was a beast and a slack-off, and the parents got pissed so they made the school fire him. But that was in a secondary school though.

Faustino · Joined: 10 Sep 2004 Posts: 601

Such tales are regrettably commonlpace. Please bear in mind that there's a fair chance you'll be expected to pass students that you've never even seen. This is just how it is. The money coming in is more important than the credibility of the school. You could even say that it would damage the credibility of some places if they didn't allow money to do the talking, as this is what some parents expect from a school.

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

Faustino, 'Diary of a language teacher' who is the author? Is it Jochim somebody or another- the German bloke?

calsimsek · Joined: 15 Jul 2004 Posts: 775 Location: Ist Turkey

Hi Vre.

What about all the sad people who prostituted themselves and sold their souls.

I have never sold my soul. I am in control I rule the class, If you want to fail a student you can. The law states that you can't fail Grades 1-6. As of this year grade seven and above can be failed. A good school will support you.
IT's up to each person to set his or her limits and to stick to them. If parents and students know that you will stick to your guns. Then they will repect you. Turks like strong willed people who a fair and strait with them.
If you think like some you may as well leave now. See the good as well as the bad.

cazzy · Joined: 14 Jul 2004 Posts: 11 Location: turkey

I really appreciate all the support. I have decided to teach part-time until the summer then see how I feel.This experience has really clouded my thoughts about being in Turkey so much so Im really homesick and going back to Scotland looks the most attractive option.Have never been a quitter but i think this time Im beat Embarassed

corall · Joined: 23 Apr 2004 Posts: 270 Location: istanbul, turkey

i hear you...i teach in a kolej as well and the hours are long and i feel worn out at the mo as well...but 4 more months...it seems like a long time but it will pass quickly...i hope so anyways

31 · Joined: 21 Jan 2005 Posts: 1797

Don`t forget the local teachers who undermine and underpin the problem.

A pal of mine was working at a private school and the owner gave each local teacher a couple of boxes of brochures and told them to go door to door and deliver them at the weekend. And they did.

whynotme · Joined: 07 Nov 2004 Posts: 728 Location: istanbul

31,
do they still work there?

vre · Joined: 17 Mar 2004 Posts: 371

calsmisek, I never said that!!!

[/quote]Hi Vre.

What about all the sad people who prostituted themselves and sold their souls.

I have never sold my soul.

vre · Joined: 17 Mar 2004 Posts: 371

still can't do that flippin quote thing!