Korean Job Discussion Forums

pkang0202 · Joined: 09 Mar 2007

I'm wondering how hard it would be for a public school to replace a native teacher once they leave. Is there a wait list and schools who have gotten a native teacher are placed at the bottom?

I'm wondering because first off, schools seem very determined to get their NT to renew their contract. Being very forceful or pushy about it at times.

Secondly, does it look bad to a public school if their Native Teacher goes to a different school? With the demand for Native Teachers, and the actual amount of us available, it would seem like we are very precious commodities to the public schools. Can anyone offer any insights?

mrsquirrel · Joined: 13 Dec 2006

I would presume that all the funding they get is taken away and the new staffroom coffee maker can't be bought anymore.

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

mrsquirrel · Joined: 13 Dec 2006

I have made the point before with my CT that she should be extremely happy that she has a teacher with experience, who is married, doesn't drink or smoke and overall leads a rather sedate/dull life.

I understand the not drinking confuses the poor buggers at the staff dinners but they should be happy I ain't out womanizing and sleeping in the street of this small town.

Time to start on the I'm irreplaceable propoganda.

tob55 · Joined: 29 Apr 2007

Most schools have no list of people waiting for a call...If an instructor leaves they are often left in the lurch having to figure out what to do, and in many cases they become more turned off by foreign instructors coming to their school...There are circumstances where a contract is ended for medical reasons beyond their control and in those situations the schools are much more understanding, but once the money is received from the MOE they must spend it on an instructor, so they will be forced to hire the replacement at the same level of pay the original instructor was at, unless they petition to the MOE for more funding...

bosintang · Posted: Sun Jul 01, 2007 6:49 pm Post subject:

pkang0202 · Joined: 09 Mar 2007

tob55 · Joined: 29 Apr 2007

Since being at my school (three years now) they have given me the opportunity to write three curriculum textbooks along with a host of other educational materials...I have the opportunity to use my free time at school for professional development and trying to improve the program goals...I try to work with the faculty closely to ensure we are going in the right direction...There are some things I am out of the loop on, but for the most part it is really fun to have such a proactive group of people to work with...

Been There, Taught That · Posted: Sun Jul 01, 2007 7:18 pm Post subject:

So, since I have 21 months experience, I can feel free to let a recruiter know I want a public school and to say exactly what I will and won't accept? Of course, I'll do that anyway, but, you know.

pkang0202 · Joined: 09 Mar 2007

I really need to write down all the things that irk me about my school and bring them up at contract renewal meeting.

Be like "Hey, I'd love to renew with you guys buuuuuuuut......(list off item after item). I'd given it some thought and no thanks, I'll be going to a different school. Good day!"

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

The_Conservative · Joined: 15 Mar 2007

Gwangjuboy · Joined: 08 Jul 2003 Location: England

My school is very remote. I am on my third contract with tem. The school wanted me to renew the contract but I've never been made to feel like a was indespensible. As noone speaks English all communication is done in Korean. I have even passed the Korean National Proficiency Test (high level) and still they haven't come accross as that eager to keep hold of me. Far from it; they actually wanted to increase the amount of classes I teach during camp. I feel so annoyed at them that I highly doubt I will renew. Virtually noone at the school is particuarly friendly and I have nothing in common with my colleagues. I might start telling them that I will only speak English to them from now one (this would resut in no conversation taking place as they can't speak English even at a basic level). Frankly, the fact that we can have a pretty fluent conversation in Korean has emboldened them to be more pissy with me. It's quite depressing.

Gwangjuboy · Joined: 08 Jul 2003 Location: England

Morton · Joined: 06 Mar 2007

Don't be a wimp. Go in and ask for the things you want. If they don't give you what you want then go elsewhere.

I'm the first NT my school has ever had. This means the way i act will set a precedent for any teachers who follow me. Approach it as you would a job back home. If you're not happy with what is offered then keep looking.

Please don't misinterpret this as advising you to go in with a list of demands shouting the odds. Rather understand that as a professional you have the right to ask for more. If you're worth your salt then you have a good chance.

Bottom line is: You don't ask, you don't get.