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cdmcguire
Joined: 08 Jun 2007
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 Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 2:40 am Post subject: Public School Advice Wanted |
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I am due to start my first (ever) teaching job at a public school and will be teaching at a middle and high school in a small town. I recently completed a CELTA course, but of course that was geared to teaching adults, so I am a little apprehensive how this will translate.
Does anyone have any advice for a first time public school teacher e.g. resource books, online resources, likely problems, props to bring and so on. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.
I have tried in vain to search for similar requests, but the search facility is very poor.
Thanks in advance. |
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icnelly
Joined: 25 Jan 2006
Location: Bucheon
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| Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 3:58 am Post subject: |
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Here are some sites to get you started:
http://gepik.ken.go.kr/r/bbs/board.php?bbs_code=k_e_teaching
This is the GEPIK website, and this link takes you directly to the elementary lesson plans built for the National Curriculum. Take a look and at least review the material to see what you'll be dealing with.
http://ddd.batcave.net/
This is Ddeubel's page: tons of information, highly useful, and a great place to go for articles, resources, ideas, and anything related to teaching.
Props to Ddeubel on this!
http://www.gfes.tpc.edu.tw/board/abc-song/
This is just some flash song page that was posted on Dave's before.
http://www.btinternet.com/~ted.power/teflindex.htm
A great site with alot of info for a new teacher.
If you want a personal reader of activites and ideas for the classroom just PM me with your email addy. It's nothing fantastic, but it's got good activities that can get you started, and some ideas/abstractions/experiences about teaching. |
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Songtan33
Joined: 04 Jun 2007
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| Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 4:09 am Post subject: |
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I am sorry to disappoint you, but if you think you are going to feel like a real teacher teaching in a real middle/highschool think again.
First of all you are going to feel isolated and not very welcome by Korean teachers after about a month. At the beginning everyone will be very nice to you but afterwards you're going to feel like a burden and you will be left all by yourself asking yourself "what in the world did I get myself into"?
The kids are going to make fun of you and treat you like you're a clown. They are going to make comments about you in Korean, and often will look back to see if the Korean teacher heard them or is looking. Korean kids don't have much respect for foreign teachers in general. The older they get the more nasty they become. That's why you'll see a few Korean teachers walking around with sticks and giving them the old. "If you can't eat your meat you can't have any pudding" on their hands and butts. Ofcourse you won't be allowed to practice this type of discipline because Korea is for Koreans only and you are not supposed to be taken seriously anyway.
I worked at a public school in an isolated town. I know exactly where you are heading. Most Korean schools are all the same. The only difference pretty much is location.
Don't expect to make any "real friends" with your co-workers. They kind of resent getting paid less and having to stand in the back of your class waiting for your instruction.
(but they will never say a word about it to you) They know it's their job and they don't want to get fired.
That's Korea Gov policy..that's Korea for ya!
ps: Korean school lunches can get pretty nasty..make sure you have a big mac stashed away somewhere.
Oh and one more thing...often one teacher may try and get close to you to find out what's on your mind. They will even try and help you in some ways so be careful, because once they see they aren't getting any props from the school for "helping the new foreign teacher" they are going to drop you on your ass, and you will be left thinking whatever happened to Mrs. Lee Song who used to take me shopping and drive me home after work.
Most Korean teachers are snitches, it's part of their culture. They talk alot about others, don't give them any personal information about yourself and don't open up to them even if they seem sincere. Most of the time they are, but when it comes down to it they will turn they're backs on you in a second. This is a proven and known fact.
No serverance, no flight home and a boss that will probably pay you late. The reason for this is because most Korean bosses will prey on your weaknesses. The more they get to know what you are all about..the more they will hold against you or look for excuses to try and pocket your money. Korean bosses are most motivated by greed, that's why they drink like animals and have sex with just about every prostitute they can get their hands on. Most bosses are also running businesses on the side which I won't get into. Use your street sense and don't let anyone f@@k you.
Last edited by Songtan33 on Wed Aug 08, 2007 6:45 am; edited 2 times in total |
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oskinny1
Joined: 10 Nov 2006
Location: Right behind you!
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| Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 4:32 am Post subject: |
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| Songtan33 wrote: |
| Waaaa!! Waaaaa!!! *sniff sniff* waaaaaa!!!!! |
Don't listen to this guy. I think he went in for some screwy stuff and now he is blaming all of Korea.
I teach at a public high school and it's great. I get to make my own lessons, the students listen to me and do what they are told (because if they don't I will tell their homeroom teacher who will put a stick up their ass). If they talk bad about you in Korean, who cares? It is the same anywhere else you might teach.
As for what to bring, check the links the other poster put up. You are working for a public school, they will follow the rules 95% of the time. |
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butlerian
Joined: 04 Sep 2006
Location: Korea
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| Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 4:36 am Post subject: |
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| Songtan33 wrote: |
I am sorry to disappoint you, but if you think you are going to feel like a real teacher teaching in a real middle/highschool think again.
First of all you are going to feel isolated and not very welcome by Korean teachers after about a month. At the beginning everyone will be very nice to you but afterwards you're going to feel like a burden and you will be left all by yourself asking yourself "what in the world did I get myself into"?
The kids are going to make fun of you and treat you like you're a clown. They are going to make comments about you in Korean, and often will look back to see if the Korean teacher heard them or is looking. Korean kids don't have much respect for foreign teachers in general. The older they get the more nasty they become. That's why you'll see a few Korean teachers walking around with sticks and giving them the old. "If you can't eat your meat you can't have any pudding" on their hands and butts. Ofcourse you won't be allowed to practice this type of discipline because Korea is for Koreans only and you are not supposed to be taken seriously anyway.
I worked at a public school in an isolated town. I know exactly where you are heading. Most Korean schools are all the same. The only difference pretty much is location.
Don't expect to make any "real friends" with your co-workers. They kind of resent getting paid less and having to stand in the back of your class waiting for your instruction.
(but they will never say a word about it to you) They know it's their job and they don't want to get fired.
That's Korea Gov policy..that's Korea for ya!
ps: Korean school lunches can get pretty nasty..make sure you have a big mac stashed away somewhere.
Oh and one more thing...often one teacher may try and get close to you to find out what's on your mind. They will even try and help you in some ways so be careful, because once they see they aren't getting any props from the school for "helping the new foreign teacher" they are going to drop you on your ass, and you will be left thinking whatever happened to Mrs. Lee Song who used to take me shopping and drive me home after work.
Most Korean teachers are snitches, it's part of their culture. They talk alot about others, don't give them any personal information about you and don't open up to them or you're doomed.
No serverance, no flight home and a boss that will probably pay you late. The reason for this is because most Korean bosses will prey on your weaknesses. The more they know they can get away with..with you the more they will do so and try to pocket what's yours. Korean bosses are most motivated by greed, that's why they drink like animals and have sex with just about every prostitute they can get their hands on. Most bosses are also running businesses on the side which I won't get into. Use your street sense and don't let anyone f@@k you. |
That's horribly over-generalising. In my town all of the public school teachers are happy with their job and, to the best of my knowledge, are appreciated by their co-teachers. In fact, some co-teachers and native-speakers often meet up weekly for a few drinks at a local hof. As for how the students will treat you, a lot depends on how you go about teaching and how you communicate with your co-teachers in terms of how you will work together to get the most out of the lessons. I think Ddeubel could give some good advice on many of these issues.
Don't worry - not everyone has a good experience over here, but remember that the people who use this forum are generally the ones who are in some way dissatisfied. |
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Songtan33
Joined: 04 Jun 2007
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| Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 4:40 am Post subject: |
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| oskinny1 wrote: |
| Songtan33 wrote: |
| Waaaa!! Waaaaa!!! *sniff sniff* waaaaaa!!!!! |
Don't listen to this guy. I think he went in for some screwy stuff and now he is blaming all of Korea.
I teach at a public high school and it's great. I get to make my own lessons, the students listen to me and do what they are told (because if they don't I will tell their homeroom teacher who will put a stick up their ass). If they talk bad about you in Korean, who cares? It is the same anywhere else you might teach.
As for what to bring, check the links the other poster put up. You are working for a public school, they will follow the rules 95% of the time. |
Don't listen to this noob, he doesn't seem to understand what's going on around him. If you have half a brain in your head you will see that everything I told you is right on the money. Even if he did luck out on a public school position, that's 1 out of every 50 I would say, that will actually be good in all respects. Korean schools are pretty standard all over, all you have to do is look around you. It doesn't take a brain to figure it out.
Most teachers that have taught in public schools know what i'm talking about don't worry. There are a few that luck out but most are unhappy. This post has nothing to do with Korea in general I knew this already before I came to Korea a second time, but nothing changed. Korea won't change for you, you have to change for Korea. If you don't believe this while you're there you won't last long. |
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Songtan33
Joined: 04 Jun 2007
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| Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 4:44 am Post subject: |
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| butlerian wrote: |
| Songtan33 wrote: |
I am sorry to disappoint you, but if you think you are going to feel like a real teacher teaching in a real middle/highschool think again.
First of all you are going to feel isolated and not very welcome by Korean teachers after about a month. At the beginning everyone will be very nice to you but afterwards you're going to feel like a burden and you will be left all by yourself asking yourself "what in the world did I get myself into"?
The kids are going to make fun of you and treat you like you're a clown. They are going to make comments about you in Korean, and often will look back to see if the Korean teacher heard them or is looking. Korean kids don't have much respect for foreign teachers in general. The older they get the more nasty they become. That's why you'll see a few Korean teachers walking around with sticks and giving them the old. "If you can't eat your meat you can't have any pudding" on their hands and butts. Ofcourse you won't be allowed to practice this type of discipline because Korea is for Koreans only and you are not supposed to be taken seriously anyway.
I worked at a public school in an isolated town. I know exactly where you are heading. Most Korean schools are all the same. The only difference pretty much is location.
Don't expect to make any "real friends" with your co-workers. They kind of resent getting paid less and having to stand in the back of your class waiting for your instruction.
(but they will never say a word about it to you) They know it's their job and they don't want to get fired.
That's Korea Gov policy..that's Korea for ya!
ps: Korean school lunches can get pretty nasty..make sure you have a big mac stashed away somewhere.
Oh and one more thing...often one teacher may try and get close to you to find out what's on your mind. They will even try and help you in some ways so be careful, because once they see they aren't getting any props from the school for "helping the new foreign teacher" they are going to drop you on your ass, and you will be left thinking whatever happened to Mrs. Lee Song who used to take me shopping and drive me home after work.
Most Korean teachers are snitches, it's part of their culture. They talk alot about others, don't give them any personal information about you and don't open up to them or you're doomed.
No serverance, no flight home and a boss that will probably pay you late. The reason for this is because most Korean bosses will prey on your weaknesses. The more they know they can get away with..with you the more they will do so and try to pocket what's yours. Korean bosses are most motivated by greed, that's why they drink like animals and have sex with just about every prostitute they can get their hands on. Most bosses are also running businesses on the side which I won't get into. Use your street sense and don't let anyone f@@k you. |
That's horribly over-generalising. In my town all of the public school teachers are happy with their job and, to the best of my knowledge, are appreciated by their co-teachers. In fact, some co-teachers and native-speakers often meet up weekly for a few drinks at a local hof. As for how the students will treat you, a lot depends on how you go about teaching and how you communicate with your co-teachers in terms of how you will work together to get the most out of the lessons. I think Ddeubel could give some good advice on many of these issues.
Don't worry - not everyone has a good experience over here, but remember that the people who use this forum are generally the ones who are in some way dissatisfied. |
Don't listen to this noob either, she's probably eye candy for her boss, she doesn't seem to me, to have any real teaching experience to come out with a stupid comment like that. Just because they go for dirnks with you doesn't mean they are you're friends and will stand behind you.
Stop lying to people, you're giving a false impression for a noob, who's taking their first teaching job. You know that Korean public schools suck, for the most part why you lying to a noob? Just being isolated is enough to want to leave. |
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butlerian
Joined: 04 Sep 2006
Location: Korea
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| Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 4:46 am Post subject: |
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| Songtan33 wrote: |
| oskinny1 wrote: |
| Songtan33 wrote: |
| Waaaa!! Waaaaa!!! *sniff sniff* waaaaaa!!!!! |
Don't listen to this guy. I think he went in for some screwy stuff and now he is blaming all of Korea.
I teach at a public high school and it's great. I get to make my own lessons, the students listen to me and do what they are told (because if they don't I will tell their homeroom teacher who will put a stick up their ass). If they talk bad about you in Korean, who cares? It is the same anywhere else you might teach.
As for what to bring, check the links the other poster put up. You are working for a public school, they will follow the rules 95% of the time. |
Don't listen to this noob, he doesn't seem to understand what's going on around him. If you have half a brain in your head you will see that everything I told you is right on the money. Even if he did luck out on a public school position, that's 1 out of every 50 I would say, that will actually be good in all respects. Korean schools are pretty standard all over, all you have to do is look around you. It doesn't take a brain to figure it out.
Most teachers that have taught in public schools know what i'm talking about don't worry. There are a few that luck out but most are unhappy. This post has nothing to do with Korea in general I knew this already before I came to Korea a second time, but nothing changed. Korea won't change for you, you have to change for Korea. If you don't believe this while you're there you won't last long. |
It's not all about luck - the secret is research. Yu_Bum_Suk is a good example of someone who did this and is now happily working at a high school. There are many public school teachers who are happy working at their school(s) - they just don't waste their time on here complaining about trivial matters. |
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oskinny1
Joined: 10 Nov 2006
Location: Right behind you!
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| Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 4:50 am Post subject: |
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| Songtan33 wrote: |
| oskinny1 wrote: |
| Songtan33 wrote: |
| Waaaa!! Waaaaa!!! *sniff sniff* waaaaaa!!!!! |
Don't listen to this guy. I think he went in for some screwy stuff and now he is blaming all of Korea.
I teach at a public high school and it's great. I get to make my own lessons, the students listen to me and do what they are told (because if they don't I will tell their homeroom teacher who will put a stick up their ass). If they talk bad about you in Korean, who cares? It is the same anywhere else you might teach.
As for what to bring, check the links the other poster put up. You are working for a public school, they will follow the rules 95% of the time. |
Don't listen to this noob, he doesn't seem to understand what's going on around him. If you have half a brain in your head you will see that everything I told you is right on the money. Even if he did luck out on a public school position, that's 1 out of every 50 I would say, that will actually be good in all respects. Korean schools are pretty standard all over, all you have to do is look around you. It doesn't take a brain to figure it out.
Most teachers that have taught in public schools know what i'm talking about don't worry. There are a few that luck out but most are unhappy. This post has nothing to do with Korea in general I knew this already before I came to Korea a second time, but nothing changed. Korea won't change for you, you have to change for Korea. If you don't believe this while you're there you won't last long. |
I may be a "noob" (only have 22 days left in my contract, three years of teaching EFL) but I must be doing a better job than you. Sorry you were shat on, but my co-workers continually invite me to their homes and out to dinner and bars. All my friends here are happy as well. Maybe I am just eye candy.
OP, nothing is perfect, roll with the punches when they are thrown, don't be a pushover but don't rock the boat either. |
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butlerian
Joined: 04 Sep 2006
Location: Korea
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| Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 4:53 am Post subject: |
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| Songtan33 wrote: |
Don't listen to this noob either, she's probably eye candy for her boss, she doesn't seem to me, to have any real teaching experience to come out with a stupid comment like that. Just because they go for dirnks with you doesn't mean they are you're friends and will stand behind you.
Stop lying to people, you're giving a false impression for a noob, who's taking their first teaching job. You know that Korean public schools suck, for the most part why you lying to a noob? Just being isolated is enough to want to leave. |
I can fully understand now, considering your replies to the people on this thread, why your co-workers and students disliked you. Frankly, I'd be very surprised to find anyone who could respect someone who's greatest attempt at attacking someone is to call them a "noob" and a "she", as though being female is in some way negative. |
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Songtan33
Joined: 04 Jun 2007
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| Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 4:58 am Post subject: |
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Guys that's B.S. and you know it..and roll, with the punches is exactly what you are going to be spending the next year doing.
Yu Bum Suk does alot of talking and alot of brown nosing. His nose is so covered in feces not even a sewer could hold him up if he blew his nose.
He's a great talker on this board, if you want to lie to yourself to keep you going like he does and you find it helps, then by all means. Dave's has a place for you. I know the roll call, now he's going to come on here and talk about his salary and all his benefits and how great he's doing. Been there done that with him, it really means nothing.. and all talk! A Bum is exactly all he is, IMO.
The kids all respected me at the beginning, that wasn't the problem. It was everything around it. The kids were the least of my worries. I couldn't care less what they had to say. They thought I was a cool teacher actually lol, but the bureaucracy will get to you just watch.
ps: Besides the kids will talk about you whether they like you or not. You'll just never catch them.
Last edited by Songtan33 on Wed Aug 08, 2007 5:08 am; edited 2 times in total |
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icnelly
Joined: 25 Jan 2006
Location: Bucheon
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| Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 5:01 am Post subject: |
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| butlerian wrote: |
| Songtan33 wrote: |
Don't listen to this noob either, she's probably eye candy for her boss, she doesn't seem to me, to have any real teaching experience to come out with a stupid comment like that. Just because they go for dirnks with you doesn't mean they are you're friends and will stand behind you.
Stop lying to people, you're giving a false impression for a noob, who's taking their first teaching job. You know that Korean public schools suck, for the most part why you lying to a noob? Just being isolated is enough to want to leave. |
I can fully understand now, considering your replies to the people on this thread, why your co-workers and students disliked you. Frankly, I'd be very surprised to find anyone who could respect someone who's greatest attempt at attacking someone is to call them a "noob" and a "she", as though being female is in some way negative. |
Took the words right out of my mouth. Songtan, get a grip.
1 in 50??? Where'd you get that number?
OP, songtan got screwed in some afterschool program and is now mad at the world: take thon's advice with a grain of salt.
gender neutral pronouns; gotta love em! |
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Songtan33
Joined: 04 Jun 2007
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| Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 5:07 am Post subject: |
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Anyways whatever!
Tell me how you like your public school job? ok?
Then we'll see who's right or wrong.
I'm not gonna argue with you people lol I know for a fact and not just from me MANY MANY teachers that say the same thing about their public schools. So whatever 
I'll wait for the news, from the Noob about the job, then we'll continue this discussion.
Cheers! |
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Dome Vans
Guest
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| Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 5:35 am Post subject: |
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Songtan,
Possibly one of the most ridiculous attempts at hijacking a thread from somebody who probably got skrewed by his school or co-teachers and probably deserved it. Attitude like that really doesn't warrant discussion, so if you please go and whine on some other forum. Maybe join the other people on
http://forums.skysports.com/
You'll be right at home there because they argue round about your level.
| Quote: |
| Guys that's B.S. and you know it..and roll, with the punches is exactly what you are going to be spending the next year doing. |
Are you in the right job, punches, shouldn't you be a boxer.
My public has a really good principal (english speaking), I have a fantastic co-teacher, long holidays, 20 hours a week, excellent students who want to learn and work really hard. I feel very appreciated and welcomed by everyone. Anymore?
Cdmcguire, please feel free to PM me. I did my CELTA in HUngary and that was teaching adults and have not found the adaption too hard but if you PM me I can help you more.
Excellent choices from icnelly. These are all really good. and www.englishraven.com is also very good for flash cards and handouts. |
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Songtan33
Joined: 04 Jun 2007
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| Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 6:19 am Post subject: |
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| Dome Vans wrote: |
Songtan,
Possibly one of the most ridiculous attempts at hijacking a thread from somebody who probably got skrewed by his school or co-teachers and probably deserved it. Attitude like that really doesn't warrant discussion, so if you please go and whine on some other forum. Maybe join the other people on
http://forums.skysports.com/
You'll be right at home there because they argue round about your level.
| Quote: |
| Guys that's B.S. and you know it..and roll, with the punches is exactly what you are going to be spending the next year doing. |
Are you in the right job, punches, shouldn't you be a boxer.
My public has a really good principal (english speaking), I have a fantastic co-teacher, long holidays, 20 hours a week, excellent students who want to learn and work really hard. I feel very appreciated and welcomed by everyone. Anymore?
Cdmcguire, please feel free to PM me. I did my CELTA in HUngary and that was teaching adults and have not found the adaption too hard but if you PM me I can help you more.
Excellent choices from icnelly. These are all really good. and www.englishraven.com is also very good for flash cards and handouts. |
Yay let's all sing along "Dome Vans" who got a Tesol from a non-native speaking Country wants to explain how great his/her job is.
Ok..I am very proud of you..keep working hard. Come back to me on the eleventh month after you tell your boss you're not coming back how you're getting home. Until you have your serverance pay and your plane ticket in your hand don't talk to me. |
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