Korean Job Discussion Forums

philipjames · Joined: 03 Feb 2003

Both yesterday and today entire classes of grade csix students have failed to materialize in my classroom for their scheduled lesson. The co-teacher says it's practice week for sports day next week, so the home room teacher probably opted to exercise with them rather than send them along. To me this is the height of rudeness and arrogance. No child should be absent from my class without my (and / or co-teacher's)consent. No home room teacher has the right to withold the students from my class without consulting myself or my co-teacher. I'm moderately pissed at the moment. Should I complain or let it pass?

The_Conservative · Joined: 15 Mar 2007

spliff · Joined: 19 Jan 2004 Location: Khon Kaen, Thailand

SeoulShakin · Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Location: Seoul

You'll learn to appreciate the breaks from 6th graders after a while. Wink

icnelly · Joined: 25 Jan 2006 Location: Bucheon

Smee · Joined: 24 Dec 2004 Location: Jeollanam-do

They pulled that all the time last year. Sure, it was great to have breaks from class, but I couldn't take full advantage of them as I didn't realize we had a break until I walked by the homeroom 10 minutes later and saw the students doing something else.

They would do this without telling my coteacher, and that bothered her. As she explained, Korean English teachers---and other specialists---are lower down the ladder than homeroom teachers. When I didn't have a coteacher the second semester, it happened far more frequently. Even when my coteacher became a homeroom teacher, she'd do it to . . . Rolling Eyes

Mention to your coteacher that you'd like a heads up, but I don't think it'll change anything. If you roll with it, though, it will give you some leeway in cancelling classes yourself.

tiger fancini · Joined: 21 Mar 2006 Location: Testicles for Eyes

tob55 · Joined: 29 Apr 2007

The bottom line in this situation is that the KTs can do what they want and you have little say in it. To complain would only make you look disrespectful in their eyes...Remember, you are hired to be an assistant, not a licensed teacher in your school position, so if the school (homeroom teacher/admins) want to cancel your classes for two weeks they can do it with or without your permission...We live in their country and must follow their rules...

Is it rude, yes,
It is inconsiderate, definitely,
Is it frustrating and angering to not be told, absolutely,
Is it going to change anything if your complain, NO

Take the time and do something else like read a book, work on some project or kick back and take a nap...They have given you a free pass for the hours the students are gone...I personally revel in the luxury of the free time when it is given to me, either announced or unannounced...While I understand and appreciate the OPs complaint about it, I think it is something that will never change, so enjoy the break...

mrsquirrel · Joined: 13 Dec 2006

Boodleheimer · Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2007 5:49 pm Post subject:

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

Ask your coteachers to kindly remind you of changes like this, then take the time and relax. Communication sucks in Korea and its schools. I ask my school every week if anything is going to be different.

nobbyken · Joined: 07 Jun 2006 Location: Yongin ^^

Sports days and events are more important than lessons here, but next time lessons can look more more important (especially when you want time off!).

Remember that due to cancelled classes, your weekly total hours will fall below the 22 hour mark; so you won't get OT for any extra classes.

Alyallen · Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2007 6:06 pm Post subject:

Be grateful you don't have them. I have my 6th graders today and they are all acting up because their homeroom nazi teachers are stressing them out over a stupd festival that's supposed to be fun

I wish they weren't here....And now it's raining...what a day....AIGO! Rolling Eyes

Edit: Oh and don't forget...if you don't finish the book, it's your fault Rolling Eyes

jlb · Joined: 18 Sep 2003

I'd have to agree with most of the other posters. Why exactly are you complaining??? A break is a break. Catch up on emails, paperwork, read a book, go for a walk. I'm not sure what your problem is.

Pak Yu Man · Joined: 02 Jun 2005 Location: The Ida galaxy

You would have to go to the class and teach anyways.

I had the same thing a few years ago. I got to school, and found out I had no classes. I was happy. I'd have to take the bus to school anyways.
It would have been polite and considerate if the guy in charge of me would have contacted me, but if I wanted polite or considerate...I would have left Korea a long time ago.