Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Katyb349]

Hi, welcome to my problem. I have been teaching English abroad for the past two years, first in Spain and now here in SK, in both cases I've worked at small, but respectable schools. When I left NY in 2005, I had just gotten my initial certificate to teach highschool social studies. The thing with initial certificates is that within five years you must gain three years of classroom experience as well as complete grad school. I applying to school now, but all the websites I've looked at have no mention as to whether overseas experience can be counted toward the experience requirement, (though most forms to be filled specify state and zip code, not country). I plan to try and contact the board directly, but I'm just wondering if anyone has any experience with this. Has all of my hard work been for naught? And will I be employable if I list a small South Korean school as a reference, or will I be scoffed at? I probably should have looked into this before I left home! Any help would be much appreciated.

[Atavistic]

[Ya-ta Boy]

Rather than worry about it, contact the relevant state dep't of education and get the real answer.

[tob55]

While not being in your exact situation, I did face the same thing with a teaching license from one of the 50 states in the USA. Basically, I was told that if I did not earn my experience from a US school, it would not be accepted for relicensing requirements UNLESS my experience was based on an arrangement between your local school district and the country I was visiting to work.

It forced me to let my license expire, and I am currently trying to find some other alternative to resolve the issue so I don't have to jump through hoops if, and/or when I return to the USA to teach. It bites I know, but you might as well chalk it up to experience nonetheless.

Normally, the State will allow you to renew 1 five year license without having to do the graduate degree. I am quite surprised that NY is requiring this. However, it probably makes sense because many people are choosing to go back to school for their M.Ed., etc. to enhance their employability in the USA.

As I said it makes little difference to me because I hope to make some significant contributions to education in different ways than being tied to the classroom, but for you it would definitely have consequences. Sorry for your situation, but as I mentioned the experience you gained is still worth it in my estimation

[OiGirl]

I have had experience in Korean hogwons count for experience (and a step up on the pay scale) on my public school teaching license. I have seen paperwork that teachers in other states have sent to be completed by my school authorities. It depends on the state, and the people you're talking with may not have dealt with this situation before.

[thegadfly]

I also had my time at a hakwon count as time in my step-experience in Michigan, up to the maximum number (5 years in that district, up to 9 years in Detroit Public Schools), so if you are under the step-limit, many school districts count it as experience...however, it did NOT count toward renewing my teaching license -- I lost mine last year, since I have been out of Michigan for 5 years (I have to teach 2 years every 5 in Michigan -- no more lifetime certificates/licenses there...but I have a lifetime cert for Texas).

Varies wildly by state.....