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sojourner1
Joined: 17 Apr 2007
Location: Where meggi swim and 2 wheeled tractors go sput put chug alugg pug pug
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 Posted: Wed Nov 28, 2007 2:26 am Post subject: Public school teachers: Korean Public School Work Culture? |
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I am soon leaving a hagwon (I didn't like it) and interested to better know what I am getting into if I sign on with EPIK.
How is work culture in public schools?
Is it like where you might have co-teachers and a principal trying to tell you how to teach and then downing you with your every attempt to improve where there seems to be no possible way to be appreciated and left alone?
How about co-teacher and administrative support?
Are you respected or denigrated?
Many rude last minute surprises with no possible way or clue on how to make it right?
Is lying and deceiving the norm or do those you work with generally not have anything to hide or lie about?
Or is like, where you just teach and really don't have issues of these sorts?
I really am curious as I have been seeing more reports of some of you having issues at public schools, while most of you are quiet which means you are happy campers. Please feel free to add anything or volunteer some insights on your experiences. I really am interested in getting a reality check right now. |
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Gwangjuboy
Joined: 08 Jul 2003
Location: England
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| Posted: Wed Nov 28, 2007 2:53 am Post subject: |
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| Korean public school teachers are the most awful Koreans you could possibly meet. I wish I didn't speak Korean as well as I do. I am unable to close my eyes to the bizzare confucian work ethic. |
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ceesgetdegrees
Joined: 12 Jul 2007
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| Posted: Wed Nov 28, 2007 3:05 am Post subject: |
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| hahaha, can't say i disgree with you there gwangjuboy, wish i could but i'd be lying. |
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sojourner1
Joined: 17 Apr 2007
Location: Where meggi swim and 2 wheeled tractors go sput put chug alugg pug pug
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| Posted: Wed Nov 28, 2007 3:10 am Post subject: |
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Oh man guys, you have to be kidding me. Can you elaborate without being defamatory or derogatory to Korea itself on why public school teachers are the most awful people you deal with here?
Is it a miserable and nerve racking experience or does the communication barrier cause many misunderstandings or do they simply not feel right about having you around? |
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nomad-ish
Joined: 08 Oct 2007
Location: On the bottom of the food chain
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| Posted: Wed Nov 28, 2007 3:36 am Post subject: Re: Public school teachers: Korean Public School Work Cultu |
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| sojourner1 wrote: |
I am soon leaving a hagwon (I didn't like it) and interested to better know what I am getting into if I sign on with EPIK.
How is work culture in public schools?
Is it like where you might have co-teachers and a principal trying to tell you how to teach and then downing you with your every attempt to improve where there seems to be no possible way to be appreciated and left alone?
How about co-teacher and administrative support?
Are you respected or denigrated?
Many rude last minute surprises with no possible way or clue on how to make it right?
Is lying and deceiving the norm or do those you work with generally not have anything to hide or lie about?
Or is like, where you just teach and really don't have issues of these sorts?
I really am curious as I have been seeing more reports of some of you having issues at public schools, while most of you are quiet which means you are happy campers. Please feel free to add anything or volunteer some insights on your experiences. I really am interested in getting a reality check right now. |
i find overall i get more respect around the school from teachers/parents, and i'm working at an inner city type school. i've never worked at a hagwon, but i've heard stories of students treating FTs like servants, and doing gross stuff to them.
as for co-teachers, complete chance. i've got 5 of them, 2 are good, 1 is decent and tries hard, 2 dick off and i'm pretty sure they don't what the f* i'm saying. my main co-teacher provides support (bank, pay stubs,apt problems, etc) for the most part.
rude last minute surprises are everywhere in korea it seems.
lying is the norm. i was recently told by my main co-teacher to make-up over 40hrs of teacher workshop handouts, so she could give them to the board and say we finished them. she has also lied to try and get me to work saturdays, do extra work, do unpaid OT, etc. now, i am always suspicious of her and that's a good thing (i know that sounds negative, but it's true), if i catch her in a lie, usually she'll back down or comes clean.
i honestly think PS positions are generally better than hagwons, but u still have to expect that u will be lied to, and u will have some issues. it really is the luck of the draw when it comes to schools and co-teachers/principals
good luck!
Last edited by nomad-ish on Wed Nov 28, 2007 3:40 am; edited 1 time in total |
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ceesgetdegrees
Joined: 12 Jul 2007
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| Posted: Wed Nov 28, 2007 3:36 am Post subject: |
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| sojourner1 wrote: |
Is it a miserable and nerve racking experience or does the communication barrier cause many misunderstandings or do they simply not feel right about having you around? |
Not always, yes and a lot of the time yes.
Plus the lunches SUCK. |
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Dome Vans
Guest
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| Posted: Wed Nov 28, 2007 4:05 am Post subject: Re: Public school teachers: Korean Public School Work Cultu |
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| sojourner1 wrote: |
I am soon leaving a hagwon (I didn't like it) and interested to better know what I am getting into if I sign on with EPIK.
How is work culture in public schools?
Is it like where you might have co-teachers and a principal trying to tell you how to teach and then downing you with your every attempt to improve where there seems to be no possible way to be appreciated and left alone?
How about co-teacher and administrative support?
Are you respected or denigrated?
Many rude last minute surprises with no possible way or clue on how to make it right?
Is lying and deceiving the norm or do those you work with generally not have anything to hide or lie about?
Or is like, where you just teach and really don't have issues of these sorts?
I really am curious as I have been seeing more reports of some of you having issues at public schools, while most of you are quiet which means you are happy campers. Please feel free to add anything or volunteer some insights on your experiences. I really am interested in getting a reality check right now. |
After checking out contracts for hogwans and public schools, I dived in with the PS. Gave the hogwans a wide berth. And am so pleased I did.
I think if you're ready to smile and be a good native teacher you'll do very well. After reading about your current bad situation which I certainly feel sorry for you, a PS job should give you the comfort to know that you'll be paid (more or less, give or take a few days) on time.
The EPIK contracts are good and not vague like the hogwan contracts. You also have more people to complain to at the EPIK office if something isn't right. Up until now I've had no problems with payment on time, if you are able to teach big classes anything between 5-34, then you'll be fine.
You won't have that small group feeling that you get with Hagwons, but then again you won't have that business/mum pressure. You may not feel that you're making much of a difference with the kids, but there are certainly a lot of small personal victories to be won. It can be tiring, and I know after this term that I'm most definately ready for my winter break, which is the other big bonus because I get six weeks off. Not all provinces are this generous. It comes down to a provinces interpretation of the holiday entitlement. They want the teachers out in the sticks here so they allow these longer holidays.
The co-teachers certainly vary. Some are excellent and some will help when called upon when they are in the classroom. It'll also vary with different schools, I get to devise all my lesson plans and teach them based on the theme of the text book. Many NT in my city have 3-4 lessons where they are the co-teachers and simply back up the korean teacher teaching. I only teach one class without any co-teacher, 6th grade elementary, knocked them into a bit of shape now but took a few weeks.
You'll very rarely see the principal. I see mine and he's really nice, speaks english which is a definate bonus. I think the trick is in your first few weeks to really look like you know what you're doing, even though you are finding your feet. I think with your experience you'll do well. I'm allowed a free reign of things which I most definately enjoy. And I feel very respected by the other teachers and superiors, but you do need to put out a little bit, but you get it back.
I'm really enjoying my PS job 6 months in. Can be tiring. I despise the people on these boards who think that a "noob" will have these feelings then they'll pass. BS!. If you are optimistic but also realistic about your work and working environment then you'll have no trouble. I do find the kids I teach (about 350 every week) a good laugh. You get the attitude occasionally but that through personality can be ironed out. Just laugh it off and move on. Everyday is different.
It's good that you're doing your research, if you've got more of an idea with where you want to go then post again and you'll more of an idea from present teachers in that area. Good Luck. |
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ddeubel
Joined: 20 Jul 2005
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| Posted: Wed Nov 28, 2007 4:34 am Post subject: |
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Dome Vans,
Thanks for posting that and I echo your level headed and "accurate" comments.
I thank you because it seems of late especially, this messageboard has been filled with lots of very idiotic "Korean teachers are X,Y and Z" stuff...... I wish many people could see outside their bubble.....
DD |
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schwa
Joined: 18 Jan 2003
Location: Yap
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| Posted: Wed Nov 28, 2007 4:44 am Post subject: |
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The weird thing I sense from lots of new teachers I meet in person as well as from many posters here is the attitude that if the job aint perfect from the get-go it sucks. Not aimed at the OP just a general comment: grow up, people.
Jobs are a challenge everywhere. If you meet the difficulties with intelligence & good effort good things definitely will start to come your way.
Or you can come on Daves complaining that your hand isnt being sufficiently held. Self-reflection time.
Public schools are not perfect but youre dealing with educated & sensitive Korean teachers concerned about their lifelong careers. Concerned about their students too. We're just passers-through. Fit in & you can make a difference & be valued. Gripe & confront & youre one of the reasons native teachers in the public schools are so often disliked.
There are plenty of native teachers doing good work, getting along well in the system, & happy in their situations. Value their input over that of the chronic malcontents on this forum. |
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