Korean Job Discussion Forums

[fromtheuk]

My school has made major changes to our English classroom and office.

They must have spent a lot of money. Outside my office (but still inside the classroom) they've installed 2 built-into-the-wall tv's, each with microphones and computers.

2 more computers have been put into the classroom itself, for students.

A massive tv built-into-the-wall for regular class was put in at the front of the class. There is also a microphone on the desk near that tv.

The school has put in new tables and chairs and my office/room has been rebuilt. The entrance, exit, and door to my office all have expensive lettering on them e.g. welcome to the English zone etc.

I know this has been done in other schools in Gyeonggi, but the Principal approached me yesterday and today, looking quite chuffed with it, and he is right to feel that way.

It looks impressive. I just hope they find me a new co-teacher! The current one will go on maternity leave for 3 months from May, she told me in March the Principal will decide who will be the Korean English teacher for the next year.

The Korean co-teacher for the previous year went to Australia on an English course, and has returned to our school, her English is better than the current co-teacher. So, I hope I will have a new co-teacher (I will stay at the same school if she is not chosen to be the co-teacher for the next year) because the Principal has said to my co-teacher he finds her irritating, she will go on maternity leave in May for 3 months anyway, and her English isn't as good as the previous co-teacher.

I live in hope!

[nobbyken]

Yeah, our school spent 70mil on a classroom too. Only one big screen and one pc for the kids to use though. I still use the virus-ridden notebookI was loaned a few months after my arrival at school.

I had to sit next to an organ for months until they got me a desk. Felt like a right tube. Then after about 4 months, they gave me an old laptop to look at the lesson plans and general stuff.

Too little to late, but if they manage to get another teacher, everything is set up for them. The principal is convinced it's my co-teachers fault I am leaving. I think most have a touch of 곤주병, although there are a handful with better English, but maybe not as easy to manipulate.

Even if the co-teachers can't string a sentence together, are called "English managers". I think this is why they try to manage the native speakers.

[fromtheuk]

I can't speak Korean but many teachers don't seem to like the Principal.

To be honest I like him. It's probably because I never get any hassle from him directly.

Some of the teachers here are such toe rags, it makes me happy to know the Principal gives them a hard time.

As regards being an English manager - The look on my co-teacher's face last month when I went to pay the bills was priceless, she made it clear she wanted me to leave as late as possible to pay them. I told her the Principal let me go anytime I wanted to. So, I bypassed her last month, I didn't ask her to approach the Principal about what time I should leave. I went to him myself with another Korean employee, not a teacher, to translate.

I left school at about 3.00pm to pay the bills, I told my co-teacher I had permission from the Principal before I left and she looked so miffed because she had no power over it.

I am now firmly of the opinion good manners are wasted on nasty Korean teachers. Just do what the contract says, and refuse whatever silly demands they make. It will upset them, you'll then see their true 'sparkling' colours, which made me realize they are not worth any extra effort, just do what your paid to do, and don't be a rice cake exchanger!

Thankfully, I've always had my own pc and desk, but your school seems a bit shabby. I don't blame you for leaving. Is your leaving in part due to your co-teachers?

The best thing about this forum is it is heartening to hear other people state exactly what I am thinking anyway. It's important newbies understand before they work in Korea, if they have a professional attitude, and can be firm e.g. possess a backbone, it is possible to do your job without becoming a total slave.

I also think my co-teacher does not see herself as an English manager but as a control freak. She tries to hide her inadequacies by acting tough, but she looks really pathetic. And because I have politely refused to accept anything and everything she has suggested, she is unhappy.