Korean Job Discussion Forums

[fromtheuk]

I've just read a blog written by the native teacher at my school the year before I arrived here.

She talks about how she gets to leave school at the end of teaching camp i.e. at 12.20, after class ends.

Her co-teacher recently saw me during winter camp and she asked me why I hadn't left school for the day. I explained my co-teacher had told me I must stay until 4.40pm.

She looked surprised and now I know why. She checked with the VP, and he said I had to stay until 4.40pm, because it was in my contract.

Should I mention that to my co-teacher or leave it, because I know they can tell me to stay for as long as the contract states I have to be there.

Reading the previous native teacher's blog, she was a real socialite e.g. attended lots of school gatherings for fear of being rude.

Whereas I am the total opposite.

[Otherside]

Sorry if I come across a bit rude. I'll try and be blunt.

I've read quite a few of your posts and how you've described yourself, you have made no effort to fit in. (A point you've admitted countless times).

Other posters have said that your attitude sucks, and this is a surefire way to be disliked or whatnot. I disagree. As long as you do a good job, and your "personality" doesn't interfere with your job, then No Problem.

Do you do a good job? Are you a good teacher? Are you punctual etc? I'm sure you are. In other words, you are sticking to your contract.
Is the school sticking to the contract. From what you say, they are. Is there are a lot of lee-way for the school to give you "extras". i.e. extra vacation, let you go home early. Sure. Do they owe it to you? No.

My view is, If you want these little extras, you've got to do a little extra. Make that effort to be sociable/likeable. The VP is far more likely to "bend the rules" a bit for a guy who makes an effort to eat with the school, perhaps comes to a school gathering or two on his accord, or shares a few bottles of soju one night than someone who eats his own food in his office away from co-workers and will do anything to get out of a school function.

[Kimchieluver]

[fromtheuk]

I don't think staying at school until 4.40pm is all that bad after all!

[bejarano-korea]

[cruisemonkey]

While I don't eat at my school's cafeteria, I do show up for school functions (dressed well); have on occasion stayed late (of my own accord) to help students; am willing to go out for lunch/dinner and drink/play pool with the principal/v.p.; and bring them small gifts when I come back from traveling. They tell me I'm a good teacher and they can see I work hard. Result: eight weeks off between Dec. 29 and Mar. 3.

[KYC]

Buck up. I attend all school social gathers/dinners/events/activities and whatnot. I eat lunch with the students and teachers. I still have to seat warm from 9-430.

At least I got caught up on my movies & tv shows!

[nomad-ish]

um yeahhh, that "give a little, get a little" theory doesn't always work.

[Bear256]

I have 3 days left working here and am completing 3 1/2 years at the same public school. During that time I have been under three different principals. I am in a GEPIK school. The next three days I will work from 9:00-12:20 and go home, as I have done for the whole time I have been here.

I have no answer as to why they have continued to allow me to do this. My first contract said I could and they have honored that even through regime changes and contract changes.

Yesterday I worked to 4:30, today was graduation and I "worked" until noon and tomorrow starts the vacation schedule.

I know that you hogwan monkeys have to justify your decision to work there (sleep in, small classes, blah, blah, blah) but having done both I have to say I have enjoyed my time in the public school many, many times more than my year in a hogwan(of course, it was a Wonderland).

You just have to hope that sooner or later they will get a clue and once letting you go home becomes the norm no one will change it, as it has been for me. Everyone is afraid to be the one responsible for changing anything so nothing, good or bad, changes without great struggle.

[Mi Yum mi]

[Kimchieluver]