Korean Job Discussion Forums

Burndog · Joined: 17 Feb 2008

Hello all. Things haven't started so well. I am at an elementary school in Yongtong. Today is day one. I have no co-teacher because the school works on a 'new system' where I go from class to class doing my lessons. I am expected to teach grades 1,2,3,4,5 and 6 and the teachers. I have no idea. I have been shown the books...but have no idea where the students are up to. I have not been allowed to sit in on classes because 'Korean teachers too scared of your English". I a basically just sitting in my office wondering how I get myself out of this mess. I mean...I have no idea. I'm a qualified Secondary Literature teacher...I look at these elementary guide books and just think that this is not gonna happen. I have no internet at home, no phone...hell...I don't even have a gas cooker for crying out loud!!! I don't know who to talk about these issues with. I don't know how I am going to last twelve weeks let alone twelve months right now. How do I get past this? Will it get better, or did I just strike GEPIK dirt rather than gold?

Draz · Joined: 27 Jun 2007 Location: Land of Morning Clam

Welcome to public school!!!!

Although the no coteacher thing makes it even more horrifying than usual. No coteacher? How big are your classes?

blonde researcher · Posted: Mon May 05, 2008 7:11 pm Post subject:

these jobs usually have co teachers who help out with all of these things you have problems with?

Ramen · Joined: 15 Apr 2008

On your first meeting with your class and students, just do an introduction lesson. Simply introduce yourself to the students. Talk about your family and life in your home country. And let them ask you some questions then play games. This will give you some idea as to where your students stand in their Englishee ability.

marlow · Joined: 06 Feb 2005

You should NOT be teaching grades 1 and 2 alone. Grades 3 and 4 are a stretch even if you have experience. Grades 5 and 6 alone should be OK if you have experience. If this is your first time in Korea and your first time teaching young students, you MUST have a co-teacher, whether they think you should or not.

Also, concerning the problems with your apartment, put your foot down by making a list of what you expect, and give it to them telling them you expect it done by tomorrow.

icnelly · Joined: 25 Jan 2006 Location: Bucheon

Well, to get started, the book provides ready sources of input to base your activities and lessons around: the look and listen, listen and repeat, and look and speak. I tend to use them as input only and then go from there with activities.

Also for starters the teacher's guides to have games/activities suited for your specific type of classroom (30 plus elementary students).

Take a look at the co-teaching lessons plans located here. That is the old GEPIK website, but I don't have the link for the new one on my home computer.

Elementary songs here.

Elementary teaching resources here and here.

Clipart sights for flashcards here.

I suggest looking into my lesson planning folder for some ideas as to how to run a language class (also check this site, and this one), and then use some of the .ppt resources if you have the means at your school: I know Rob's site has packages for all the chapters, and mine has activities for 3 of 4 lessons for 3rd through 6th.

That at least gives you stuff to work with in class.

You can get phone and internet from KT by dialing 100 and ext. 8 for english and then 1. I can't remember, but I think that you can't get anything in your name until you get your ARC, so just hang tight on that. I think they need passport and ARC info, but I could be wrong; it's been awhile since I did it. It is better that you do it yourself though.

YOu should have a main co-teacher who is responsible for your job, and housing needs/problems.

You can also call Wenise Kim (GEPIK elementary liason) @ 031-249-0044, or email at [email protected].

Easter Clark · Joined: 18 Nov 2007 Location: Hiding from Yie Eun-woong

Did they give you your 300,000 won settlement allowance yet? You know, you're supposed to use that to buy stuff for your apartment, so I wouldn't make that an issue unless they didn't give you the money.

As for no co-teacher, tell your supervisor / foreign handler that you will not teach without one. In my experience, in the beginning, people in public school (or just about anywhere, really) will test your resolve so they know what they can and can't get away with. Be firm but polite.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

marlow · Joined: 06 Feb 2005

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

There is a Gepik rule/law that says you are supposed to have a co-teacher in your room at all times. Also, you shouldn't be teaching 1nd or 2nd grade (there are no English texts for these classes anyway). Your contract lists the items that your school is supposed to provide you with. Don't take no for an answer here...make sure you get each item by tomorrow. You will get 300,000 for extra things like plates, glasses...etc.

As you suggested, it looks like you hit a dirt school. But it doesn't have to be bad as long as you're firm about what you are willing to do and what you aren't and what you expect from the school. Like another poster suggested I'd call Winese and try to have her sort it. Your school obviously doesn't know how to deal w/ a foreign teacher.

Burndog · Joined: 17 Feb 2008

I just had a meeting with the principal...who does not really speak English....I WILL have a co-teacher apparently...just not one particular co-teacher...every teacher in the school is my co-teacher apparently...they will sit at the back of the class while I do my lessons.

Thanks fo all of your responses so far, I am very grateful for th advice and suggestions. I will speak to the one K teacher who appears to understand my English, and ask about the housing stuff. I have not been paid my settlement allowance yet. I do not have a gas burner. I have already shelled out a stack of cash on a drying rack, some cutlery and a pillow (I got into Yongtong at nine-thirty on Sunday night to find that my apartment had no bedding...thank God for Homeplus) amongst other household things.

This is all vey frustrating, and difficult to understand. I guess I just need to speak up about my problems here, and give it a few days before I get too hepped up. If things aren't better by Friday though...I'll be in a fair old state.

Thanks again people of Dave's

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

Burndog · Joined: 17 Feb 2008

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

Wow, just WOW! I hate to say this but I fear you won't be happy at this school.

Burndog · Joined: 17 Feb 2008

I think you've hit the nail on the head there Spliff....but really what are my options now? I'm here and the system they have in place is their system...it's not like I am going to change that. It's a bit of a puzzle really.