Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sojourner1]

I'm not only talking about getting certification to teach in Korea, but also about being the first foreigner in a school without a curriculum or established program.

I know I could do a better job in teaching English and Korea deserves the best since it's putting the most money, time, and effort into English schooling. Who pays ESL teachers the most in Asia? Who spends the most time in school? Who studies the most? Korea. Flame me on this, but it's the truth.

I noticed that CELTA, TEFL, and TESOL courses are widely available AND required in other countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and America, but not in Korea. Had I known I would teach longer than 1 year, I would had just taken the course during college or at least a minor in education as to prepare for the long road ahead, but I lacked career planning and didn't know what field I would enter after graduation like so many do today due to uncertainties in a changing global economy. And then I wanted it 2 years ago before I came to Korea my 1st time, but couldn't afford it as I was just a broke graduate barely getting by. I guess I'm yearning for an opportunity at professional development as to be the best I can do as to have job satisfaction and respect. This could be done with a trip to Thailand or Vietnam, but I want one that's relevant to Korea. If Korea got a course, I bet many would take it as I don't know anyone who wouldn't like to be better as to get confidence and job satisfaction and be more respected.

Yes, it's true that if Korea required an ESL certification such as a TESOL for $1000 or more and didn't pay airfare and apartment rents, few would come teach unlike in lower paying countries such as Thailand where foreigners actually want to go teach for the experience of living in tropical SE Asia. Maybe they have a little money in their families to work with. I don't know how otherwise they work for peanuts and pay for those courses, housing, and flights out of pocket. I do want to get certification and try teaching in other countries as well, but it's not financially feasible as I'm not rich nor are my parents while I saddle a huge load of student loan debt and I attempt to save for the inevitable hard times ahead in the future.

I believe it would in the best interest of Korea and native teachers alike to have some training upon arrival or even a course if arriving teachers haven't taken one it as to get a better idea on how to do this job correctly rather than going into the classroom with only guesses on how do a good job. Of course, this whole ESL thing is of a highly experimental nature. It gets worse when there's no curriculum and communication with K-teachers is difficult or impossible and your confused on how to plan and proceed while you're the first to start a new English program. I can look at this as an opportunity to learn and grow professionally or as a burden due to a lack of knowledge, planning, and resources.

Of course, much of what we do is self explanatory and obvious, but it does get really weird at times. I still don't know much as it's typical for Koreans to not tell you everything you should know as every situation is very different. Yes, there is a 10 day EPIK orientation, but there's actually not due to the rush to get foreign teachers started. They run those twice a year at a resort, but it's really more of a chance to get to know other EPIK teachers and understand the business side of things. I didn't do this since I'm coming in at a different time, but they're talking I might have to do it in August. This would coincide with the already agreed upon Summer vacation time in August with my schools and education office since they want me in the Summer camp until August 14th.

You've got to know what you're doing through education and experience to be confident and competent to take charge and do well at it without someone helping you with ideas, lesson plans, and facts since many of us don't have that someone or something. This fact applies to any job requiring knowledge, strategy, and leadership where you're the first and only one of your kind. I'm referring to being the first elementary foreign English teacher in my local area.

It would be beneficial if the Korean Ministry of Education made it a requirement that all new teachers without certification take a 2 week certification course that includes practicum before starting the job. I can honestly say that I taught for 1 year in a hagwon and still don't know as much as I'd like to nor have the skill I'd like to have as to be confident and completely competent, but then it's more about attitude and relationship building than actual teaching performance. My best option is to find out everything I can and study up more with an online course and find good materials to develop a program and lesson plans.

I know EPIK has some things for me look at in the .hwp Korean word processor when I get time in the school office as I don't have that program on my American laptop.

[tob55]

In a best case situation it would be proper and right of require the training, but many people will not go for it, thinking they are not receiving this or that. The best Korea has done is to allow numerous programs to operate as a means of providing the educational training they need. It isn't a win-win situation at all. However, with rapid changes taking place on a regular basis, it will take some time for the MOE to figure out which way they will go. Not everyone will be happy with their decision, and others will applaud it. It is sure to lead to some major concerns and criticisms. Your are right, training is needed, but unfortunately Korea doesn't know which way to go.

[jkelly80]

Demand outstrips supply here. Certs would dry up supply even further.

[nicholas_chiasson]

in most countries qualifications equal payment. In Korea...a CELTA is worth in some cases as little as 1,200 a year. I'd have to teach ESL for 3 years just to recoup the associated costs of getting one. Seems like a mighty poor business move.

[Thiuda]

You can download a reader for HWP called 한/글 뷰어 2007. Click on the diskette icon to initiate the download.

[Thiuda]

[ttompatz]

[Thiuda]

[ddeubel]

I would even go further.....

What "new" teachers need is not certification but actual content they can teach easily and without stress. This is how you grow as a teacher -- when you aren't sweating about how to survive.

This is my line. I swear that teaching English isn't the "difficult" thing so many make it to be. With a little training and very basic materials, most people can do it with success and really be uplifted and empowered through the benefit they are providing others (never mind the income they receive).

Unfortunately, there aren't enough trainers available to be able to accomplish this. The ones out there doing something are mostly profit mongering and making it seem like you have to study years and know how many angels dance on the head of a pin, before you can ever think of teaching "right"....

I reject this premise and any attempt to make teaching English into some elitist marshmallow pie. Sure, all the rest is commendable --- schooling, training, new programs etc..... but the fact remains, it is language and all you need are solid materials, adaptable structure and the art of being human......

So yeah, people need training but the right training and most importantly, "content" that works and can give them the time to relax in class and discover the teacher everyone is. ......

DD
http://eflclassroom.ning.com

[Thiuda]

[ddeubel]

[ddeubel]

[spyro25]

i'm with DD on this one, there is a marked difference between teacher training and teacher education (becoming a better teacher).

However, I also believe a certain yardstick is needed for employers to determine the willingness of an applicant to embark on personal development. I believe the CELTA or equivalent does just that, and while I certainly don't believe it makes 'better' teachers, i do believe that it shows a willingness on the holder's part to get a better idea about key issues in second language learning and teaching theory.

its a minefield this one.......

[Thiuda]

[tigerbluekitty]

I don't think the Koreans are very meticulous when it comes to learning English compared to people in other countries.


What most Koreans seem to want are "Chemi so! Chemi so!" lessons and the ability to do light shallow conversations, no more than that.


Sometimes I think all they want is an entertaining white monkey.