Korean Job Discussion Forums

[linton]

Hello,

I would like to ask the people here who work for SMOE if they are sick of always having to ask for information. At my school, it is like pulling teeth just to find out about camps or vacation time or anything... and usually to be told about a school activity before-hand is totally out of the question.

Is it like that at other SMOE schools?

[laogaiguk]

[Bibbitybop]

While you are on the topic, the SMOE main office and most district offices are awful to communicate with.

The worst times of the year were when dealing with the SMOE office and their lack of organization, communication and competency (mostly due to being understaffed. mostly).

OP, contact your District Representative teacher. This is an experienced foreign teacher who can help you and answer questions. Though, you may not have one as the program is another thing mishandled by SMOE.

[egrog1717]

[nomad-ish]

[KYC]

It's Korea in general..

I'm with SMOE now and luckily my handler is much, much better this time. She tells me things before hand. It's actually the opposite now actually. I'm being rushed as to when I want to take my vacation days and ideas for winter camp. I already know when my camp is too.

[aloysha]

[egrog1717]

[nizpaz]

Yup add me to that list. SMOE have yet to acknolwedge I'm actually in the country. The handbook my school uses is 3 years old, yet I'm the first FT.

[sojourner1]

I'm not SMOE, but what you talk about is how it works in Korea. No body seems to know what they're doing, what's going on, and what's supposed to happen. It's seems illogical and is indeed an inefficient management style to not give out important info until the last minute or requiring a lesson plan/curriculum to be developed in only less than 2 days while you are full with classes them 2 days. If a teacher lacks pertinent information, then quality lacks from the get go.

I was just told today about my Winter camp, but requested at the same time to have the curriculum written by Friday morning. I just replied by asking for more time which is appropriate as I need to brainstorm, research, plan, and write it. This is my first curriculum-less camp, so I don't have that material like those of you who are experienced. I taught a Summer camp, but it already had a curriculum planned in an English camp facility including materials for teaching and games. I also need to know what age group, number of students, schedule, and what facilities and materials will be available to make informed decisions. I am clueless... (lets get out the games and videos)

[kiknkorea]

[Countrygirl]