Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jcan]

Has anyone re-signed with SMOE but requested to switch schools? And if so, what was the experience like?

I work in an elementary school and want to stay another year, but I've got some problems with this place. I don't have my own classroom despite a brand new school having just been built, there are no opportunities for after-school classes, and no one really seems to care about English education in general. I feel really underappreciated.

However, I do want to re-sign as long as I am placed at a different school. I don't want to burn bridges with this place though. Do you have any suggestions about how to break the news to my school without making them hate me? And how hard would it be to switch from Elementary to High School?

[prideofidaho]

I did last year. I asked for a middle school and was placed in another elementary school. I didn't get it in writing, though, which is why I got elementary at the last minute.

My experience was as such: told my school and SMOE that I would like to re-sign, but change schools (I disliked my school but I told them it was because I wanted to teach older kids), and I was told that it would be possible. Unfortunately, I took that to mean it would not be a problem, but as I said I found out the Friday before I started my new contract that I'd be at another elementary school. My new school has been fine. It's not great, but it's not awful. I never complained to SMOE about the last-minute switcheroo because it's not that big a deal to me, all thigns considered...I just wanted out of my old schooㅣ.

If all you want is a new school, your chances are pretty good that you'll get that, but if you specifically want a high school, you're going to have to be resistant and demand it in writing. I wouldn't sign the contract before since they will tell you that schools are not determined until after the contracts are signed, so I'd demand to get it in writing around the time that you're signing a contract. It's a bargain, but if it's what you want then you should at least try.

And there won't be many hard feelings if you explain that the reason for the switch is because you want to teach older kids.

[Bibbitybop]

In the past, SMOE has verbally promised to change schools for re-signing teachers and failed to do so. They played the old "ignore the problem" and the "it's too late now" games.

Get it in writing.

[harlowethrombey]

yeah, get it in writing and, if possible, be in the room watching your rep make the phone call to push the change through.

That's not just korea, but every situation when you're dealing with a bureaucracy.


good luck with it

[Looney]

[jdog2050]

[Smithstar_2]

My recruiter emailed Jon Pak about this topic. Here is Jon's response:

They can change to a lower level to Elementary or to a new location by the approval of the Principal.
Also to even re-sign, their marks have to be high. If they wanted to move to a better location like kangnam,
it kind of depends on the school. Some schools are picky and they request certain
qualified teachers. But it is possible but again no guarantee. First let
them know to have good marks and the approval of their principal.

So, I guess they want you to tell your principal personally instead of just asking SMOE to deal with it and
then you'll have a better chance of actually switching schools.
And, I'm not sure how you get good marks... I haven't done any open classes yet. I'm also a little worried
because my school might be bitter that I want to change and give me a low mark so that I can't get re-signed.

Hope this helps

[Bibbitybop]

SMOE's response is bollocks because they hire hundreds of teachers each semester. There is no reason they could not move a current teacher into a different school as they are moving hundreds of new teachers into schools.

What does that say about SMOE's commitment to current foreign teachers?

[prideofidaho]

^
Exactly. There is no reason why they can't switch you. They're just unwilling.

That being said, I haven't heard of anyone challenging them by saying 'you move me, or I quit' then following through with that once they haven't moved you, or moved you to a school you did not request (like going to elementary when you had asked for middle).

They need a swift kick in the pants.

[pkang0202]

[jcan]

Interesting - how did you go about applying directly to the gu-offices?

[fromtheuk]

I just pm'd him that question. He said he saw an advert for them in May/June time, on Dave's, he applied and the rest is.........

[pkang0202]

[Xuanzang]