Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Snowkr]

"The PS gig here isn't for real teachers. And by real, I don't mean certified, I mean teachers who are passionate about their vocation and craft. PSs here don't test your knowledge or skills in any consistent way to enable you to grow professionally or creatively. There are too many systemic barriers. It's a limited repertoire. Your portfolio will have so many glaring holes in it that it would be easy to think you'd been robbed. It's easy to let your teaching soul die here for an easy (read: mindless) life and a few extra coins in your pocket."

I just wanted to acknowledge these words and this OP for posting them. Never, since having joined this forum, has a post rung so true to me.

Gipkik's post basically says it all. I know it's not the case for all positions here, but for the most part, public school jobs in this country are a complete joke and a WASTE of TIME for teachers who really want to teach.

Then again, I suppose the same could be said about teaching in this country in general... though I'd still like to believe that this is not the case...

Thanks, Gipkik for your well worded warning to real teachers who may be considering such a position. I hope people will read this and think twice before taking this kind of chance!

[DJTwoTone]

Hear, hear!

[ekul]

I assume you're talking about the obstacles put in front of you by the Korean system. If not then I'm afraid you are not the kickarse certified teacher you think you are. A good teacher can make a difference where ever they are.

Also what age Elem/MS/HS, are you referring to? I think it must depend on your school to a huge extent as to how much you can take from the job. I think you misread your job description as well, you are an assistant teacher and if you think assistant teachers in your home country have a huge amount of leverage and power over the rest of the school you're mistaken.

If you dislike the job so much and feel so powerless why do you still work it? If you're still here because you need the extra money then you really have no right to comment, you've already sold your soul...

[fromtheuk]

I personally don't care about being a kick-whatever teacher. I am employed to follow my co-teacher's advice.

Going against the system will result only in a headache. Do your job, and try your best.

Just keep saying yes and save your money. That would be my advice to any native in Korea.

If they respond by telling me I am failing my students, not going the extra mile for them etc. I would reply by telling them you are in a different country and you must follow their rules i.e. do as you're told.

I'd also explain if you don't like it, and don't play the game, be prepared for the consequences.

I personally like the 'say Yes all the time' approach. Why? Because it means less work and stress for me. I don't think students will lose out in life if they can't say 'I like apples' properly.

The main thing is to get them interested in English, and if you manage that, you've played your part. This job is a job, if you want to find meaning in your life, I'd suggest you find that somewhere else.

ESL is a job, not a religion.

As regards being a kick ar$e teacher - You must stop disrespecting our culture and do kick-boxing in your spare time, this is not a Taekwondo job.