Korean Job Discussion Forums

[tanklor1]

I've recently been promoted to Head teacher status and I've been asked to straighten up the staff. The staff's main problem is their teaching style. I have spoken with the higher ups about this and we both agreed that it's a good idea to hold demo classes to share ideas with eachother.

It's a good plan but I fear that some of my staff members will scoff at the idea and just ignore it. How can I use my position to help correct teachers who are not towing their line?

Open to any and all recomendations.

[Dodgy Al]

Don't do demo classes. Rather, organise a peer-observation program. Initiate this with the backing of your managers so that the observation counts as a teaching hour. One teacher observing another teacher, perhaps once a month, with a 5-minute break before the end on the class, so the teachers can discuss what happened. Avoid management interference in the program.

Good luck in your new position. Treat your teachers with respect and they will give it back (usually).

[tanklor1]

Interesting idea, do you any experince in this yourself? If so how was it?

[Mr. Pink]

I see a few problems emerging from your new promotion:

First, you used to be "one of the guys" but now you are in a position of authority. It will take some time for them to get used to this. Don't forget you are now in this position, which means no buddy buddy with those other teachers. What will you do when they don't listen to you? It could make for an awkward working environment if you go about your job in the wrong way. I would suggest gradual changes and have staff meetings where you tell them why the changes are taking place and how the changes will benefit the workers. Remember, people hate change, but if you sell it like they will benefit, it is an easier medicine to swallow.

Second, most "teachers" are not really teachers, and thus have a hard time taking criticism, even if it is helpful. I don't really know how you can deal with this. The way I used to deal with it was: no re-signing for those who do not want to improve their craft and would fight me at every turn when I would give suggestions. Teaching is an art which always needs to be honed. Anyone who proclaims they don't need help, well, they need a kick in the ass. As a young 20 something new to Korea that was me too, I thought I "knew everything" and wouldn't listen to advice. Thankfully I realized I was wrong and started seeking advice. Are you a trained teacher, or are there any trained teachers working there? That might be a first step. I know I would have listened to a trained teacher over someone with a year or two more experience than me. Yeah, that young 20 something headstrong way of thinking probably exists a lot huh?

Demo classes are good. Back when I was head teacher I used to make new teachers watch me teach and others teach. Then I would talk to them and ask what they liked, didn't like, did they see what was engaging, what wasn't etc. They also get to see classroom management in action. When you start at a new place of employment, getting a feel for that is really important.

Also, if you watch some of the other teacher's classes and raise questions about their teaching style. Get them to think about what they are doing and why. You might see some just don't have a clue, or some don't care, but hopefully you can help them out.

[tanklor1]

Observing classes may be the way to go, it's more work for me but it's a slightly smaller pill to swallow than calling for a demo class out of the blue.

At least at first.

I was once one of those twenty-something-know-it-alls and I hated being critized on anything, but I had enough common sense to listen to the advice and apply it to the way I teach.

[Dodgy Al]

I was head teacher for a while, but it was a small hogwan, with great teachers. The managers were not interested in anything I did, and I did not make the position any bigger or harder than it needed to be. Every place has different expectations. I was handed the 'prestigious' PK classes to teach. I also took it upon myself to organise special advanced discussion classes, and I created standardised speaking tests for all levels. Consider doing things that will enable professional development, and built up your teaching portfolio.

Get them to outline exactly what they want from you, and explain what you would like the position to be. Many head teachers get stressed because they are stuck in the middle. As they are asking you to straighten up the staff, it sounds like this is the position you are going to find yourself in. I would recommend making the position more of an academic head-teacher, rather than a 'whitey-wrangler'.

[FUBAR]

What kind of place are you teaching at? Hagwon? What are the age/level ranges of the students? How many students per class? How many teachers do you have there? Can the director speak English? What necessitated the desire for change? How long have the teachers been there? Are you the most senior member? Is management willing to listen to your suggestions or do you feel that you were merely the only teacher that agreed to help them implement their plans?

These are just some of the questions that need to be answered before you can really get the help needed. Just remember, that changing organizational culture is not easy and it cannot be done radically. Not unless you're director is willing to just fire anyone that isn't willing to adapt to the new policies.

A quick word of advice. I'd stay away from demos entirely. They don't really prove anything in the context that your director would like it done. I like the idea of having others observe classes. Hold teacher meetings WITHOUT upper management. But again. It will all depend on the questions I asked and how responsive/resistant your staff is to change.

Good luck. It won't be easy.

[kimchi_pizza]

As head teacher why not see how well your teachers
are adjusting to living in Korea and their, albeit temporary,
home. Possibly address any personal concerns or problems
outside of work first. By showing personal concern for their
well-being they may be willing to accept any advice you
give or changes you make.

Areas to talk about are anything from decent restraunts,
health clinics, map of the town, places to buy food/clothing,
transportation, expat hangouts, getting cellphones, paying
bills, etc....

Heck, may even want to put together a little welcome booklet
of your our regarding the school and city.

Once they're happy, healthy and comfortable then you can
start thinking of ways to help them become better teachers.

[tanklor1]

Thanks for all of your input. I like the idea of sitting down with each teacher first and finding out what they like and what they don't like about the city, school, teaching etc...

I also like the idea of having peer reviews, where everyone observes everyone, they are able to give each other feedback and perhaps most importantly get them involved in the changing process.

I also like the idea of creating some sort of guide to the city for new teachers containing various information about teaching, living etc.....