Korean Job Discussion Forums

pishu · Joined: 07 Jul 2009 Location: Oakland

My recruiter sent me an SMOE contract stating that I'd get paid Salary Level E (2.3 million won). According to the SMOE job description, teachers with 4 years of teaching experience AND a letter of recommendation from their principal earn Salary Level A (2.7 mil won). Since I'm qualified for Level A and provided the necessary documentation, I sent my recruiter several emails stating that I wouldn't sign the contract until it reflects the pay I deserve.

SMOE gets back to him and told him only teaching English is accepted as a teaching experience, not multi subject teaching and confirmed your salary scale E. Now, I've taught English learning elementary students multiple subjects, including English! Has anybody had an experience like this, and do you feel that I can work my way to getting paid the salary I deserve? Is dealing with SMOE nearly impossible? Should I make a big fuss with my recruiter?

andrewchon · Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2009 2:41 am Post subject: pay scale

It probably wasn't stated clearly in the contract but I'd say you'd have hard time getting your way in this one. My vote is NO.

Dodgy Al · Joined: 15 May 2004 Location: Seoul

Were you teaching ESL / EFL for four years? If not, you're SOL.

Corbin · Joined: 11 Jun 2009

Level F: 2.2 million won per month (must have one of the following qualifications):

* A teacher certification with specialization in English Education
* A Master's degree in Education.
* In addition to one of the requirements for Level G, ONE (1) full year of English teaching experience at accredited institutions.
* Employed as level G at the SOME for ONE (1) full year.

I have my Ed degree so Im level G...But I've done a full year at a hagwon in Korea (PolySchool). Does anyone know if hagwons are "accredited institutions" and if I'll be paid at Level F?

valkerie · Joined: 02 Mar 2007 Location: Busan

Corbin,

GEPIK accepted my year at a hogwon towards my EFL expereince so shd be ok. You will need to prove it by having them fill in a form or write a letter stating it.

pishu · Joined: 07 Jul 2009 Location: Oakland

Thanks for your input. I guess I'll just sign the contract. The wording in the job description is vague, which is to their advantage. Bastards.

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

Public schools just want to pay crap these days... so much for working there as a FT person! I'd rather suck them dry as a PT worker.