Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sulperman]

I've got three different co-teachers, and none of them do anything. Well, maybe one time one of them translated some instructions for me, but really they just sit there and grade papers or sleep (really). I speak enough Korean that it isn't really necessary to translate anything for me.

I should point out that I really don't mind this. The main reason that I waited so long to switch to public schools was that I didn't like the idea of having a co-teacher. I was kind of relieved when none of them made any effort to be involved with my classes. But now I am wondering if I should try to get them involved. This is mainly because the one that seems to care the most seems a little unhappy with my lessons these days. I'm not exactly sure why. They seem to be going well to me, but I get the sense that one doesn't approve, for whatever reason, not that she would ever tell me.

Oh yeah, I am the first foreign teacher at this school. Seems like they don't really know what to do with me.

When I first came to the school nobody really gave me any idea of what they were looking for, so I just planned everything myself- I tried to give my lesson plans to the other teachers, but nobody really wanted them.

I just wonder if they would be happier if they were more involved. But I do kind of feel like this should be their responsibility- they are the ones who know the school and the kids and the material, not me. But should I make the first move, or just let it go as is?

Sorry for the disjointed nature of this post. I suppose I could answer my own question and just let things lay as they are, but I am just wondering if they might secretly resent me for not involving them more. But like I said, I do feel like the ball is in their court, not mine. What do you think? Should I make the first move?

[andrewchon]

If you don't mind then leave them alone.

[Kaypea]

Maybe ask them if you should be covering something for an exam.

[hockeyguy109]

sluperman - I've been in the PS system 8 months and have never had a co-teacher. But from friends who do have co-teachers, it sounds like their lives are made living heck.

Are there any discipline problems in your class? That's the one thing I wish I had a co-teacher for. It'd be nice not to spend 5-10 minutes of every class punishing 6th graders for fighting each other.

If your co-teacher is in the room and not doing anything about discipline, I would say something. But it honestly sounds, from other peoples experiences, we are lucky not having to share the floor with co-teachers.

[raewon]

Hats off to you for being considerate towards your co-teachers.

If you are happy with how things are, you might not want to "rock the boat". However, this is kind of a selfish attitude to have. If you are willing to take the chance that there might be some changes made that you may not necessarily like/approve of, then why not speak about this with your co-teachers? It could be something simple as "My classes are going well, but I'd like to know if you have any ideas for improvement." Everyone has room for improvement. While your co-teachers might not have any ideas, at least this would open the door for any feedback they might have. You could take things from there.

Good luck.

[Fishead soup]

If you can speak enough Korean to manage the class alone. Just tell them to go back to the staff room. They are not disappointed about your teaching ability they just don't want to be there. Co-teachers are there if you need them otherwise just let them go back to the staff room and do their paperwork.

Otherwise you also have the option of breaking the class in half and having the Korean teachers take half while you teach half.

Co-teaching only works when both teachers are spectators and the students are doing most of the work. When students take control of their learning while co-teachers mingle and assist. Korean teachers tend to have a poor understanding of Co-teaching.

[some waygug-in]

I wish I were in your shoes. I wish my co-teachers would back off and let me teach, rather than translating every little fiddle-fart detail and then wondering why the students never learn.

[Countrygirl]

Never leave yourself open for criticism because it'll make you bitter, especially if your co-teacher offers stupid advice. Just ask her if there is anything she would like to add to the lesson.

[Fishead soup]

[ThingsComeAround]

I've got a co-teacher I can't stand

She can't venture too far from the book. EVERY DAY ONLY TWO PAGES OF TEXT. I wish she would leave me alone.

I envy you

[Fishead soup]

[nomad-ish]

i really doubt your co-teachers feel left out.

[Fishead soup]

[lifeinkorea]

I have been lucky, the co-teachers I have worked with have been nice and helpful. However, I do get the same feeling. At times, due to the language barrier, it would be nice to have an activity they wrote out with Korean words so the students understood during a lesson.

It wastes time when the native English speaker has to act out words for 20 minutes when all they need to do is look at the Korean word and know instantly the meaning. Then you can get involved in actual conversation.

Schools, don't seem to realize this and they make a second job for the co-teacher instead of having them actually "co-teach". While I would like more participation from my co-teacher, she has a lot of work in addition like calling parents and typing out crap on the computer than I don't need to deal with.

Those are major headaches you have to deal with if you teach privately. I know in Korea it doesn't happen as much, but I did this in Japan.

[Draz]