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Oliver



Joined: 19 Apr 2008
Location: Seoul, Korea
PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 4:31 am    Post subject: Looking for advice Reply with quote
Hi.

I started a public school job with GEPIK at the start of March. However, I have not had a great experience with my school.

Can anyone tell me if I either a) quit, or b) got fired how I could get another job in Korea?

Thanks,

Oliver
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CentralCali



Joined: 17 May 2007
PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 4:41 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
You're just three weeks into it and you're ready to throw in the towel? Have you taken your concerns up the "chain of command"? It's as follows:

  1. Co-teacher
  2. Department Head
  3. Head Teacher
  4. Vice-principal
  5. Principal
  6. School Inspector at your district Office of Education (like a sub-office of the main one)
  7. Head/Director (as the term may be) for Foreign Teachers at the metropolitan/provincial Office of Education


There's another recent thread with advice on how to get another job here if you walk out on this contract. Just check the last day's worth of threads so you don't have to muck with the search function(less) here.

You must remember though that for the public school gigs, there will be some payback required for the money fronted you. Now, if one of the problems you're having is that you didn't get the money fronted, you really should avail yourself of the chain of command listed above.
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ChilgokBlackHole



Joined: 21 Nov 2009
PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 4:42 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
If the feeling is mutual, and you're on otherwise good terms, you can request a letter of release and look for a new job. There are a multitude of options, it depends on your specific situation.
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Oliver



Joined: 19 Apr 2008
Location: Seoul, Korea
PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 4:48 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
CentralCali wrote:
You're just three weeks into it and you're ready to throw in the towel?


This is my 2nd year working for a public school, first for Gepik.

I dont want to quit. But I dont feel welcome by the school.

I'll write a letter to my co teacher.
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Fishead soup



Joined: 24 Jun 2007
Location: Korea
PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 6:21 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
From your post it sounds as if you just need to break the ice. When you get a chance go out and drink with your co-workers.
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oldfatfarang



Joined: 19 May 2005
Location: On the road to somewhere.
PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 6:29 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Oliver wrote:
CentralCali wrote:
You're just three weeks into it and you're ready to throw in the towel?


This is my 2nd year working for a public school, first for Gepik.

I dont want to quit. But I dont feel welcome by the school.

I'll write a letter to my co teacher.


Best to discuss things first. Once you write your concerns down, they become 'in stone'. You can't take them back.

It's not easy at a new school at the start of the year. The K teachers are busy, super busy. Many of the kids are in a new school too - they have no friends. So the atmosphere can be very subdued for the first 2-3 weeks.

I've just arrived at a new school - to a really underwhelming welcome. I wasn't even introduced to the Principal until my 5th day. (Kinda rude considering I've flown half way around the world to help his kids.) No housing on arrival, long daily commute, told my pay won't be on time (yea, right) etc.

But I know that it will get better. The kids will warm up - the Hi chorus is already starting. And those teachers who want to speak to me - will, eventualy. The others can stay in their small closed little worlds. Not my problem.

So take heart. It may get better. If not, speak to your co-teacher and be firm, frank and polite.
Get back to us.
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Oliver



Joined: 19 Apr 2008
Location: Seoul, Korea
PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 7:25 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Today I was just issued a formal warning by the school for my behaviour. In relation to violating the school and GEPIK's rules.

I feel that I can't be a good teacher at this school but I'll try. 50 percent of the problem is the school and 50 percent is the co teacher.

I'm working at a top 100 school in Korea. To say that I don't quite fit in is an understatement.

Oh, and I haven't been paid anything yet. Settlement money, air ticket, salary.

Cheers,

Ollie
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ChilgokBlackHole



Joined: 21 Nov 2009
PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 7:32 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Oliver wrote:
Today I was just issued a formal warning by the school for my behaviour. In relation to violating the school and GEPIK's rules.

Were they specific as to what you did that caused the warning to be issued?
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Oliver



Joined: 19 Apr 2008
Location: Seoul, Korea
PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 7:39 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
ChilgokBlackHole wrote:
Oliver wrote:
Today I was just issued a formal warning by the school for my behaviour. In relation to violating the school and GEPIK's rules.

Were they specific as to what you did that caused the warning to be issued?


Yes. I'd rather not go into detail but their reasons are justified.

I don't like the school and the school dont like me. Six months and I'm outta here.

My co-teacher has been abusive towards me in various ways but of couse that goes unseen by the school. Though the other 'native' teacher has witnessed the bullying and she herself is not happy with the school.
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ChilgokBlackHole



Joined: 21 Nov 2009
PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 8:25 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Oliver wrote:
ChilgokBlackHole wrote:
Oliver wrote:
Today I was just issued a formal warning by the school for my behaviour. In relation to violating the school and GEPIK's rules.

Were they specific as to what you did that caused the warning to be issued?

Yes. I'd rather not go into detail but their reasons are justified.

In that case..

Huh, I don't know how to finish that sentence.
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conrad2



Joined: 05 Nov 2009
PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 8:26 pm    Post subject: