Korean Job Discussion Forums

[eljuero]

I'm a bit surprised that I'm writing this post but I�m new here and vaguely recall reading parallel kinds of posts and thinking people must have done something wrong or handled something in a foolish way. Call me converted on some level.

I�m new to teaching English in Korea though I�ve taught elsewhere. My first public school position started a month ago at an area high school and much about the job has been good. I have wide respect and even some budding friendships with several of my co-workers (about 8 in all) and I�m still in �rock star� status even though I�m not looking for that and will be happy when it subsides. The kids are learning and even participating at a much higher level than I expected or was told they would.

My dilemma comes in the form of a small woman head teacher in her late 50�s who is unfortunately the head teacher for one of the two �grade� levels I teach. She�s been quite manipulative with things since I started and one senior teacher noticing the situation has told me that she�s caused problems for new teachers in the past (not limiting her charm to just foreign teachers but spreading the joy to Korean teachers as well). She�s in an interdepartmental conflict with another lead teacher and so on��

She constantly interferes and makes what could only be referred to as dumb suggestions that are difficult to even comprehend let alone plan for and then spends time not participating as a co-teacher but usually adding confusing layers to what I feel like are pretty well planned classes. Her department lacks an even basic curriculum though she�s been the lead teacher for years. She instead constantly obsesses about my lesson plan �problems�. No finer example exists of poor reasoning than her own horrible ability to speak English � a terrible outcome she�d be more than happy to propagate for a couple of more generations. I can tell my co-workers get it already what she�s doing and while I don�t think she has much real clout I�m afraid she�s going to make this a long year.

It�s a bit of a strange twist � I like the school on many levels and feel great especially working with younger co-teachers so I�m sad to think that I�m very unlikely, already, to repeat another year at this school.

A couple of questions or a request for ideas � If I complete the year contract successfully, what are the odds of getting another SMOE position? I�m almost certain I can get good references via other people who matter in the school. Can people transfer to other schools in most cases?

There are other strange issues at this particular school. One vice principal recently went to a SMOE training and came back with an announcement that Korean teachers were responsible for 40% of class time teaching. This is in contrast to what we were told at the SMOE training. I believe on some level this particular vice principle is not really invested in a strong speaking component for the students. The school in general has a poor track record of getting on board with SMOE and (according to a more senior teacher I trust) was more or less forced to move in accepting a foreign teacher. It�s a conservative school to put it mildly. I think I�d like to angle myself toward a more straightforward, less conservative public school��is it worth just hanging in there? I suspect it is but I guess time will tell.

[cmr]

[eljuero]

I'll check around on that one - this woman needs to be moved along or preferably out. I don't mind her lack of knowledge if she were interested in the general subject of how to teach English but the fact her department of 8 or 9 teachers hasn't seen a curriculum ever and she can barely speak English afer a couple of decades of study shoulda raised eyebrows by now. The fact she only "supervises" me by using my co-teacher with the lowest ranking in the office doesn't say too much of her either.
As I said, the younger teachers are pretty supportive and I sense really want things to change - at the same time I expect them all to fall into the company line should the line be drawn anywhere. Not expecting any backup on this and in its heart of hearts, the school administrators are super conservative and had to be pushed into accepting a foreign teacher. No English zone coming soon to that school.
Thanks for your thoughts.

[pkang0202]

1 + 1 = 3 is called Synergy.

Synergy is a good thing.

[Bloopity Bloop]

[hapigokelli]

From what I understand, it's possible to renew with SMOE but not with your school. The only problem with this is that you have to get a reccomendation letter from your current school saying that you were an adequete techer.

If she can't eff that up in any way, you could roll the dice with SMOE again next year and hope for a better outcome.

[crisdean]

sounds familar, you wouldn't happen to be working at an all girls high school near Sungshin University would you?

[jvalmer]

[Fishead soup]

Be warned there are many co-teachers out there will offer their vague misleading and often bad advice to newbie foreign teachers. This is a well known game known as " Watch the Foreigner Fall". Often their advice is based on fabricated complaints from parents and the Principal. Sometimes It's intentionally offered just to weed you out. You might be giving her too much paperwork. As a result she tells you Parents are complaining your class is boring no more listen and repeat just play games from now on

Don't buy it !!!!!!! SNIP it

Smile, Nod, Ignore, Proceed as Usual

or better yet

SNIF
Smile , Nod , Ignore, forget.

[oldfatfarang]

I may have had the pleasure of teaching with your lady at another SMOE school a few years ago. That was a nightmare year, that ended up with me just being used as a tape recorder, while said lady completely changed/destroyed my lesson plans.

The other (younger) staff had warned me, but I didn't know the importance of age and seniority in Korea then. I know about this now, because at the end of the year, said lady completely gutted me on the re-signing report, and she got all the other (younger) teachers to do the same. I guess I should never have refused to 'go for a drink' with her.

You have my sympathy. I wouldn't be expecting to be re-signed if this gal's signing off your recommendation. Your obvious experience, and methodical lesson planning, is probably threatening the hell out of her.

Good luck.

[Bibbitybop]

Write some clear examples of her unprofessionalism and ignorance on paper. Write a detailed lesson plan with citations. Show them both to her.

[Fishead soup]

[detourne_me]

I think you should explain to her that you appreciate her insight, and as she is your superior (in job title only apparently) you will comply with her wishes.
It is import tho state that in doing so SHE is taking responsibility for the class and if, when the test results come around, the class is behind she must take responsibility for their poor grades.

SNIP is great advice when the teacher is a little hands-off, but when she's in class with you and disrupting things, I believe it's better to let her have her way.
There's no point in stirring the pot if you're not going to taste the stew....heh, lame analogy.