Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sojusucks]

I haven't posted anything for quite some time because I have been in the process of moving to a different public school to be closer to my boyfriend. I left amicably and, while school officials were disappointed, they ignored my recommendations while hiring the next teacher. But, surprise, suprise, I did get a chance to meet the teacher who followed me. This happened a couple days before my final day. She had arrived in Korea and I was able to let her move in to the apartment. Things seemed to be going well. I had written down the progress made in each class with lessons and a few pointers for dealing with some of the unruly students. I assumed that the incoming teacher would be interested in this information. I was wrong. She's 24 and she's from South Africa and she came here to party. How do I know all of this? That's all she wanted to talk about during our meeting. She also told me that she a vegetarian and everyone will have to "deal with it." I'm only a few years older than her but I'm still shocked that schools would hire someone as immature as her for what has become a good English program. Some of us put a lot of time and effort into helping students as much as possible. What will happen now? Are schools hiring teachers based solely on pictures? Needless to say, I listened to the teacher at my next school, but he didn't have much to say. Please, please, please take your job seriously and listen to anyone who wants to give you some advice. Thank you for reading this long post.

[AsiaESLbound]

Yes, it's obvious a simple hiring process is in place judging you on your hot looks, gender, nationality, and age on a computer screen. As for taking a job seriously and listening to helpful advice, you won't find Koreans to be all that willing to listen to you unless you exceedingly try many times saying something that obviously makes sense. It often takes many reminders to get them to do something that needs to be done.

Korea is an extension of the college lifestyle. Let's kick it!

[withgusto]

"I'm only a few years older than her but I'm still shocked that schools would hire someone as immature as her for what has become a good English program. "

Surely you can't be surprised. What would you say the percentage of human beings filling these teaching positions amounts to?
30, 50, 70% ? ?

And YES. It is my opinion that you have a DUTY to give advice
to the incoming teacher...especially if you expected the same.

Your post wasn't that long, by the way.
Good luck at your new school.

[bliss]

Wonder when she'll do a runner.

[Pa Jan Jo A Hamnida]

Provide advice if asked but don't offer it freely. Your replacement either doesn't care or resents it. Just my experience.

[wylies99]

The school will soon regret the fact that you left. Was this a GEPIK school? Was this in Seoul, Ilsan, Suwon, Anyang, Pyeongtaek, Anyang, Ilsan, or Bundang?

[wylies99]

[edwardcatflap]

It's very difficult for a new teacher coming in to focus on information about kids she hasn't met yet and potential problems she may never experience. Also bear in mind that during the first week she'll be suffering from information overload on a range of subjects. Two or three weeks in she'll have loads of issues she'll want to discuss but of course you won't be there then.

[wylies99]

[Sadebugo1]

[shifty]

[moosehead]

I also agree you should offer advice but only in the context of "ask me anything you want" and provide contact info, if requested.

I think Korean admin and teachers do sometimes learn from their mistakes and may actually try and do some things differently so it's hit or miss if the new NET will run into the same difficulties.

w/hakwons, it's a different story. I still regret not paying heed to the teacher I replaced; it was all wine and roses when I started but a few months in and things were a different story altogether. I wasn't young, either and did my research.

I don't think it's about being young, actually, as much as it is a person coming to a new job and possibly overseas for the first time is very fearful of making a mistake, but all the same, are extremely hopeful they are doing the right thing. They (we) don't want to hear about negative issues so soon. maybe it's a denial instinct or something?

at any rate, don't worry, enjoy your new job and watch out for guilt trips of any kind - which is what you are on right now - look it in the face straight on and then knock it to the ground ha ha - you deserve goodness ok?

cheers!

[eslville]

Don't be too shocked to hear they hire immature people! This happens all the time, due to a shortage of teachers. In a few years, however, after SMOE stops hiring foreigners and the general level of English in Korea is higher, less foreigners will be hired, and thus, more qualified teachers will be chosen. So, don't worry, the future is bright.

[Kurtz]

[TheUrbanMyth]