Korean Job Discussion Forums

[tacticalbuddhist]

I am currently interviewing for a few school positions and I asked the recruiter for the email addresses of the current foreign teachers at the schools. What should I ask? How can I know that the boss isn't standing over their shoulder while writing a response? Anyone have any advice on this? I want to ensure that I end up in a decent hagwon.

Thanks,
TB

[sallymonster]

When I was hired for my current position, I asked the previous teacher why she was leaving. I think that's one of the most important questions to ask, as the answer can tell you quite a lot.

[Skippy]

Paper WORK! How much... How Often....

[tacticalbuddhist]

sallymonster: Good question. I hadn't thought about that one.

Skippy: What kind of paperwork does one usually do? Progress reports on students?

[Skippy]

The question is not also how much. It the need and quality. Some school ask for report cards and they want comments and that. Unless you have a great memory will you be able to personalize 100 plus report cards. Now some schools will ask for that every couple of months some will ask for every month.

Paperwork can also mean grading. Some is just time consuming other like fixing up essays can be so aggravating and mind blowing you will ask why are you doing it.

Now paperwork can also mean prepping. A good teacher needs to prep but when you have a school that wants all t crossed and all i dot to the extreme. That one hour (non paid prep) can soon become 2 hours before and an hour after, plus an extra couple hours once a month on a Saturday.

ALso some paperwork is just busy work and never gets looked at unless it is filled out!

Good Luck.

[tukmax]

1. Is the pay always on time?
2. Has there every been any unusual deductions from the paycheck?
3. What other work is there to do besides teaching? (ie. how much paper work)
4. How close is the apartment to the school?
5. Ask for photos of the apartment you will be living in.
6. How close is the apartment/school to the nearest subway station?
7. Are the current NET re-signing for another year? Why or why not?
8. How many of the NETs in the past have completed their contracts with the school?
9. What is the shopping like near by?
10. What is the school's behavior policy?
11. Ask to see the current schedule of the NET
12. How many students attend the school/academy? Has it recently increased/decreased?
13. What are the course materials like?

[elltotheoh]

If they are providing you housing, ask about the quality of the housing. What are the apartments like? How convenient are they to shopping/dining/work?

[tacticalbuddhist]

Thanks for those responses. Excellent questions.