Korean Job Discussion Forums

[TMR]

I work at an iSponge in Daegu (live here too? Let's hang out). My hogwan is new and under a lot of financial stress to become profitable soon. My boss is always pulling stunts to save money, one of which is to be understaffed. There are 80 students and 4 full time 1 part time teachers (two are foreign).

My question is what do YOU do at your iSponge? The foreigner duties include babysitting at lunch time, lesson planning new books given to us one day in advance, schedule making for the month/session, and homeroom teacher for the kindies.

We run a kindergarten in the morning but have no 'helper' teachers, we are fully responsible for the bumps and bruises, needs and wants, and discipline of our students.

There are problems with being understaffed it's its getting to me and the other foreign teacher. I'm going to call iSponge HQ to try and get a rundown on what foreign teachers are expected to do and not do. Maybe if we refuse to do some things he'll have to hire more teachers.

I'm curious what other iSponge heads do.

TMR

[cyui]

Ok..so you need another teacher?
Did you guys get my resume? Sent it a min. ago..

[InDaGu]

Is this the iSponge in Chimsandong by chance?

[TMR]

It is the Chimsan campus. And Cyui, you can send your resume to the director, [email protected].

I would be nice to have more help!

[InDaGu]

Not to crush your hopes, but I don't think it's gonna happen. I know two of your Korean coworkers and the manager/owner. He called me a few weeks ago because he knew I was looking for a new job for end of Feb/beginning of March. Things seemed good, then his story started changing every time I talked to him. Basically, I don't think he wants to fork over the money for another teacher but isn't willing to admit it. He seems like a bumbling fool, to be quite honest.
But on the bright side, he comes from money, so I don't think you have to worry about closing anytime soon.

[TMR]

Heh I think I know who you are InDaGu. Frequent a specific foreigner bar in Kyungdaebukmun?

As for any other iSponge people who read this. Are you a homeroom teacher for the kindergarten? Do you make schedules? Do you babysit between classes, lunch, and other times? Do you teach by your self or do you have a Korean present as well?

[InDaGu]

You probably think I'm someone else, because we've never met (although I know who you and your girlfriend/coworker are). But I do frequent that particular establishment as well.

[TMR]

We'll say hi next time we're there and see you. Maybe we'll stop by with our Korean coworkers.

[sirius black]

On behalf of a friend, does anyone have any info on Isponge in Pohang?

[dyc]

So would employees of iSponge recommend it as a decent hagwon to work at?