Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Kivu]

So when you apply to public schools through programs like SMOE or GEPIK, it looks like you need more qualifications than the minimum you need for hagwon jobs. SMOE requires TESOL or an English major and GEPIK requires 2 letters of recommendation from full-time employers.

My question is if you apply to public school jobs now, in between the start of programs like SMOE and GEPIK, do you still need these extra qualifications? Or can you get public school jobs in the off season without these?

Any help would be much appreciated. I'd rather work for a public school than a hagwon but I don't have two full-time employers to write me letters or an English degree.

[heartsprinkles11]

[Weigookin74]

I think they also accept experience. But trying to get recommendation letters seems like pulling teeth. You can be a great teacher, but good luck getting a principal or some high ranking official to give you a letter. I've heard SMOE and GEPIK have lightened up. If a teacher or anyone can write a reference letter, not necessarily on school letterhead, it may do the trick.

[winterfall]

Not true. I got into SMOE during the toughest hiring year with an unrelated major, no experience or certificates. Recs from my boss at the time and a research adviser. Can't say I got the best school though. This place is more like an alternate school

If you want a better placement you'll need switch over with more credentials and or experience.

Guess its harder now that SMOE's part of EPIK. But honestly all they want is someone cheap, will finish out the contract, and won't embarrass them.