Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mmstyle]

Wow, Alistair, it's good to hear that some teachers here are treated as professionals!

I find that the biggest hurdle here is not the students expectations, it's the fellow teachers and admin. I can't them to take my classes seriously, for the most part (read, almost completely). Whenever a student acts up, I find that if I deal with it, the student takes me seriously, but the other teachers will excuse them constantly (not something they do with each other, mind you, just me). This, and there is no "back up" for discipline, order, etc. My inability to effect their grades means that I've been hamstrung.

I find the whole situation incredibly ironic, because on the one hand, you have the Korean papers and media decrying the state of foreign teachers credentials in this country, making a big show of wondering why the English program is in such a poor state. Then, on the other hand, you have programs that won't hire qualified people because of the cost, nor treat them appropriately (which is, of course, what you need to do to KEEP them here). Because of this and the cost of qualifications, I've been putting off getting better qualified myself. (well, that and the state of education programs in my own country).

Sorry to derail the thread a bit.

[Icewontolla]

If you know the work environment and think it's good then there isn't much downside. Just make sure you really do have a good work environment, you want to enjoy your stay not dread every day.

[takwndogirl]

I taught for a year in Seoul while I waited for my Masters in Teaching Program to begin. I had a unique experience because the hagwon I worked at had only been open for around 7months when I was hired. For that reason, there was no set curriculum. At my request, my boss let me choose all my teaching materials (instead of the stuff he had) and after he realized I wasn't going to screw up, he let me teach what I wanted. That experience was outstanding and helped me see how much I needed to gain in my Masters program. However, I also realize that my experience was not common or what everyone would see as ideal.

As far as what to do, I personally would do part time/ full time subbing until March WHILE getting additional teaching endorsements (at night?). I say until March because the biggest hiring times in Korea are Sept and March. It's too late for most Sept positions, thus you may as well wait.
This would mean that your one year Korea contract would end in March 2013 which is around the time that the earliest public school openings are posted. Plus, it would give you a window to do some travelling (Thailand ect) and relaxing before most of the puclic school jobs are open.

The reason that I say you should get teaching endorsements (certificates) is that you will get more money in the US and depending upon how you spin it, more money in Korea too. As far as the specific teaching endorsements, I am in Washington State and it took me 1 quarter (10weeks) to do my entire English Language Learner, ELL, certificate including the student teaching portion. Also, I only had to take 2 more classes to be certified to teach Middle School Math on top of my K-8 teaching certificate.

If you're unhappy, get more education, work with diverse populations in publicly funded programs for low-income students, volunteer, substitute, and stategically plan when to go to Korea. Seriously consider whether your unhappiness will truly be reduced by teaching full time. I went to Korea to try something new and I SERIOUSLY underestimated how hard it is to not have anyone who "knows you" around. I'm not saying my new friends weren't awesome, they were! Just do some real soul searching and make sure you're not going to Korea with expectations of it filling some void that it won't. If you're ready for the change of being far from home, then do it!

Oh and as far as Korea not being relevant to Public School teaching , I've heard rumors that some public schools will count hagwon experience as teaching experience =more $$.

[jacksonly]

[incapacitated]

Coming to Korea will give you an opportunity to experience so many new things. If you don't like it, you can always go back to the States whenever you want. So, why not take the risk and try something new?