Korean Job Discussion Forums

[failan]

Hey everyone, I was looking for some advice from all the experienced teachers here. I will be teaching at a public elementary school soon, and I was wondering if there is anything I can do to mentally prepare for teaching. I took the TESOL course, and I will practice writing up lesson plans and study the various activities, but is there anything else I can do?

I know sometimes they throw you into the job right away, and you just pick it up. I've read tons of posts about what it's like being an elementary school teacher, so I don't expect anything advanced or even "professional" from how some people describe the job. Someone told me she's more like a "chaos controller" or something.

Well, I'm pretty serious about doing my best and doing the best possible job at anything I do, so I want to jump into this as prepared as possible.

By the way, I'm always reading on these forums, so I don't want to be repetitive. I'm just looking for any extra tips about this stuff that people wish they would have known from the start -- something like that.

Thanks!

[Setaro]

Fixed

[koreatimes]

Is that preparing or pre-parenting? I am so confused

[bbunce]

Prepare yourself mentally for working in a new country. Once you arrive, you will begin to go through "culture shock" and want to return on the next flight home. You will be working long hours with little pay. (no pay for about a month) Your housing will mostly likely be very small and take you at least a week to clean. Unless the school treats you like royalty, prepare yourself for the disappointments.

It is mostly on-the-job training so don't sweat it. Give the new job at least two weeks before making up your mind on staying or leaving. Smile to all the staff, especially the school secretary. Don't let others influence your attitude. You'll hear plenty of complaints and very little praise about your boss in the work room. Once you are in the classroom, relax and remember you are in charge. Be kind but strict because that's what these kids expect/need. Example, if Johnny gets up yell at him and smile. You don't need to scare them just get their attention. Give them lots of tests, homework, and weekly notes to parents. Also, take lots of notes yourself while teaching about student behavior (positive or negative).

Keep the positive attitude for as long as possible and you will do well. Good luck.

[Underwaterbob]

It largely, LARGELY depends on your co-teacher. I've had ones that run the entire class and I merely read something aloud or do some listening and repeating now and again. And I've had ones where they expect me to run the entire class from start to finish and don't even come to my class. Just be prepared for all eventualities and you'll be fine.

[failan]

Ah, I didn't notice how I completely botched the spelling of "preparing" in the subject line. Thanks. Glad nobody attacked me

bbunce, I really appreciate your advice. I'll be as positive about everything as possible. You gave some great tips. .

Underwaterbob, I'll hope for the best regarding my coteacher. You sure had coteachers from each end of the spectrum.

Thanks everyone!