Korean Job Discussion Forums

[dgove]

Glad to see other people love their Christian schools too. Being as this is Dave's, I thought for sure a bunch of jack-asses would find some stupid reason to say my school sucks. OP, if it's not too late, I would interview for that school. Judging by the people that have actually worked at a christian school, you missed out. I'm sure the people talking bad about them have never worked at one, and more than likely don't know anybody personally that works at one.

[NYC_Gal 2.0]

Ask to talk to a current teacher or three. Some have mandatory (or near-mandatory) church, others don't. It's a crap shoot, as with most schools. If they don't mind that you're not religious, you're golden.

[Carbon]

[jrwhite82]

Christian hagwons and christian private schools are two different animals.

Christian hagwons are the ones that (usually) have a bad rep. Bad conditions, overzealous, conservative staff and administration, etc...

Christian private schools - Usually all the pluses of a standard public school x2 vacation, chances to teach real content, etc...

[Chris.Quigley]

Positives: I worked for a Christian public high school. It was a great experience. The staff treated me really well. I had lots of freedom. Great year.

Very minor negatives: Korean Teachers were required to say they were Christian for face-saving reasons and they were also pressured to attend church. But I was never pressured myself because my Atheist friend and co-worker already fought that battle for me. (I am also Christian but I don't believe people should be forced to go to church and people should have the freedom to choose where they attend church).

Recommendation: Don't prejudge a school based on being "Christian." I would recommend the school I worked for.

Edit: I am certain my Atheist co-worker(NET) would also recommend the school.

[Modernist]

Hey, you got a great draw with the Christian school, good to hear. I don't think people should ASSUME that there's great vacations and great kids and more money and no church and everything else as soon as they hear 'Christian'. A few schools may be like that but I doubt all of them are. I have a friend who teaches a 'public' position at a Catholic school, and his job is about the same as mine--not horrible, but not a dream come true either. Mixed bag like everything here.

Some teachers at parochial schools are pressured to attend services. Your good experience is no more universal than someone else's bad experience. People need to do their homework and check out the school for themselves, contact the last NT, ask smart questions, etc.

[thebektionary]

Thanks for the tips everyone. I don't think it's too late to interview with that school because the recruiter contacted me about it on Friday. I will go ahead with the interview, see how it goes, and ask the appropriate questions.

I only heard of Christian schools having a bad reputation so it's good to see that you all say otherwise.

I'm not a religious person in any way at all. I don't practice anything. I don't have anything against Christianity but I was scared I'd end up in some crazy Evangelical environment.

I'm not offended by the Hitler comment personally but you could show some decency.

[Carbon]

[thebektionary]

I understand what you're saying. It wasn't apparent if I actually was Jewish or not.

Actually, I am a Jewish female and I've been in a relationship with a Muslim male for three years. Funny, right?

I didn't take it personally. I don't get offended easily.

I also have nothing against Christianity or any other religion even though I don't practice anything. I just thought it would be awkward to work at a Christian school because I don't really know anything about Christian educational or social life.

Truce?

[Carbon]

No problem here and really...good luck with the position, should you accept it.

[thebektionary]

Just an update...

I got offered the contract for this school but I think I am taking a GEPIK middle school in Bucheon instead. The pay is less but the vacation is longer and the working hours are shorter. I would rather teach Middle School than Elementary school. It was a hard decision but I hope I made the right choice!