Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Tyshine]

I'll try and keep it short. We had a speaking test, and I needed to record the students. The computer had some sort of error, and it wasn't working. This had happened earlier in the day, but we used my other co-teachers laptop and it wasn't an issue. I had got the recording to work again, but it the computer auto shuts down and some of the settings change. About 10 minutes before class I realize its not working, and I can't remember how I got it working before as its all in Korean and I just messed with settings until I got it. I thought it would be faster to just get the computer technician over and fix it. I tell my morning co-teacher who is in the office.

When the other co-teacher shows up for class. She tells me I made a mistake and I should have told her sooner. I brush it off as it is her way. It turns out the computer technician knows little about computers, and even worse repeats the same things over and over after it is clear he needs to do something else. My co-teacher is becoming more upset, and says to me again in a more accusatory tone I made a mistake. I brush it off again. Finally, we try her laptop as I suggested earlier and it didn't work for whatever reason. At this point she has gotten quite angry and comes back to scold me again. At this point I am irritated, and say that I don't think its very helpful to tell me about my big mistake. She ignores this and with less than 15 minutes left tells me I need to do my lesson.

At this point I am not thinking straight. I have tried to explain about when I knew about the computer problem, but she only listened to when I said there was a problem in the morning and walked away before I could finish explaining the rest (she has an annoying trait of not really listening to me). I tell her its test day, and I don't have a lesson. She flips out and says I need to have something prepared for computer problems. The truth is I do, but am not thinking straight. I say to her (not shouting, but not happy) why should I do my lesson it is test day. Then I realize what I am saying and say I have backups on my USB, but its too late. She tells the students to stand up, and then she takes them out of the classroom. After she left I fixed the computer problem. She eventually came back to her office and slammed the door.

My question is why did she take the kids out of the classroom? How much trouble do you think I will get into for this?

Also I realize I made a mistake in saying why should I do my lesson. I was thinking with anger, and would rather not have this become a discussion about that.

[Whistleblower]

Buy her some flowers and apologise. It'll be easier in the longterm.

[passport220]

If you normally have a decent working relationship with the co-teacher, it should blow over and not be a big deal with her.

The bigger problem in my eyes is how she disrespected you in front of the students and how you will keep and maintain classroom control for your future classes.

Why did she take them out of the room? Where did her and the students go? To conduct some kind of time killing activity since the computer technical problem was getting in the way of the regularly scheduled activity?

[YTMND]

Why do you need a computer if it is a speaking test? I don't understand that part.

[Tyshine]

[Tyshine]

[some waygug-in]

If they want you to record the test, they need to provide the recording equipment.

It should not be your responsibility, although I can see your kt saying so.

[Tyshine]

[Tyshine]

Just had a meeting and we worked it out. I told her I didn't do the last 15 minutes of the lesson because I was angry. She admitted she was angry and said she understood, but some students complained there was no lesson and that if they complain to the administration it will be a big problem (I don't know if that is true or not, but hey whatever).

[some waygug-in]

Welcome to the wonderful world of co-teachers.

That's why I left Korea. (among other things)

Co-teachers can be really great or really awful, but there seems to be a disproportionate amount towards the awful side of the scale.


Just do your best and when she acts like a spoiled 3-year-old, smile

and try not to take it personally.

Once she sees that she can't get a rise out of you, she will calm down.

(hopefully)

[lithium]

I think everyone has had situations similar to the one with your co-teacher. Take it in stride and follow the normal protocol. I do suggest that you offer a class on the proper use of commas.

[bobbybigfoot]

I would have just started the test without the computer, grading the kids myself (assuming this was a possibility).

Teachers always need to know their place in Korea: it's at the bottom. Avoid conflict at all costs AS YOU WILL LOSE unless for some strange reason they actually value you. The average ESL teacher here in Korea is considered replaceable and held in less-than-high esteem.

Here's the pecking order:

1. The Principal
2. The moms
3. Korean Teachers
4. everyone else
5. The Native Teacher

[Seoulman69]

I had real problems with a co-teacher at an elementary school I used to work at. She was rude and very childish. I never gave an inch when she tried to blame me for everything and ignored her in the hope that it would stop her strange behaviour. It didn't but I had another co-teacher who I got on fine with. He was a functioning alcoholic who would set up all the equipment for me then put his head on the desk and sleep. I would then do my lesson. If any kids were disruptive I would wake up my co-teacher who would berate them with the rage that only a recently woken up hung over madman could summon. I actually liked the alcoholic co-teacher and 3 years later I received an email from the argumentative co-teacher apologizing for her behaviour.

My point is that co-teachers are a difficult bunch to deal with. Do your job as well as you can but don't allow them to use you as a scapegoat.
Good luck.

[Who's Your Daddy?]

^^Cool.

[tideout]