Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Tyshine]

Looks like I am going to shallow my pride...I guess this is just a part of growing up, but my crazy coteacher is at it again.

I became good friends with another English teacher at my school. My coteacher did not like this, and asked we don't sit by each other at lunch or talk together. We thought this was silly and kept talking with one another. This infuriated her and she got into a shouting match with the other teacher. She even brought it to the vice principal who said she has no right to say where I sit or who I talk with. She didn't listen and demanded to the other teacher we do not talk. She agreed, but only to not cause more problems. My coteacher is notorious for causing big issues at the school and even other schools, and since nobody wants to deal with her they just lay down and accept her babyish attitude. She also might know the owner of the school, but I am not sure about that.

Well next week is testing so I am deskwarming. Another teacher asked me if I want to go on the Friday field trip and I said yes. She got approval from the principal, but this made my coteaher upset again. She is now saying I cannot go, and her approval is necessary first.

There are other issues, but she has made it so I can't even associate with best friend at my school. I feel like I am losing control when I see her and there is nothing I can do. The point of this rant is I feel Korea has beaten me down, and I just have to accept whatever crap she throws my way. Would you do the same?

[Seoulman69]

I'm sorry to hear you are having problems with your ko-teacher. I had problems with a ko-teacher a couple of years ago but stood my ground. It made things more difficult but I was taught to stand up for myself. It was tough and I ended up leaving early after being offered a job elsewhere. Years later I received an email from this teacher apologizing for her behavior. Perhaps it is the same teacher. Is she a single mother by any chance?

My advice would be to stand up for yourself. Don't argue with her, simply do what you want (within reason) and ignore her tantrums.

Good luck and keep your chin up. It won't last forever.

[Weigookin74]

Jealousy? You male and she female? Maybe there's some other reasons behind the scenes for the bitterness. See if you can figure it out. If she continues to harass you, go with the other teacher to the VP or P about it. Make sure the other teachers and all others like you first. Be prepared to rehearse this speaking point and be well prepared to make a case without being too negative. You said she has a bad reputation at her other schools and with other Koreans too? Make the case that everyone has to stand up to a bully. She might already be prepared to give you a bad review and look for excuses to try to get your contract non renewed. Often, it's not a real problem with your teaching. But she just wants you gone. So, staying quiet and hoping it will go away may or may not be the option. Make sure the principal and others are all on your side. I've seen quite a few POEs dropping teachers at contract renewal time and it was often a physco co-teacher. (Though I guess some NETs probably deserve to be dropped, too.)

What reason is she giving for not wanting you to talk to this other co teacher?

[Tyshine]

[Tyshine]

[NYC_Gal 2.0]

[Seoulman69]

[Tyshine]

Double post sorry

[Tyshine]

Stood my ground, and it went.... Terrible. She is now saying all the teachers are complaining about me as is the vice principal. She has done this with other teachers. She also is trying to say I need to stay at school until 5 ( I go 8-4) because lunch hour doesn't count as hours. She will spread her lies to the vice principal. She also says I must use all my free time searching for lessons, and her desk is right next to mine.

Oh she said I can't send texts in the office either. She sits in the back of my class and does nothing, and uses her phone.

[Lucas]

The advise i'm about to give you is really NOT good advise, but i'll give you it anyway.....


But, oh before I start - I have a sneeky feeling that you're other teachers DO mind the fact that you left at 4pm everyday, whilst they were stuck there until 5pm!

So maybe you are not as well liked as you think!

But hey ho - here's what I MIGHT do in your situation.

Buy a small camera and covertly film her having there fits/OTT moments, catch her using her phone in class - then compile them into one 4-5 minute clip, and post it to the local and regional education offive (and of course you-tube) with a handy link on daves

This of course will get you into HUGE trouble on so many levels - BUT is would be very funny too! Just don't include any of the children in it!

[Lucas]

The advise i'm about to give you is really NOT good advise, but i'll give you it anyway.....


But, oh before I start - I have a sneeky feeling that you're other teachers DO mind the fact that you left at 4pm everyday, whilst they were stuck there until 5pm!

So maybe you are not as well liked as you think!

But hey ho - here's what I MIGHT do in your situation.

Buy a small camera and covertly film her having there fits/OTT moments, catch her using her phone in class - then compile them into one 4-5 minute clip, and post it to the local and regional education offive (and of course you-tube) with a handy link on daves

This of course will get you into HUGE trouble on so many levels - BUT is would be very funny too! Just don't include any of the children in it!

[PigeonFart]

I only read the first few lines of your text. I was shocked at you saying she actutally told you you were not permitted to talk to someone. Who the hell does she think she is. I can't imagine someone saying that to me.

[Tyshine]

[Seoulman69]

[Malislamusrex]

Ignore all of them. It just isn't worth the hassle.