Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Jimskins]

I know the international schools topic has been done to death in other threads but on reading those I couldn't find the answer to the question in my post title.

I currently teach at a good uni in Seoul but it seems every man and his dog has or is getting an MA these days and I'm concerned about my long-term future (especially as my wife and I are thinking about having kids next year).

Anyway, to get to the point, I'm thinking about going home (UK) to get certified and then coming back to teach at an international school. Although my major was in law I would like to teach history in secondary school. However from looking at international job postings and websites it seems that the demand for English is much higher and also that some schools in Korea only teach up to half way through middle school. It would seem that getting trained as a primary school teacher would make me more marketable, at least in Korea. Is this true?

[warmachinenkorea]

[FMPJ]

[warmachinenkorea]

[ttompatz]

op:

The areas most in demand for teachers are in the maths and physical sciences. Social science teachers are everywhere and are a penny-a-piece.

Elementary school teachers outnumber high school teachers by about 3/1.

Best bet for on-going, continuous employment would be a teacher who is certified at the primary/elementary level and who can teach maths and (general) science.

That would be quickly followed (low competition and high demand) by high school maths and science (biology, chemistry and physics) teachers.

.

[Ocalmy]

I think going home to get certified is a great idea. I returned to the U.S. last summer to complete a three semester Master of Arts in Teaching program. When it's over, I'll be certified to teach secondary English. Ideally, I'll return to Korea when it's over and get a job at an international school. One big advantage is that I'll be able to teach in the U.S. if my wife and I ever decide to move home permanently.

From my point of view there are three big obstacles to teaching at international schools in Korea:

1) There just aren't that many accredited schools in Korea (compared to places like China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Japan,).

2) Many/Most of the legitimate international schools in Korea are Christian. They simply won't hire you if you're not a devoted Christian. I think I remember one that even asked me to describe my conversion experience in the application. ''

3) The few accredited schools that are not Christian are truly excellent and aren't likely to hire a teacher w/out two or more years of post certification experience--preferably in your home country.

That said, there are several not so great/non-accredited international schools in Korea (i.e. owned and operated by Koreans for mainly wealthy Korean students). I think I might have to start there and then network like crazy for a year or two before I have a chance at a real international school. At least I'll be teaching my subject area and not EFL.

Also, having an M.A. plus certification opens other doors, like Foreign Language high schools for example. Not ideal, but you can make decent money while looking for something better.

[Jimskins]

Thanks for the responses.

Bugger, maths and science were always my weak areas. It's the same situation as the UK, if you can teach those subjects your tuition is free and they even throw in another 6000+ USD if you got a 'B' average at uni or have an MA. Damn my illogical brain!

Ttompatz - when you say elementary teachers outnumber high school teachers 3 to 1 does that imply that i would be best to qualify as a high school teacher or simply that there are more jobs for elementary school teachers?

Hmm it's a tough call to make. But i guess in the worst case scenario where i cant get a job at an Int. school in Korea at least it's another feather in the cap in terms of uni jobs right?

[No_hite_pls]

How marketable is it to be a certified middle school earth science teacher?

[smurfetta]

I would stick with high school and try to get some training in some niche areas too. I am thinking ICT, technology education, home economics, library, and special education etc... Your experience in EFL will help as well. I would consider your law degree an asset as you could teach high school law courses. Also, think about what kind of extra-curriculars you can offer. Are you good at sports? Would you be willing to set up a debate club or UN club etc... Do you have any interesting hobbies?

I would definitely try to take as many educational and assistive technology courses as possible during your certification. It is so important to be up-to-date with technology in education.

Also, be flexible... You could be teaching an age group/subject that you hadn't intended to.

[valkerie]

Jimskins, unless things have changed since I graduated (in the 90s) you can't get a place on a PGCE for primary or secondary ed. without proving a large part of your undergrad degree were in areas the kids study. Would a law degree cover that?

I am guessing you checked out the application process, but just in case....