Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Julius]

[joelove]

[Swampfox10mm]

This thread is full of stupid.

Ok, now that I've said it...

The negative comment about a grown man teaching kids insinuating that it's bad/wrong/suspect is way, way off base. In fact, in my years on this planet, I have come to understand that the people who make these sorts of comments are often the ones who have... shall we say... problems or hang-ups that would make me not want them teaching my kids. A lot like the George Wallace-types who hate blacks yet end up having a secret mixed-race child. Or the Senator who is very anti-gay, yet ends up getting caught looking for gay sex in an airport bathroom.

Also, the comment by Ttompatz suggesting that someone with an MATESOL would be foolish to consider teaching kids is, in my opinion, hogwash. There is nothing wrong with encouraging the guy to look for better -- no problem there -- but to tell him it would be foolish? Seriously, Ttompatz, I'd expect better out of you. Shame.

[joelove]

I'm guessing the foolish part was purely about money. If you can make lots and enjoy your work, well done. Not many are so fortunate.

About a man teaching kids, of course there is nothing wrong except that some people think there is. Some men would avoid it just from the fear of what others would think, sadly. A fear of being accused of being inappropriate is not totally crazy, or is it? Not sure, but what other people think or fear does matter, however wrong they may seem to be. Anyway, most men who have such a fear about teaching children will most likely steer clear of the job, I suppose.

[3DR]

[Scorpion]

From my own childhood the teachers that I recall with the most fondness were men. I remember their names to this day. I can't recall the names of any of my female teachers. For some reason they made less of an impact on me. I would say a school should have a good mix of male and female teachers, especially if the school has both boys and girls.

To suggest that an individual cannot teach children simply because of their gender is an embarassing position to hold in 2013. All that is required is a dedication to education and a love of children. Are men really less capable of these qualities than women? Do we not love our mothers and our fathers? our grand grandmothers and grandfathers? Do they not equally love us? All that children need are good teachers who love what they do.

One thing I respect about Korea is this: I didn't even know that I liked children before I came here. I thought they were a nuisance. I took a teaching job most reluctantly, but I'm glad I did. It made me realize how wonderful young people are, and how much satisfaction we can get from teaching them. They are full of energy and affection, and the world is still magical through their eyes. Since life can become somewhat dull at times for adults, it's wonderful to be surrounded with little persons who still believe in angels and fairies...Like women, men also have souls.

One more point. Generally speaking, Korean children don't get enough attention from their fathers. Raising the children is the mother's job. This is changing slowly, but it is still very apparent. Many of the children need the affection of a male role model, and this is often redirected to the teacher (foreign or Korean). I've had children run up and hug me tight and I've often thought, "I don't deserve this affection, this belongs to their fathers". But he's not available. So until traditional gender roles change in Korea there is an even greater need for males in the classroom.

OP, if you want to teach children do it. It's a blessing and helps reduce the stress that other aspects of living in Korea can cause. You enjoy laughter, light-heartedness and inquisitive minds? That only makes you human. Teaching children is the ticket.

Posters on this thread have given you good advice. Do what give you satisfaction. Life is too short to let other people's misconceptions trip you up.

Best of luck to you.

[ttompatz]