Korean Job Discussion Forums

peppermint · Posted: Tue May 11, 2004 5:09 am Post subject: elementary school co-teachers

I've been teaching at an elementary school for the last few weeks, and when I signed the contract I understood that the Korean teachers would be there to help translate, and keep the kids under control, but so far, I've seen most of them in passing if at all.

The kids are relatively well behaved and seem to be learning, but I can't help but think it would be easier for all involved if the Korean teachers played a part. Kids in grade 3 that haven't been going to hagwons are getting left behind because I can't explain to them.

From what I can tell this is common for foreigners in the elementary system, though teachers in the higher grades seem to get more support from the co-teachers. Any thoughts?

Zyzyfer · Posted: Tue May 11, 2004 6:40 am Post subject:

I had the same problem last year. One of the teachers went out of her way to be in the classroom, but most of the others did their own thing. It didn't bother me, though, because I don't like coteachers hawking over everything I do, and most of the teachers that did that couldn't crack a smile or enjoy a joke in class to save their lives.