Korean Job Discussion Forums

guangho · Posted: Thu May 26, 2005 6:32 am Post subject:

So far so good tho my coteacher is bitching about the commute. (I'm in the sticks as far as she is concerned-she lives in Kangnam). I am hereby announcing (if tentatively) Guangho's Amazing Korean Co-teacher Contest . Contestants must be fluent in Korean and English. They must live in or be near Ansan, Gyeonggi-Do. They must have a backbone instead of sniping about someone behind their backs. Other requirements will come along as soon as I dream them up.

Gollum · Joined: 04 Sep 2003 Location: Japan

guangho · Posted: Thu May 26, 2005 7:12 am Post subject:

I don't believe so.

dulouz · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Location: Uranus

Its Ok so far. I get weekly hints by KT's about having too much time off. Thats too bad. I want more. My VP says I can't wear shorts anymore to work. I don't wear them at work, I wear them to work. I don't have responsibility, I just teach. I'm not interested in making "curricula" as its called. I wish I was rich. This job is much like my other civil serivice job. ZZZZzzz...

steroidmaximus · Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Location: GangWon-Do

Last week was not so good

I had a student call me baboseki because I mispronounced a Korean word. When I brought it up with my head teacher, he dismissed it along the lines of "you must have misunderstood, he was probably talking to another student, besides, students don't use that word anymore, it's too old". All the wrong answer. I took a strip outta the kid's hide, but having the head say that was just like: "hmmm, guess how helpful I'm going to be next time you ask me questions about your upcoming trip to Canada." Don't kids say the darndest things?!

I was supposed to do a presentation on Friday; at 10:30, I find out it's cancelled and I have to go to the elementary school for an extra class. . .of course, I have none of my materials with me since instead I'm carrying 8 packets for the cancelled presentation. Typical last minute bureaucratic co.ckknockery. And I still haven't been able to get an itemized pay stub.

The photocopy guy at one school is a soju soaked ajusshi who can't stand making copies for the waygook. . .no matter how much advance I give him (2 weeks!) or how nicely I ask, he never gets it done on time or forgets a page or two. The photocopy guy at the other school is awesome, gets my job done quick and efficient, even will staple together books I've put together for extra classes. I gave him a nice container of tea (he doesn't drink) as a thanks for his efforts.

A couple of teachers have been rudely asking me what time I start every morning. . .they know I'm expected in at 9:00, and I usually show up at 8:45. I don't have a homeroom, and I 'can't' participate in the meetings, so my vice principal was nice enough to let me have the extra half hour. . .now these guys are upset. Never mind that I'm usually the last one to leave the office everyday because of all the extra classes I'm teaching. They feel as if they are more qualified than me. Never mind that I have more education and the same amount or more teaching experience. I'm glad I decided to downplay my Korean ability, since they feel as if they can say whatever shit they want to my face. . .little do they know. Keeping a straight face ain't that easy in some circumstances.

Yes, last week was not so good.

BUT

I'm making a lot of extra cash from my extra classes and presentations, 2/4 of my coteachers are awesome dedicated teachers who really help me out, I've had some time off (field trips, midterms) and generally I feel like I'm being more productive and contributing more to my job and my students than in previous positions. . .that's a definite plus.

JacktheCat · Joined: 08 May 2004

If you hate photocoping as much as me and your school is being tight-fisted about buying expensive textbooks for the students, there is a way around this.

It involves your local print shop and the violation of several international copyright laws.

steroidmaximus · Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Location: GangWon-Do

the schools have a photocopy room, and someone who will run off photocopies for you. I get around 500-1000 done a week. But I've resorted to a local print shop of late for my book copying needs. . .

guangho · Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 3:46 am Post subject:

It's confirmed. It's official. The amazing co-teacher contest is on like Donkey Kong. Requirements: Be fluent in Korean (and English!) Know that you'll be working in Ansan and don't act surprised by long commutes. Expect unreasonable parents (though some are OK) and deal with them. Leave me alone.

Apply via PM or email.

blujeanguy · Joined: 30 Mar 2004

The school rocks but my BLEEPING Recruiter SUCKS!!