Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Grotto]

I did 3 pages of typewritten comments.

What do think the odds are they read any of our written comments? Or understand them? Or act upon them?

Basically said the same as Canuckteacher.

not renewing because of lack of vacation time, no raise and unreasonable time requirements during summer and winter camps.

Although in all honesty I started taking off at 1:00 once my camps were done after the first two weeks.

I was basically ignored by my Principal(not a bad thing) treated very well by the VP. First co-teacher was evil incarnate...now I have a good one.

[Plume D'ella Plumeria]

I'd say that the odds of our comments, spot-on as they are, being read , understood or (surely, you joke) actually acted upon, are extremely small.

However, I have given the same feedback and have also let it be known that GEPIK has managed to leach from me any motivation and enthusiasm I once had and any further desire to to a stellar job. I am just sleep-walking these last months, getting the job done and nothing more. I am looking forward more than I can say, to seeing the end of GEPIK, with its never-ending string of regulations, new policies stamped on non-policies and great stretches of time-wasting, non-productive hours. I've said it before and I'll say it again - GEPIK offers far too little and demands far too much.

[OiGirl]

[crazylemongirl]

Sounds like we filled in different surveys. My one (for native english teachers) was in Korean! And had one question that was repeated.

[Grotto]

Question 2: Do you understand the English curriculum of Korean elementary school and make the best of using them in your class?

question 3
Do you make the best of using the English curriculum of Korean elementary school in your class?

you know the fact that they cant write a decent question sends shivers down my spine...oh yeah shivers of fear!

[canukteacher]

I agree that the chances of our comments being read or understood are almost nonexistent. However, by saying them we have done something. GEPIK officials cannot come out (not saying that they won't) and with any honesty claim ignorance to the fact that numerous teachers had similar complaints. I do hope that all the teachers in this program fill out this questionnaire honestly, keeping the tone of their answers professional.

If GEPIK hopes to start retaining their qualified teachers they have to do something. It's either they make some positive changes or like the EPIK program they will be looking for a hundred plus teachers every year. But then again, that doesn't seem to bother EPIK.

CT

[schwa]

Maybe epik has found its niche. A few hundred reasonably well-run positions, annual intake a couple hundred new recruits or so at a time.

Grandaddy contract for gepik, smoe, & various independent & private schools. Gepik in particular seems to be messing around with details to the detriment of teachers.

Upstart Korean administrators overreaching & screwing things up. The original program is working things out. These things take time.

[Derrek]

[TheUrbanMyth]

[crazylemongirl]

[Plume D'ella Plumeria]

As far as the idea of GEPIK seeking another hundred or so teachers year after year, I'm afraid I see that as a real possibility. Sadly, I suspect that in GEPIK's eyes, we are entirely expendable. The Canadians are causing trouble? Get in the Americans. The Americans are raising a ruckus? Bring in some Aussies. The Aussies are kicking up a fuss? And ever on...

A cynical view, I know, but I just don't see GEPIK lifting a finger to do anything about some very well-qualified teachers who are departing its ranks. Nor do they appear to even be lifting an eyebrow. It brings to mind a job I once held in Japan. There were some aspects of it with which I was discontent. When I announced my intention to leave, the head honcho was immediately wining and dining me (literally). He offered me a sizable salary increase and sweetened the pot in some other very appealing ways. Needless to say, I was seduced into staying on. Somehow, in the farthest reaches of my imagination, I cannot see GEPIK doing anything like that. Ever.

[manlyboy]

Koreans are stubborn.

We are expendable.

Swim with the stream.

[No L]

[Grotto]

[Plume D'ella Plumeria]

"Swim with the stream."

Swim with the the stream yourself, if that's what floats your boat. Some of us are tiring out there in the cross-currents and are ready to come ashore.