Korean Job Discussion Forums

rothkowitz · Joined: 27 Apr 2006

Well,I've just finished sitting here for the second day in succession,same again tomorrow,haven't had a class in 2 weeks,and intend to get f-up.

crazylemongirl · Joined: 23 Mar 2003 Location: almost there...

I love middle schoolers. 3rd graders can be a pain the ass, but the 1st graders are so sweet and wonderful. Lost more test days and random days off that elementary schools.

Kimchieluver · Joined: 02 Mar 2005

I love middle school. The only downside is that no matter how bad you don't want to give up on a couple students, you will find out that those select few have long ago given up on English and all the English teachers (korean and Western) won't be able to do jack for them.

mack the knife · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: standing right behind you...

ucfvgirl · Joined: 28 Sep 2005 Location: Bundang

For the most part, I have enjoyed my time at my middle school. There are some very frustrating times, as I am sure there are at any job. Sometimes the language barrier is a problem and you can get overwhelmed trying to teach 40 students that don't understand you. Some schools will force you to use the textbook and others will leave the lessons up to you. Some school will insist you share the lesson with a Korean co-teacher and others will say take the entire class if you want. The days can get very mundane and boring, especially during summer and winter vacations. I remember spending days on end sitting at my computer trying to find something to do during winter vacation. (Students have almost 8 weeks off: You are up to 3 weeks teaching, one week vacation and the other four are sitting at your desk)

The benefits to teaching at the middle school level: no marking, no parent teacher interviews, no test making, very little prep required especially if you are using the textbook, time off during exams and other school functions, and the pay is alright for the amount of work you are required to do.

Middle school students can be a handful though: attitude, attitude, and attitude. Either they want to learn English or they don't. Those that don't can reek havic in your class. And they continually talk. It's really hard to manage a Korean middle school classroom.

I hope that my experiences help you make a decision about where you want to be.

I_Am_Wrong · Joined: 14 Sep 2004 Location: whatever