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Whistleblower
Joined: 03 Feb 2007
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 Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2007 1:02 am Post subject: Time for Change in Teacher-Hiring Practices |
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It is nice to see that someone is looking to the positives of the new E2 Visa regulations rather than the negatives. In a way, I do agree with what Jason Cresswell is saying regarding quality of teachers than quantity of teachers. I also agree that parents should change their opinion that Caucasian teachers, with no teaching experience, are better than non-Caucasian teachers with plenty of teaching experience (qualifications).
Opinions?
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Time for Change in Teacher-Hiring Practices
By Jason Cresswell
Contributing Writer
The announcement that E2 visa applicants will be required to submit medical checks, criminal background checks, drug tests, and perhaps even have an interview with a South Korean consular official in the native teacher's home country is causing quite a stir in the English teaching community.
Most people agree that this will certainly deter many new teachers from making the move to Korea in favor of countries that have less stringent and expensive application procedures.
While at first glance, this may be a bit alarming to school directors, in fact, it is the perfect time to make a few changes in the hiring of native teachers that will more than offset the potential decrease in applicants.
The solution coincides with the reasons for the recent changes to the application procedure. The claim is that the new regulations are being put in place in order to help improve the quality of teachers coming to South Korea and to eliminate some of the undesirable applicants.
In fact, there is another approach to this issue that has nothing to do with these additional regulations that will only help solve a very small percentage of the problem. Instead of regulations, what is needed is a renewed focus on the quality of the applicant as opposed to their physical appearance, race and age.
I will say from the start that the issue is more pronounced in the private academy industry than it is in the public school area. I will commend the public school officials for being more concerned with teacher quality and less with appearances.
However, private English academies have a long way to go. Except for a very select few schools, the majority of the academies in Korea base their choice of teacher on the nationality, race, appearance and age of the teacher.
This is no surprise to anyone who has been in South Korea for any length of time. What would surprise most is just how far this goes.
In almost all cases, a young Caucasian teacher with a B.A. in history will be hired over a young African-American with a bachelors of education and teaching experience in their home country. The same goes for a Caucasian teacher versus an Asian applicant. In terms of quality of education, this makes absolutely no sense.
The schools shift the blame from themselves to the mothers of students, saying that it is the mothers who expect young Caucasian teachers to be teaching their children English. Having a staff full of nice-looking, young Caucasians is the way to profitability as a school owner it would seem.
As the owner of a recruiting company, my single biggest frustration is the inability to help fully qualified, and in many cases, overly-qualified applicants find positions because they fall into the category of being non-Caucasian or over the ripe old age of 35.
It is time for Koreans to erase the idea that a Caucasian teacher can do any better than a black teacher or an Asian teacher. Let's start focusing on the accomplishments of the applicant. Let's start looking at the resume before the picture and not vice versa.
It saddens and embarrasses me to say it, but I really can't even count the number of excellent applicants that our company has had apply, yet not been able to find a place for, due to factors not at all related to their teaching ability.
So, if the demand is now there for quality teachers, we've got them in abundance. They are applying to us, they are applying to other recruiting companies and they are applying directly to schools. Now, let's get them over here.
The demand has to come from several sources. I am not a believer in forcing anyone to make hiring decisions based on rules that are forced upon them, such as equal opportunity legislation. I believe that the demand has to come from the market.
This has to start with the parents of students who pay tuition. Tell the director of your children's academies that you don't care whether the teacher is Caucasian, black, Asian, young, or older, but that they are genuine about wanting to teach your kids.
School owners, be pioneers and tell your clients that you are now going to put more emphasis on the quality of teacher and not solely on appearance.
Let them know that in the next few months and years to come, they will be exposed to a more diverse faculty of teachers. Stress to them that in order to provide the best education at your school, you are going to focus first on the education, experience, and attitude of the teacher, and that the way the teacher looks will no longer be a factor in your hiring decisions.
This can start with the bigger chains as well as with small, family-owned schools. Spread the word amongst fellow school owners and directors. It is for your own benefit.
You will have a wider selection of applicants to choose from and thus you will increase the likelihood of making the right choice of teacher.
To those working at Korean Immigration, encourage the hiring of teachers based on personality and the quality of the person and not on appearance alone. You are taking steps to improve the quality of education in Korea, and this is one area that can make a significant impact.
To my Korean friends in general, please try to open yourself up to a variety of people. Start talking about it and encourage whomever you too can to do the same.
It has been a long-time goal of mine to see these changes take place in Korea, but I thought it would take several more years before anything would happen.
However, with all the changes coming up in the next few months and the demand for accountability and safe classrooms, it is my hope that the landscape of the native English teacher scene will change over the next few months and years. Let's start to focus on the individual and their merits.
[email protected]
Jason Cresswell is co-owner of ASK Now Inc. (www.asknow.ca), who has been enjoying Korea since 1999. |
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Bibbitybop
Joined: 22 Feb 2006
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2007 4:52 am Post subject: |
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The author goes from new E-2 visa changes (which are reasonable except the interview in the home country, and the drug tests are unnecessary for teachers just arriving in the country) to changing the stereotypes Koreans have. He might as well add the fact every Korean should drive an electric car and save the whales from Japanese fishermen.
While it's true that schools would get more qualified applicants if Koreans embraced all nationalities and colors, its wishing thinking. Going back to the E-2 requirements, it's going to discourage qualified teachers, especially that part about the home country interviews. |
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JasonC
Joined: 09 Mar 2007
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| Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2007 4:59 am Post subject: Thanks Whistleblower |
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Hi Whistleblower,
Thanks for posting the article...saves me from having to do it!
Bibbitybop, the point I was trying to make with how the hiring choices are associated with the visa regulations is the fact that the problem is with poor quality of teachers in Korea.
That is what the new regulations are trying to address...trying to weed out the good from the bad. But, I think one of the problems is that hiring is based on appearance and not quality of teacher. Eliminate that problem, and you will see a big increase in the quality of teachers. Driving electric cars and saving whales will not have an impact on the quality of teachers.
Cheers!
Jason
http://www.asknow.ca |
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PGF
Joined: 27 Nov 2006
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| Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2007 5:24 am Post subject: Re: Thanks Whistleblower |
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| JasonC wrote: |
Hi Whistleblower,
Thanks for posting the article...saves me from having to do it!
Bibbitybop, the point I was trying to make with how the hiring choices are associated with the visa regulations is the fact that the problem is with poor quality of teachers in Korea.
That is what the new regulations are trying to address...trying to weed out the good from the bad. But, I think one of the problems is that hiring is based on appearance and not quality of teacher. Eliminate that problem, and you will see a big increase in the quality of teachers. Driving electric cars and saving whales will not have an impact on the quality of teachers.
Cheers!
Jason
http://www.asknow.ca |
I think most hagwon owners weed out bad teachers pretty early on. I mean, a bad teacher, to a hagwon owner, is one who elicits complaints and has children leaving in droves. This usually has little to do with the teachers teaching ability. Teachers who are too strict may be the most qualified teachers in the world, but they are probably not too popular with the kiddies.
When talking about hagwons, teaching seldom factors into the equation. The most popular teachers are usually energetic and funny. Some of the most popular I've met say they just play games in every class.
If only the mothers knew this......
It sux, but korean kids and mothers usually do not want a gyopo who speaks perfect English. Is it fair? No. But, that's the way it is. The mothers kind of know that their kids have a Korean teacher teaching their kids English in public school and that Korean teacher 9.9 out of ten times can not speak English. So, the stereotype that a Korean-looking person can not teach/speak English is reinforced by their own public school system. They d nt shell out big bucks to have a Korean face teach speaking. And, sadly, I don't think they will anytime soon.
If attitudes on the subject change, it will probably take twenty years.
In the end, I'm glad they are requiring drug and criminal record checks. It sucks that some of us MIGHT have to go home every year and pay ridiculous money for the med check, but it might be worth it to weed out the weirdos/psychos/drunks.
Even though the new regulations, if enacted the way we've been told will force a few of my close friends out of Korea, I think the means justify the ends. You could NEVER get a teaching job in my country if you were a) a convicted drug offender or B) had some other black mark on your criminal record that speaks to your bad character (habitual DUI, felons, perverts, thieves, etc).
I don't want drug users around my kids or the Koreans' kids. I wish they would drug test teachers in the states. And, yes. Marijuana is a drug. Sorry Canadia. I also think that a school should randomly breathalyze their teachers. I can't count the number of times one of my co-teachers has reaked of alcohol while in the classroom. Back home, if a teacher smelled of liquor, they'd be arrested and lose their teaching license and then probably apply to teach overseas. hahaa
anyway, yeah.... |
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Unposter
Joined: 04 Jun 2006
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| Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2007 5:54 am Post subject: |
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I agree with both Jason and PGF.
To large extent Immigration just has it backwards. The problem is not with the supply of the teachers; it has to do with the selection criteria of the overwelmingly number of Korean hakwons, public schools and universities.
On the other hand, one has to look at what is expected from most FTs. They are not expected to be the primary language educator. They are just one of many English teachers most kids will have. Most will be Korean. And, most of these KTs will stuff their heads full of grammar, linguistic structures and vocabulary. What they won't do is give them a chance to speak English.
And, this is the primary role of the FT: speak English. The FT should do whatever it is in their power to motivate and interest their students to speak. This can include games, songs, role plays, drama, discussion, and even good old textbook exercises and anything else one can think of.
Now, you don't need an education degree to do any of this. I just told you 90% of what you need to know. You don't need a 100 hr TESOL Certificate to get the main points.
You do need to be energetic, playful, conversational, care about your students, patient, culturally sensitive and a willingness to make this work.
I think some basic willingness to read up in a few basic methodologies, games and grammar and basic English knowledge does help. But, again, any basically educated person can learn and understand this without much effort.
Now, I do think there are places for real educators in ESL. Teacher trainers, some university Instructors, editors, materials creaters, test tutors all need some specialized knowledge but for the vast majority of those in the ESL field, it just isn't necessary.
The biggest problem is finding people who care and are culturally sensitive.
And, I think one of the problems is that many people come to Korea full of optimism and energy only to be beaten down by a lying, uncaring hakwon. Many teachers throw thier arms up at a system that does not reward their best efforts and look for other ways to satisfy their goals.
Changing the visa system is not likely to improve this big problem in the Korean ESL/EFL Market.
You can bring in all the educators you want but when they will either not be allowed to educate by thier institutions, ignored by their students, or driven crazy by Korean hakwon management practices, it just won't matter will it.
Their was that old Pogo cartoon about the Vietnam War: We have met the enemy and it is us. Koreans should really read that. It fits the ESL/EFL industry here. |
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The_Eyeball_Kid
Joined: 20 Jun 2007
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| Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2007 6:07 am Post subject: |
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| Unposter wrote: |
I agree with both Jason and PGF.
To large extent Immigration just has it backwards. The problem is not with the supply of the teachers; it has to do with the selection criteria of the overwelmingly number of Korean hakwons, public schools and universities.
On the other hand, one has to look at what is expected from most FTs. They are not expected to be the primary language educator. They are just one of many English teachers most kids will have. Most will be Korean. And, most of these KTs will stuff their heads full of grammar, linguistic structures and vocabulary. What they won't do is give them a chance to speak English.
And, this is the primary role of the FT: speak English. The FT should do whatever it is in their power to motivate and interest their students to speak. This can include games, songs, role plays, drama, discussion, and even good old textbook exercises and anything else one can think of.
Now, you don't need an education degree to do any of this. I just told you 90% of what you need to know. You don't need a 100 hr TESOL Certificate to get the main points.
You do need to be energetic, playful, conversational, care about your students, patient, culturally sensitive and a willingness to make this work.
I think some basic willingness to read up in a few basic methodologies, games and grammar and basic English knowledge does help. But, again, any basically educated person can learn and understand this without much effort.
Now, I do think there are places for real educators in ESL. Teacher trainers, some university Instructors, editors, materials creaters, test tutors all need some specialized knowledge but for the vast majority of those in the ESL field, it just isn't necessary.
The biggest problem is finding people who care and are culturally sensitive.
And, I think one of the problems is that many people come to Korea full of optimism and energy only to be beaten down by a lying, uncaring hakwon. Many teachers throw thier arms up at a system that does not reward their best efforts and look for other ways to satisfy their goals.
Changing the visa system is not likely to improve this big problem in the Korean ESL/EFL Market.
You can bring in all the educators you want but when they will either not be allowed to educate by thier institutions, ignored by their students, or driven crazy by Korean hakwon management practices, it just won't matter will it.
Their was that old Pogo cartoon about the Vietnam War: We have met the enemy and it is us. Koreans should really read that. It fits the ESL/EFL industry here. |
Well said, mate. |
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Whistleblower
Joined: 03 Feb 2007
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| Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2007 6:15 am Post subject: Re: Thanks Whistleblower |
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| JasonC wrote: |
Hi Whistleblower,
Thanks for posting the article...saves me from having to do it!
Bibbitybop, the point I was trying to make with how the hiring choices are associated with the visa regulations is the fact that the problem is with poor quality of teachers in Korea.
That is what the new regulations are trying to address...trying to weed out the good from the bad. But, I think one of the problems is that hiring is based on appearance and not quality of teacher. Eliminate that problem, and you will see a big increase in the quality of teachers. Driving electric cars and saving whales will not have an impact on the quality of teachers.
Cheers!
Jason
http://www.asknow.ca |
Your welcome. They don't call me a Whistleblower for nothing. 
I did like your article and do understand the points you are making but I do believe that the Korean authorities have reacted with a knee-jerk reaction regarding problems associated with a pediophile who done bad things in Thailand and taught in Korea. I do believe that the teaching industry should be more regulated and that there should be a governmental organisation representing English teachers and the industry in Korea (if there is one I would be surprised) like a union.
There should be also a more realistic immigration process in this country rewarding English teachers who complete the TEFL or CELTA and have contributed to the EFL Industry in Korea (like an F5 Visa or E7 visa).
Nonetheless, I appreciate your article. |
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PGF
Joined: 27 Nov 2006
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| Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2007 6:44 am Post subject: |
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I think some basic willingness to read up in a few basic methodologies, games and grammar and basic English knowledge does help. But, again, any basically educated person can learn and understand this without much effort.
Now, I do think there are places for real educators in ESL. Teacher trainers, some university Instructors, editors, materials creaters, test tutors all need some specialized knowledge but for the vast majority of those in the ESL field, it just isn't necessary. |
laid back and willing to accept a different culture #1.
#2 not a freak.
I've been working with the largest education publisher in Korea for ten months and, well, surprisingly, we have a good product about to hit the shelves.
When it surfaces, I'll let you know which one it is. CELTA, TESL? No. Just three years teaching university kids in the states and an uncanny ability to copy the style of ETS tests.
It's selfish, but I do like the fact that there may be less native speakers in this country. But, back home, when I worked in law, I always wanted the market to favor me. Why should it be different here?
I really think all native speakers should go to Taiwan. But that's so selfish. hehehe
When it comes down to brass tacks, I'll bend over backwards to help a newcomer. A long timer was my mentor before and after I came and I owe her so much. I'm always willling to give it back. |
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Bibbitybop
Joined: 22 Feb 2006
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2007 7:04 am Post subject: |
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Jason C
| Quote: |
| That is what the new regulations are trying to address...trying to weed out the good from the bad. But, I think one of the problems is that hiring is based on appearance and not quality of teacher. Eliminate that problem, and you will see a big increase in the quality of teachers. Driving electric cars and saving whales will not have an impact on the quality of teachers. |
I'm not disagreeing with you about Korean need to be more open and less prejudiced, I'm just saying it's unrealistic and wishful thinking. Weeding out the good from the bad in terms of criminals is a great idea, but everyone must remember that not all criminals have records.
Your article is about improving the quality of life in Korea and having better ESL teachers, not so much improving the lives of the ESL teachers here. Having electronic cars and protecting the natural environment were just examples of improving the quality of life in Korea. That may in turn improve the teachers who want to come here. People rave about Japan over Korea because of their more-modern, less in-your-face racism (yes, they hide it). Having a better country attracts better teachers. Not having to jump through hoops like going to a home country for an interview that could be done anywhere is enough to make good teachers stay out of Korea. The same goes with drug tests. Who wants to have to go get a drug test? That's one sign of a paranoid, xenophobic culture. "Test all foreigners." The drug tests won't weed out hard drug users or alcoholics as that is out of your system in a matter of days. It will weed out pot smokers, and those people haven't broken Korean law if they show up after smoking in another country. Should Korea be mindful of drugs being used here? Of course. Should they freak out because a teacher smoked pot in another country? Of course not. They may not have even been breaking a law when they smoked in another country. Alcoholics are way more of a threat to the safety of the children and the quality of teaching, especially with alcohol use being so prevalent in Korea.
PGF
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| I don't want drug users around my kids or the Koreans' kids. |
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| Marijuana is a drug |
You are making the same mistake the US's War on Drugs is wasting billions of dollars on: Not all drugs are dangerous and pose a threat to other people. Meth? Go after it. Heroine? Go after it. Alcohol? Keep it legal, but it's still harmful to the self and possibly others. Weed? The safest "drug" around, safer than nicotine, alcohol and lots of legal substances. Test teachers for it with no probable cause? It's a waste of time and money.
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| I wish they would drug test teachers in the states. |
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| I also think that a school should randomly breathalyze their teachers. |
Wow. What a horrible idea. Are you trying to get Cheney or Hitler on the next US ballot?
With probable cause, if a teacher smells like a substance or obviously is on one, then take action.
Even straight edge teachers aren't going to come to Korea if they had to put up with this kind of shit.
Whistleblower
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Korean authorities have reacted with a knee-jerk reaction regarding problems associated with a pediophile who done bad things in Thailand and taught in Korea. I do believe that the teaching industry should be more regulated and that there should be a governmental organisation representing English teachers and the industry in Korea (if there is one I would be surprised) like a union.
There should be also a more realistic immigration process in this country rewarding English teachers who complete the TEFL or CELTA and have contributed to the EFL Industry in Korea (like an F5 Visa or E7 visa).
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Spot on. |
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PGF
Joined: 27 Nov 2006
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| Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2007 7:28 am Post subject: |
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| Bibbitybop wrote: |
Jason C
| Quote: |
| That is what the new regulations are trying to address...trying to weed out the good from the bad. But, I think one of the problems is that hiring is based on appearance and not quality of teacher. Eliminate that problem, and you will see a big increase in the quality of teachers. Driving electric cars and saving whales will not have an impact on the quality of teachers. |
I'm not disagreeing with you about Korean need to be more open and less prejudiced, I'm just saying it's unrealistic and wishful thinking. Weeding out the good from the bad in terms of criminals is a great idea, but everyone must remember that not all criminals have records.
Your article is about improving the quality of life in Korea and having better ESL teachers, not so much improving the lives of the ESL teachers here. Having electronic cars and protecting the natural environment were just examples of improving the quality of life in Korea. That may in turn improve the teachers who want to come here. People rave about Japan over Korea because of their more-modern, less in-your-face racism (yes, they hide it). Having a better country attracts better teachers. Not having to jump through hoops like going to a home country for an interview that could be done anywhere is enough to make good teachers stay out of Korea. The same goes with drug tests. Who wants to have to go get a drug test? That's one sign of a paranoid, xenophobic culture. "Test all foreigners." The drug tests won't weed out hard drug users or alcoholics as that is out of your system in a matter of days. It will weed out pot smokers, and those people haven't broken Korean law if they show up after smoking in another country. Should Korea be mindful of drugs being used here? Of course. Should they freak out because a teacher smoked pot in another country? Of course not. They may not have even been breaking a law when they smoked in another country. Alcoholics are way more of a threat to the safety of the children and the quality of teaching, especially with alcohol use being so prevalent in Korea.
PGF
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| I don't want drug users around my kids or the Koreans' kids. |
| Quote: |
| Marijuana is a drug |
You are making the same mistake the US's War on Drugs is wasting billions of dollars on: Not all drugs are dangerous and pose a threat to other people. Meth? Go after it. Heroine? Go after it. Alcohol? Keep it legal, but it's still harmful to the self and possibly others. Weed? The safest "drug" around, safer than nicotine, alcohol and lots of legal substances. Test teachers for it with no probable cause? It's a waste of time and money.
| Quote: |
| I wish they would drug test teachers in the states. |
| Quote: |
| I also think that a school should randomly breathalyze their teachers. |
Wow. What a horrible idea. Are you trying to get Cheney or Hitler on the next US ballot?
With probable cause, if a teacher smells like a substance or obviously is on one, then take action.
Even straight edge teachers aren't going to come to Korea if they had to put up with this kind of shit.
Whistleblower
| Quote: |
Korean authorities have reacted with a knee-jerk reaction regarding problems associated with a pediophile who done bad things in Thailand and taught in Korea. I do believe that the teaching industry should be more regulated and that there should be a governmental organisation representing English teachers and the industry in Korea (if there is one I would be surprised) like a union.
There should be also a more realistic immigration process in this country rewarding English teachers who complete the TEFL or CELTA and have contributed to the EFL Industry in Korea (like an F5 Visa or E7 visa).
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Spot on. |
bibbitybop,
fair enough. Belive it or not, I am a liberal and I think the US drug policies are attrocious and just well, terrible.
BUT, marijuana safer than nicotine?
you lost me there. maybe physically, but mentally.
I've done my share. I just think that teachers of small children should be drug alcohol free while teaching. Is that so bad? I'd put my kid with a guy on methadone or even heroin maintenaince Sp? yes)) before I'd put him with a guy who is stoned while teaching.
Sound crazy? Maybe to you. But, from my personal experience, opioids can be safer than marijuana. PM me for more discussion on the subject.
I'm all for harm recution. I'm not a fan of illegalizing any drug. |
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Bibbitybop
Joined: 22 Feb 2006
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2007 7:56 am Post subject: |
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| PGF wrote: |
bibbitybop,
fair enough. Belive it or not, I am a liberal and I think the US drug policies are attrocious and just well, terrible.
BUT, marijuana safer than nicotine?
you lost me there. maybe physically, but mentally.
I've done my share. I just think that teachers of small children should be drug alcohol free while teaching. Is that so bad? I'd put my kid with a guy on methadone or even heroin maintenaince Sp? yes)) before I'd put him with a guy who is stoned while teaching.
Sound crazy? Maybe to you. But, from my personal experience, opioids can be safer than marijuana. PM me for more discussion on the subject.
I'm all for harm recution. I'm not a fan of illegalizing any drug. |
I agree that teachers shouldn't be on drugs when teaching, of course. But drug testing people when they get to Korea isn't necessary for that. Smoking at night or at a party doesn't affect the person the next day, nor weeks later if they go to teach in Korea.
And mentally, marijuana is safer in the after effects. See who goes crazy first without their vice: A cigarette addict, an alcohol addict or a marijuana "addict" (in quotations since it's not physically addictive).
But I am for the criminalization of hard drugs. They are a threat to society and others as the make people dangerous and violent. |
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whatever
Joined: 11 Jun 2006
Location: Korea: More fun than jail.
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| Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2007 8:04 am Post subject: |
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| The day Korea opens its mind up about persons of African ancestry will be...the day they admit they aren't a pure race. Never. |
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PGF
Joined: 27 Nov 2006
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| Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2007 8:04 am Post subject: |
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| Bibbitybop wrote: |
| PGF wrote: |
bibbitybop,
fair enough. Belive it or not, I am a liberal and I think the US drug policies are attrocious and just well, terrible.
BUT, marijuana safer than nicotine?
you lost me there. maybe physically, but mentally.
I've done my share. I just think that teachers of small children should be drug alcohol free while teaching. Is that so bad? I'd put my kid with a guy on methadone or even heroin maintenaince Sp? yes)) before I'd put him with a guy who is stoned while teaching.
Sound crazy? Maybe to you. But, from my personal experience, opioids can be safer than marijuana. PM me for more discussion on the subject.
I'm all for harm recution. I'm not a fan of illegalizing any drug. |
I agree that teachers shouldn't be on drugs when teaching, of course. But drug testing people when they get to Korea isn't necessary for that. Smoking at night or at a party doesn't affect the person the next day, nor weeks later if they go to teach in Korea.
And mentally, marijuana is safer in the after effects. See who goes crazy first without their vice: A cigarette addict, an alcohol addict or a marijuana "addict" (in quotations since it's not physically addictive).
But I am for the criminalization of hard drugs. They are a threat to society and others as the make people dangerous and violent. |
I am for the decriminalization of "hard drugs". Harm reduction.
I've seen people try to stop smoking weed after years of daily use and it's not pretty. I've done it myself. Alcohol is worse. Nicotine is not.
I am a libertarian on my drug stance.
If you want to huff gasoline..... do it. I'll help you stop, but it's your choice. Tobacco kills more than alcholo, heroin and cocaine. But, If you want to smoke- do it.
I have to sleep now. Good night |
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bassexpander
Joined: 13 Sep 2007
Location: Someplace you'd rather be.
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| Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2007 8:12 am Post subject: |
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I grabbed this from another site. It's pretty revealing as to what many Koreans feel about having a "white face" to teach their kids English. Not all. Some Koreans -- but apparently enough that a phone English school feels it's a draw to advertise that they have no SE Asian English speakers.
Whether it angers you or not, I think we're a long, long way from people being accepting of non-white faces around here.
Anyone care to translate?
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Netz
Joined: 11 Oct 2004
Location: a parallel universe where people and places seem to be the exact opposite of "normal"
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| Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2007 10:38 am Post subject: Re: Thanks Whistleblower |
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| JasonC wrote: |
Hi Whistleblower,
Thanks for posting the article...saves me from having to do it!
Bibbitybop, the point I was trying to make with how the hiring choices are associated with the visa regulations is the fact that the problem is with poor quality of teachers in Korea.
That is what the new regulations are trying to address...trying to weed out the good from the bad. But, I think one of the problems is that hiring is based on appearance and not quality of teacher. Eliminate that problem, and you will see a big increase in the quality of teachers. Driving electric cars and saving whales will not have an impact on the quality of teachers.
Cheers!
Jason
http://www.asknow.ca |
Jason,
You used the words "hiring choices" and I have to wonder if you didn't mean "hiring process"?
I have a few friends in the "headhunting business" in and outside of South Korea, and they operate in a completely different manner than 99.9% of the "English teacher" recruiters.
First of all, the company that is hiring the prospective Employee, pays the "finder's fee". (I don't mean finds a way to offset that price by subtracting it from the new hire's pay)
Secondly, after the person is hired (contracted), the "recruiter" is out of the loop. Completely.
This is certainly not the way the many "English Teaching� headhunters for South Korea operate, as they seem far less concerned with the actual qualifications of the potential candidates they offer, and far more concerned with getting a "signed contract" at any cost.
These "headhunters" are recruiting for professional positions (IT, Sales/Marketing, HR, etc.), but from some reason, "English Teachers" are not considered professionals here.
I personally do not know of any other "professional" people who take jobs with foreign companies, where a percentage of their monthly pay is subtracted from their salary, and paid back to the "headhunter" over the span of their employment.
This is most certainly the case though with a huge number of Business English teaching positions, and I'm sure we both know that even in some Korean Hagwons and Universities, this figure is subtracted from the teacher's pay in some form or another, usually �under the table� I might add.
I think the Korean Government really needs to consider the deplorable practices used by a number of recruiters (middlemen), and allow/force companies to take direct responsibility for hiring their own employees, regardless if they are an engineer, or an English teacher.
In my opinion, doing that alone, would drastically increase the "quality" of teachers.
I can�t tell you how many times a recruiter (NOT the hiring company), has chosen to promote the resume of an undocumented foreigner (with no credentials, experience, and/or work visa) to a potential employer over mine, simply because that person is willing to work for 50% of the pay (meaning more money directly into the hands of the recruiter) no questions asked.
SLI is the perfect example of this, but it happens all the way down the food-chain, even to the "mom n' pop" schools that will gladly hire unqualified, illegal Phillipinas for example, because they will work for 1 million a month, or less!!!!.
All of these factors together certainly do not contribute to the hiring of qualified professionals, in any field.
If this new law will help to regulate the "quality" of recruiters, and the entire recruitment process, as well as eliminate unethical and unnecessary middlemen, I am for it as well. You must admit that some of the recruiters are in fact directly responsible for having created this situation of what I'll refer to as "bad teacher syndrome".
I wonder what your views are regarding the affects these changes could have on the quality of recruiters and their current methods of making a fast buck off quickly filling the position with any cheap "foreign face"?
I'm looking forward to your feedback on this one. |
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