Korean Job Discussion Forums

[linton]

I am trying to plan where I will teach next year and I could really use some advice.

I am currently working at a public school in Daegu and I am very happy at my school. My contract is not up until August, but I am looking at moving to Seoul; so I am trying to decide what would be best. I have been told that I can't do any kind of transfer within the public school system... so I have a few choices.

I could apply to SMOE as a new hire. I could take this opportunity to do three months of student teaching at an American Military school which would give me my Master's in Special Education. I could always get a job at a university or, of course, a hagwon.

Here are my thoughts on these choices: I don't really like the idea of having to re-do the entire public school process again from scratch and I am worried that I might get stuck at a bad public school. I like the idea of finishing my Master's with a teaching certificate at an American Military school, but I worry a little bit about the lack of money for those three months [student teaching = no pay]. And after those three months, it might be difficult to get a public school or university job before March.

Most of the good universities want their teachers to have Master's degrees and while I have done a hagwon once before, I just don't want to do it again.

So, please... give me your opinion... and some advice.

I have lots of time, but this is a big choice for me.

[Bibbitybop]

Finishing a Masters degree in 3 months? Take that opportunity, it will net you more money and opportunities later.

As for SMOE, you will have to gamble about where you are placed and getting a good or bad school. My school is great. My friend's school one station away sucks.

[prettyinscarlet777]

I'd get your Master's. You can actually get your student teaching done at a military school? Go for it. Did you do your master's online?

[linton]

I came to Korea on May 29, 2006, and started an on-line Master's program with the University of Phoenix about two weeks later. Before I enrolled in that program, I called two major school districts in the U.S. where I was considering future teaching jobs. They both replied with very positive responses and said I should apply as soon as I graduated. As of March of this year, I will only need to complete my student teaching in order to finish my degree.

How hard do the fellow 'Dave's' people think it will be to get a public school job in the middle of the school year?

[KYC]

It's possible. I know someone who started his ps job in May. I know someone who came here in November. Working conditions at the schools are not terrible either.