Korean Job Discussion Forums

fromtheuk · Joined: 31 Mar 2007

I am currently waiting to hear if the Principal at my school will agree to renew my GEPIK p.s. contract, which expires at the end of April 2008.

He is unpredictable, so I am beginning to feel unsure of the outcome, even though I have done a good job (my co-teacher says so anyway).

If they decline to renew my contract, which documents would I need to transfer to another GEPIK school, I would transfer after March 15th.

Any concrete answers would be appreciated.

dethe · Joined: 01 May 2005 Location: Anyang

Get a meeting with him and ask him. If it's a no at least you can plan ahead. If it's a yes then you both will be happy to have that over and done with and then you can plan your free two week vacation.

rhinocharge64 · Joined: 20 Sep 2006

Yep, ask him, pretty simple.

xtchr · Joined: 23 Nov 2004

It's possible he doesn't know either way yet. The end of April is still lightyears away on Planet Korea. All he knows is that there's a soju something happening on Thursday, and ricecakes on Friday, and that's likely as far as his forethought and planning will stretch.

moosehead · Joined: 05 May 2007

is it up to your principal? when I was in SMOE it was pretty much up to the FT to decide and they did handle it a long time in advance (4 months I recall).

could be he's hoping you will renew - so chat him up or someone else you work with you can trust - my K co-t and I didn't even get along but she tried to talk me into renewing -

don't sweat it's too cold outside! Very Happy

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

If you are pretty sure you are liked, now is a good time to start dropping hints that you are considering other schools.

Typical Koreans tend to be laid-back or lazy about such things, until put in a crisis situation. Sly bosses will try to wait in order for you to exhaust your options and be forced to take whatever they offer you.

You need to hint around that you like the school, and hope to stay, but you are considering another offer because you're not hearing anything.

It'll get back to the boss.

expat2001 · Joined: 28 Jan 2006

fromtheuk · Joined: 31 Mar 2007

I told my co-teacher this morning I wanted to speak to the Principal to get a decision, so I can get ready for another job if necessary.

She told me it would be more convenient for the school to find a new teacher (despite telling me a few months ago I do a good job and she couldn't see any problem for me renewing the contract) and she said the Principal may be reluctant to renew my contract, because he would be responsible for any problems, instead of the board of education.

She also said it would be less convenient for the school to host an evaluation of myself.

She is a toe rag!

She went to see the Principal and came back. She told me he will see me this afternoon, apparently he didn't say anything else.

If he says yes to my renewal, my views on my co-teacher were spot on, if he says no, he must be as awkward as everybody says.

Now I am filled with a slight sense of relief, because if the Principal says no this afternoon, I can start looking for another job very soon.

I have emailed GEPIK, but does anybody know which documents are required to transfer to another GEPIK school, after March 15th?!!!

I got this job through a recruiter.

dethe · Joined: 01 May 2005 Location: Anyang

I would relax. Your co-teacher is a liar. It is more work for the school to get a new teacher then to keep you. They have to find one and pay someone to get that teacher. All schools hire their native teachers. GEPIK just acts like the middle man and so do the rest of them.

Take a deep breath tell the principal how much you like the school and the kids and he will be very happy. Also if you can find someone else to translate for you as it appears you can't trust your co-teacher.

nomad-ish · Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2008 5:03 pm Post subject:

fromtheuk · Joined: 31 Mar 2007

I just told toerag I will ask last year's Korean English teacher to accompany me on my visit to the Principal or a guy I know in the VP's office.

She asked why. I explained her English wasn't good enough, and I wanted to make sure the Principal will understand me, I said she would be welcome to come along though.

dethe · Joined: 01 May 2005 Location: Anyang

Good way to put it.

fromtheuk · Joined: 31 Mar 2007

I went downstairs and spoke to the guy I know in the VP's office, he agreed to translate for me. The Principal walked in while we were talking.

The Principal looked at me and I looked back, so I thought I'd seize the moment. My friend began to translate that I like the school, students and want to renew the contract.

My friend translated, 'the Principal replied he knows your mind well and he will speak to you after lunch.'

I left kind of surprised, and said farewell.

Countrygirl · Joined: 19 Nov 2007 Location: in the classroom

Doesn't sound good. Who wouldn't want to give you good news right away. And your co-teacher sounds like she is trying to prepare you for bad news. But you said that your principal is unpredictable so maybe he is going to offer you a huge raise. Good on you for getting to the bottom of this before time ran out. It's best to know one way or the other. Good luck with your meeting and keep us updated. I'm curious how this plays out. I want to renew at the end of my contract too.

nomad-ish · Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2008 7:49 pm Post subject:

maybe he needs to talk to you because you asked for extra vacation time next year? (that was you, right?)

i agree, it doesn't sound good. but i'll still be extremely surprised