Korean Job Discussion Forums

[AussieGav]

I want some advice as to which is the best level (elementary, middle or high school) to teach at. Things to take into consideration are pay, hours, vacation time, difficulty of teaching/students, accomodation.

I have been teaching in a hagwon for almost 2 years and my contract ends early June. I will have an F2 visa end of march but still require an appartment.

Also, what is the best way to go about finding the right job?

Any advice greatly appreciated.

[xCustomx]

I think it may be a little difficult to find a position at the end of June, since the first semester ends in mid July. I think it would be a good idea to get a summer camp position for a few weeks and then set yourself up for the second semester at a public school in August.

From what I've read on this board, high school teachers usually receive the most vacation. You will be contracated to teach 22 class hours (40min elementary, 45min. middle, 50min. high) a week. I believe elementary school teachers have the best opportunity to make some OT when they teach after school classes.

As far as difficulty of teaching students, only you can answer that. I like working with elementary and middle school students. I was offered a few high school positions that had 2-3 months of vacation but wasn't remotely interested because I don't like working with older kids. It's going to come down to your personal preference.

As with all public schools though, your working conditions will vary. You may get the standard 14-21 days of vacation (if you're with GEPIK or SMOE) while another teacher down the road gets 3 months. It's best to talk to the school and find their position towards summer, winter, and spring camps, as well as your duties while school is not in session (ie. are you going to have to sit in the office from 9-5 even though you don't have any classes). Good luck

[aarontendo]

high school rocks faces

[Mi Yum mi]

[Kimchieluver]

Never taught high school, heard it was a drag. I have taught elementary and middle. Elementary you finish earlier. Middle school you get more random days off. Elementary most of the kids still have some hope of learning to speak English. Middle, not so much. I prefer Middle, but its not that much of a difference from elementary. Add 1 or 2 years to the students age and see if it is a really big change. Not really.

[maingman]

.....

[Ukon]

[sargx]

I fit in better at high school. I'm a younger teacher (mid-20's) so I identify well with the kids. They also really like me which makes teaching easier. However, in high school you have to deal with a lot of students sleeping during class, they're overworked so your class becomes a study hall.

[Easter Clark]

[Kimchieluver]

[wylies99]

[Easter Clark]