Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Tony [ATEK]]

Greetings! This is from an ATEK newsletter that was sent to the members a little while ago. I thought that you all may have some interest as well, so here it is.

Ministry of Justice: ATEK Formation Legal
The Ministry of Justice has confirmed that forming a foreign teachers association is perfectly legal. Read more about it here: http://atek.or.kr/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=51

ATEK Article Picked up by News Wire Service, Korean Government
Yonhap News picked up an article about ATEK, which has now appeared in various news outlets worldwide, including the local Korea Herald (print edition). It was subsequently picked up by korea.net (the Korean government's official English language website, run by KOIS, the Korean Overseas Culture and Information Service). Read the article here: http://atek.or.kr/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=53

Recent Activity: Meetings, Presentations, and Logos
In April, the organizing committee met in Pyeongtaek, the Busan Chapter of KOTESOL heard an ATEK speaker and engaged in a productive Q&A, and if you've got a good idea for a logo, show us. More here: http://atek.or.kr/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=52

ATEK's Legal Status
We've reached an exciting stage in our development: ATEK will be filing the paperwork to become a legally recognized entity - the first of its kind in Korea - within two weeks, barring any unforseen issues. The organizing board has generously provided all resources necessary to complete the filing.

Establishing ATEK Nationwide
We know that many of you want to help establish ATEK as the voice for language instructors in Korea, and we want you to as well! As soon as ATEK is a 'legal entity', we're going to need lots of help: local organizers in every province and metro region, membership coordinators, PR people, web developers, professional workshop facilitators, lots of stuff. We'll be in touch as things progress. If you have time, skills or resources that will help, we hope you'll share.


Hagwon Association and our Response
You may have heard that KAFLA, a national hagwon association, has said that it will not recognize us as an organization, and intends to do whatever it can to stop us. ATEK responded that it was disappointed that KAFLA was taking this stance. Some people have stated that they felt our response was "too nice." ATEK will always be willing to dialogue with related organizations: we're keeping "diplomatic channels open," and we always will. This does not mean that we will support policies or practices that are bad for our members.