Korean Job Discussion Forums

Juggertha · Joined: 27 May 2003 Location: Anyang, Korea

I'm wondering if anyones ever went through this...

I've worked at the same Hogwon for nearly 2 years.. and loved it. It hasn't been all roses but my managers totally cool and my fellow teachers are more than easy to work with. Right now, i've got an ideal situation; my boss listens to my suggestions (doesn't always do em.. but more often than not), my co-workers are are friendly, positive and reliable (no having to cover for shifts when monday morning rolls around), and we're actually expanding our school. There in lies "my problem".

In the next month or two we're moving locations and "bumping" out one of the competition. We might be taking on some of thier students and are already at maximum capacity for our number of teachers. We were planning on hiring someone, but our time table has been moved up. So now the dreaded "we have to find a new teacher" discussion. For the last little while our school has had it pretty good with both foreign teachers and Koreans.. but it wasn't always so. There was a time when we had our share of "freaky weigook" stories. I'm really not looking forward to muttling through all that again.

I guess what i'm asking is..
Is there anyone out there whos worked at the same school for awhile that feels the same apprehension when a new teacher is coming/being looked for?

And, any suggestions for screening out the ********'s prior to thier arrival? lol

Arthur Fonzerelli · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Location: Suwon

get a grip...you're a freakin' esl teacher, not a lawyer or doctor...

eamo · Joined: 08 Mar 2003 Location: Shepherd's Bush, 1964.

You don't seem to share my experience. In my 2 plus years here I've welcomed maybe 10 new foreign teachers.

Do the right thing. Be positive and take care of them. Other guys did that for me.

Son Deureo! · Joined: 30 Apr 2003

Be glad that your boss actually wants to hire another teacher rather than just dumping extra classes onto you and the other existing teachers. Understand what that new teacher is saving you from, and do the best you can to help he or she arrives.

Clutch Cargo · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Location: Sim City 2005

I pity the new teacher. I hope he or she passes your 'freakiness' tests.
What a warm welcome to a strange, new country and a sometimes demanding job.

Juggertha · Joined: 27 May 2003 Location: Anyang, Korea

my bad, I guess asking for someone to show up for classes so I won't have to cover for them.. or not being a ragin alcoholic is too much to ask?

/smack trolls

try reading the initial post again. Its not about passing any test.. its just after having worked with teachers who do things (such as those mentioned above) I get abit nervous when sortin through the applications.

I don't think you need to be a doctor to expect those you work with to be decent folk. Since when did we start holding teachers to such a low standard as to NOT hold them in as high regard as any other profession though??

canuckistan · Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2003 6:45 pm Post subject:

I can understand why you're a little apprehensive about getting a new teacher. I've seen more come and go than stay.
I've worked with 12 teachers in two years. Total who stuck it out: 3

Juggertha · Joined: 27 May 2003 Location: Anyang, Korea

yeah, I htink the majority of people over here are more than decent. But... one bad apple, sure does make things harder at work.

When you have alot of time.. its easy to give a decent look into applicants. I guess I posted this cuz of the quick timing of it all. Also, i'm not sure how many people wantto come over here during the dec / Jan time.

Clutch Cargo · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Location: Sim City 2005

Sorry about my abrasiveness. Not really called for. I need a 'pause and reflection on post' function on this site sometimes.

ratslash · Joined: 08 May 2003

one thing i don't understand, why are you (the op) looking through the applications? the waygook teachers in my school certainly don't choose the teachers. i guess the managers are just looking for your opinion.

good luck with your new teacher. try to assign a 'buddy'. someone for him or her to turn to when they have a question or are unsure of something. and if the person is screwing up then tell them. anybody is apprehensive when someone new starts at any job for the reasons you have given. there's not much you can do about it. someone can come across as super teacher in the interview and infact be a raging alchoholic and a junkie.

good luck.