Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Juggertha]

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]

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

[eamo]

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!]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[ratslash]

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.

[buddy bradley]

Actually, it's impossible to be an alcoholic and a junkie. Mixing booze and smack will stop your heart.

[Squid]

Loosen up a little maybe, and realize that if you're here for any length of time you'll see a few weirdos in and out of where you work, play etc.
your Wongjangnim should know that too, havng been in business for a while.
Whatever, don't in any way feel responsible for the behavior of a co-worker however they might turn out because your part in the selection process seems cursory at best.

Squid

[rapier]

In my exp., the younger teachers are here purely to pay off stud loans, make pretty poor teachers,most inexperienced, and most likely to run half way through. Pain in the B***.
Someone over 27, 28 is likely to be more interesting, adaptable, motivated, and less of an alcoholic.
All foreigners seem to winge about everything like crazy here, often making for a terrible work environment, bad attitudes, and anger etc, but
married people are more likely to be settled, content, and work hard...
The coolest people I've noticed are often single Australian women over the age of 30: very independent and generally nice. Making money is a by-product for them out here, they're more in a mature, reflective stage of life, motherly to the kids, and friendly to the other teachers. Look for someone who's travelled a lot and with an arts background....

[J.B. Clamence]

[Juggertha]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I'll put em into play abit when talking to the new teacher(s). My manager is a great girl and smart (a growing business in a recession) but she also relies on me for some things. I help out and occasionally interview new teachers. For the most part all have been more than great (like I said, we've got a great team now). Its just the apprehension (maybe sometimes fom the sotries on the boards as well. lol) of a new teacher coming worries me a little. g

glad to hear i'm not alone.