Korean Job Discussion Forums

[KAMAKAZI]

Now don't all attack me at once. Just being curious and looking to find some opinions.
I know that there are many factors to being a successful and well-rounded teacher in any subject.
But regarding Korea and the actual people that studied to become teachers in university in the first place, what percentage do you think are actually qualified in the "English teaching" field if you eliminate all the teachers on tourist visas and legit teachers that have majors other than Eng. Lit, Education, etc. ??
Of course, us teachers with majors in other areas ARE in fact legit to teach here, but I think you can understand my question, as broad as it is.
Thanks

[wylies99]

I'm not flaming you, but just realize that these are not "teaching" jobs. We are edutainers. It's closer to standup comedy than actual teaching.
After you've done this for a few months you'll understand.

[garykasparov]

Maybe 5%. Maybe. That's not a joke, either.

[KAMAKAZI]

[wylies99]

It's just money and a line on a resume.

[Kashmir]

[wylies99]

If you're lucky.

Wait until you meet some illegal "teachers"- your opinion of "teaching" will go DOWN.

[gajackson1]

I think gk is fairly close - that would be a number the MoE or Imm *should* be able to provide.

My 1st major and primary Texas edu certif was in Speech Communications (public speaking/debate background), not English. In a lot of ways, this was actually much more practical for ESL teaching. Over the years, I have known various different fields of teachers that seem to do well in ESL in Korea - most elem ed certified teachers, speech teachers, drama teachers (no jokes there, please! it is the voice, articulation, and ability to oversee those talent-show type events), journalism, phys ed, etc.

Also, working with a school that uses a western-based cirriculum/textbook series (like Harcourt-Brace) can make a big difference, as well.

As a ESLer, I'd be more curious to know about the REST of korean private education stats, to be honest - I think of it every time I see a Chinese/Japanese language school, or a piano hakwon. I feel pretty comfortable/confident about the martial arts studios, but wonder about yoga, dance, and all the rest of these places. Kindergarten/daycare, as well.

I've said before in other posts: I have known 'certified' teachers who I wouldn't want teaching my students or children, and I've known some non-certified ones (or ones teaching in different field areas from their cert fields) who were great. But I think in order for real progress to occur, there does need to be some sort of set/consistent standard, and it should be across the board in Korean society.

Realistically, I don't ever see it happening. It would have to be market-driven & localized - viral, if you will, much like it was at a couple of my previous schools.

For my views on edutainment? Meh - look it up somewhere else.

Regards (and happy Cinco de Mayo!),

Glen