Korean Job Discussion Forums

[pikadoopoo]

This may be a strange question, but I was wondering what steps I needed to take in order to become a regular, non-foreign public school teacher. I know there's teacher certification and I heard the exams are quite tough. I'm not trying to become one of those conversation teachers, but my goal is to become a full-time tenured PS teacher. (I'm a dual citizen if you didn't know by now. I'd been blabbing about my "dilemma" here for too long.)

I have a BA that is unrelated to English or education (it's an art degree, lol), so would a Master's in English suffice? I've also heard about graduate degrees in TESOL, English education, etc. I'm not quite sure what's exactly needed in order to become a regular English teacher in Korea. I'm thinking about doing my graduate studies in Korea, but I was hoping a Master's degree from the US would do. Could I also receive teaching certification in English and art?

I'm planning on building up my experience by working as a NET for a few years, then try to transfer to a KET. Actually, do you think this is worth it?

Not quite sure if teaching at a university is possible - at least, not now. Isn't it very difficult to land a uni job as a K-citizen? Perhaps it's something to consider when I gain more experience.

I've done a search on Korean sites, but I was hoping someone here had advice. Admittedly, my Korean may be pretty fluent but English is my language of choice. (Gotta work on my Korean vocab.)

Thanks!

[TheUrbanMyth]

[laynamarya]

According to my Korean friends who have tried to become teachers, it is near-impossible, even if you grew up in the Korean educational system, have a Korean master's in education, and take the test five times.

The test has three parts, a written exam, lesson plan submission, and mock teaching. Much like the interview process to get hired by a Korean company (written test - group interview - individual interview), the majority of applicants are cut at each level, and only enough are left at the end to fill the open spots.

The written test, in particular, is said to be insanely hard, full of extremely tiny details about pedagogy. It is designed that way on purpose, to create the highest failure rate possible. Let's say in Seoul, one year, a few thousand aspiring teachers take the test. If there are 30 spots open in the city, 60 teachers will be allowed to pass the final level.

I don't know about you, but those aren't good enough odds for me, especially considering the intensity with which you'll need to study for that test. And since it's only offered once a year, you'll have to wait a long time for your second (and third) try.

Again, this is just what my Korean friends have told me. I'd recommend researching it further if you're serious, but I'm afraid I can't point you to any official resources.

Good luck!

[pikadoopoo]

[morrisonhotel]

Wasn't there a foreigner who tried to do that already?

[iggyb]

I met a black American who was finishing a degree in education at a university in Gangwon province. He was expecting to be able to teach when he finished it.

My guess is a lot depends on where you are willing the teach.

Seoul is highly popular with young adults and Koreans in general, so the competition and thus requirements would be tougher. Rural areas probably have some trouble recruiting new teachers....

If you really plan on teaching in Korea long term, you could get the educational requirement and find a job outside the metro areas and then try to relocate after you've gained some experience.

[nathanrutledge]

Define "regular."

You can teach with just a BA degree as a temporary worker. Probably has to be in a related field (all the ones I worked with had degrees in either education or English). Someone is pregnant and leaves for a few months, you get their job. Extra students for that year, you get a job.

The pay and benefits are lower than a full time teacher, and you are the lowest person on the totem pole, but it's teaching. Even then, at my last school, I sat in on the interviews and we had quite a few people for a single position. It's not as competitive as the test, but it still isn't a walk in the park.

[nathanrutledge]

[iggyb]

I can imagine special ed being tight. How many teachers are there per school for that? 1 or 2?

I can imagine it would be the same for art. Plus, art teaching positions are probably open to competition to non-teachers.

But for core classes, I would imagine the competition is less and opportunities greater, because there are so many more positions in each school.

[pikadoopoo]

[iggyb]

I think it would be based on your long-term goals: If you see yourself going back home to teach within 10 or 15 years, then it would make more sense to get a MA degree in teaching or TESOL back home then coming back to Korea and looking for a job at a university or in something like global high school.

If you plan on living in Korea for 15 or 20 years, then the time and money invested in getting qualifications to teach regular in Korea might make sense.

Unless you have an independent means of support (you're wealthy or comfortable already), then the world is your oyster - you can play it as you want...

[Squire]

According to my co-teacher Korean English teachers are losing their jobs. It might not be the smartest area to go into.

If you are so dedicated to staying and having a bit of stability presumably a uni job would be a more attractive prospect

[pikadoopoo]

Thanks for the help, everyone.

I've done some searching/Googling/Navering... and I'm a little bit turned off to be honest. I apparently have to get a Korean degree in English education, which will set me back another 4 years.

I'm still interested in pursuing a Master's in English/TESOL though.

If anyone has more info or suggestions, please feel free to let me know. Thanks!

edit:

[jvalmer]

Virtually impossible for foreigners. And your Korean will have to be native (as in perfectly fluent with one of the Korean accents), otherwise the students will eat you alive. It's difficult even for born and bred Koreans to get full-time teaching jobs. I believe one Brit tried, for like 8 years, but was essential denied due to visa issues.

However there are two ways. The public system which requires passing that notoriously difficult test with 40+ people fighting for one spot. Option 2 is getting hired on by a private school. However to get hired full-time by a private school you will need connections and a foreigner will have absolutely zero connections. Connections is basically being related to someone already working at that school.

[jvalmer]