Korean Job Discussion Forums

MattAwesome · Joined: 30 Jun 2008

Hi all,
I taught in Korea last year and I had to get used to people calling me Matt Teacher every time someone in school talked to me. Do I just have to live with that or can I make them call me Mr. Carey (my last name)?

That's how i referred to my hagwon bosses. Mr. Lee or whatever. Can I go for it and see how it sticks?

I'm no Picasso · Joined: 28 Oct 2008

Eh. What's the big deal?

I'm Sunsengnim, Leej-uh Sunsengnim, Reez, Teacher, Liz Teacher, Hey Gull, Umma Waegookin... the list goes on and on.

Mostly, I'm just Liz though. Because that's how I introduced myself to my co-workers and what I have asked them to call me. They respect it, even though it's strange to them to just call someone by a (shortened) first name at work. So if it really bugs you, I'd say just ask nicely and they'll probably comply with grace. Titles are important here, so I think they'll understand.

jinks · Joined: 27 Oct 2004 Location: Formerly: Lower North Island

I think it's OK for you to ask people at school to call you Mr. Carey instead of Matt Teacher. If you are starting a new job, just start as you mean to go on, ask people to address you formally and never (ever!) refer to ourself as Matt Teacher.

nomad-ish · Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2009 4:05 pm Post subject:

last year i had the kids use my first name, but now i have them call me ms. ____ or just teacher. imo having the kids use your first name in the classroom can cause problems if they start thinking of you more as a friend than adult/teacher.

i guess it depends on the kids though, i've had some of my good students use my first name (they all know it), but i don't bother to correct them because i know they still understand there's a line with me.

just make sure that you introduce yourself during class (or tell your co-teacher before what you'd like to be called by the kids).