Korean Job Discussion Forums

Ed Provencher · Joined: 15 Oct 2006

My boss told me that my TOEFL iBT teaching job will be given to a bilingual teacher in the next few months and should I renew my contract, I will have to teach the in-house textbooks that have nothing to do with the TOEFL iBT at all. I love teaching the TOEFL iBT for a few reasons and would like to continue doing it. So, if you could, I'd appreciate any help in locating another place to teach the TOEFL iBT. Thanks in advance.

ChinaBoy · Joined: 17 Feb 2007

I don't know why, but yeah, Koreans are being recruited all over to teach the TOEFL iBT stuff.. I'm in the same boat

SOOHWA101 · Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2009 12:59 am Post subject:

My advice is to get in touch with your writing side. Even though they are hiring bilinguals to take over the TOEFL ibt classes, mainly the reading and listening, most bilinguals here simply are not qualified to teach speaking or writing. From what I am gathering with these writing classes, not a lot of Western teachers are truly qualified to lead the class, either.

This being said, writing may be your best aim in securing a job in the TOEFL arena, at least without the fear of being replaced. I am assuming of course that you meant that the new teacher would be a Korean??

Ed Provencher · Joined: 15 Oct 2006

SOOHWA101 · Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2009 3:00 am Post subject:

Ed Provencher · Joined: 15 Oct 2006

I talked to the wonjang and he confirmed the news. Starting in March the TOEFL iBT classes at my hagwon will only be taught by gyopos fluent in Korean and native in English. He said class will be taught in both languages. I don't think he is exactly sure what that will look like, however, since it's the owner's idea, this is the way it will be.

This is a real tough choice for me. This current job was a huge upgrade from my first because of the TOEFL classes, pay, and location. Teaching TOEFL means using quality books and a solid curriculum. Naturally I want to upgrade again if possible, so the search begins.

If I stay on, I get to keep the location which is Songpa-gu. The pay goes down 10% and the TOEFL class goes away. I got the wonjang to say he'd let me teach TOEFL again if I become fluent in Korean. Wonjang told me my partner teacher put in a good word for my Korean skills as they are. I'm no fool though, teaching fluency is another 2 years away.

A positive note is that wonjang is going to give me some time to search for another TOEFL teaching job before asking for my decision about the position change. Also, I'm certain he will write me a letter of recommendation if I need it, since we are on really respectful terms.

I'm guessing my timeframe for finding something is 3 weeks.