Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ladybaby]

Hi..

I'm planning to teach in a Korean Public School through EPIK..

Does anyone know if it's possible to request an age range preference at some stage during my application process? If so, at what stage in the EPIK application process do I express a specific preference?

My gut feeling is to start as an elementary school teacher but...

I'd love to get a few opinions!

Which age range is the "best" to teach?
Which age group is the easiest [least work]?
Which age group is the most rewarding?

Thanks in advance!

[Yu_Bum_suk]

It really depends on the person. Elementary kids learn in very different ways from adolescents, especially when it comes to languages. I can't stand teaching elementary but love secondary; other people are the opposite.

You can usually request elementary vs. middle / high, but not middle vs. high. Some districts do let you decide between various schools, however.

[verve]

I'd say go for elementary.

They are cuter, and just want to play and have fun. It's more about giving them an introduction and background to English.

I might've gone for high school for greater job satisfaction, but then you have to deal with kids who think they are too cool for school. My 6th graders are bad enough.

[gregoriomills]

With elementary (which is what most people do), you will teaching from a textbook, probably with a co-teacher the whole time, maybe splitting the class time 50/50, maybe you just supplementing the lesson. Lots of high-energy games, etc. You will be like an English cheerleader.

Secondary (especially high school) is much more independent. You will probably be expected to lead most, if not all, the class yourself. Maybe you will have a text, maybe not. You will once again be an English cheerleader but with a crowd who is much less energetic and much more difficult to entertain.

[BS.Dos.]

I'm at a Girls MS and a Boys HS. Which is best? Couldn't really tell you. It's swings & roundabouts. Some days one, the next, the other. My MS girls are generally more receptive to what I'm trying to do and the boys can be a real PITA at times. But, and having said that, the best of them usually shine and when they do, are a pleasure to teach.

[fromtheuk]

Go for elementary. It's the easiest because the curriculum will be in place for you. You won't need to spend so much of your own time lesson planning.

The job is easy, but I've heard HS and MS may offer more unofficial vacation time, and less teaching hours.

I like elementary school because I am able to outsmart the students (only just). I assume it may be more difficult to control older students at MS or HS.

[D.D.]

The younger the students the easier it is to teach them. Younger students are not as sick of school as the older ones.

But there is little depth in material with young kids. I was forced to teach a couple of days of elementary school and asked not to have to go.

To my suprise I like it more and more each day. For some reason kids in China are mean to me but the kids here are nice.

Middle school is a challenge but some kids there are really good as they can have a conversation.

Too cool for school thing is growing in Korea right down to 6th grade.

[adamosity]

high school is a survival of the fittest, for the most part.

At a MINIMUM, at most good high schools, they're on campus 13+ hours, with at least eight classes and three study periods.

Most Korean teachers strongly prefer middle school (which is different compared to the US), simply because the hours are a lot shorter. That said, Korean teachers teach more classes in MS than HS.

[ladybaby]

Hi everyone... Thanks so much for all of your responses.. really really helpful! So far, I think elementary will be the direction I head in. But thanks to you all...I definitely have some new info to research.. Feel free to throw any other ideas or opinions my way.... & thanks again!

[ladybaby]

[Yu_Bum_suk]

[deepclick]

I'm trying to decide on the type of public school I'd like to teach at but I can't find anywhere what age students are at elementary/middle/high school etc. Could somebody please clarify for me how old students are at the various levels of school in Korea? Thanks

[cruisemonkey]

Elementary: 6-12
Middle school: 13-15
High school: 16-18

[waseige1]

You can request elementary, middle or high school but it is still a crap shoot. My recruiter was very honest about this with me (esl-planet.com). During my EPIK phone interview I re-confirmed this. I wanted older kids. Some people got what they wanted (when we got here) and some did not. Request away, but there are no promises.

[Yu_Bum_suk]