Korean Job Discussion Forums

[dirving]

My co-teacher on Thursdays and Fridays has been an ass to me since the time we were introduced to one another. I let him know that we have to try to get along if we are to be a successful team, but he's still passive-aggressive towards me. He won't even look at me and ignores my questions- even in front of the other teachers during lunch. Are we supposed to inform District Office about this sort of thing?

[lifeinkorea]

Get used to it, lol. Most likely, he doesn't know what to say. I have gone to stores several times and Koreans try to engage in conversation. I usually do the same thing, lol

I think you should look at what he is doing a far as the job of co-teaching. Does he command most of the class when he teaches, or does he translate more for you. I am betting on the first or he doesn't teach the classes.

If he is young he is being told to do things from the higher ups, and you talking about job related stuff just adds to their workload. Try to bring up conversation that has direct bearing on something that is part of your job. That is their job, to make sure you are doing your job. Then, you can add whatever you want into that conversation when they are listening.

If you just openly initiate conversation on something, they often react "oh yea, great, have a nice day now".

Another thing, your co-teacher isn't looking at your relationship as a being a team. You are there to fulfill the job of a native speaker in parallel to the Korean teacher reporting to the higher ups that everything is ok. They aren't a player on a team looking to pass you the ball. More accurately, they are on the sideline taking notes and following orders.

[winterfall]

Is it affecting the teaching in the class room or just a personality issue as co-workers?

You go back to SMOE as a last resort.

Here's the progression you need to do:

1. Talk to them in private.
2. Get another teacher to talk to them
3. Get your head teacher to talk to them
4. Get your vice principal to talk to them
5. Get your principal to talk to them
6. Get your owner (If its a private schools) to talk to them



10. If there's absolutely no support. You go to SMOE.

[halfmanhalfbiscuit]

Go out and get s-hitfaced with him.

He will either get over his shyness or forever avoid you like the plague.

[andrewchon]

How is he with other people? Is he pass-aggro just with you?

Could give him a ddong-chim and tell him to loosen up.

TGIF!

[soakitincider]

+1. If he's JUST an ass, (not a backstabbing, snitching, lazy mo-fo submarining you at every opportunity) consider yourself lucky. What's worked for me on many occasions, but is difficult for thin-skinned folk, is being nicer as he becomes more of an ass. Sickningly so. When he realizes you won't go where he is trying to lead you, he'll find something/someone else to share his misery with. Just don't go there. Here you can't win, you can't tie, you're wrong, period. Smile, finish your day, then do what makes you happy. Good luck!

[VanIslander]

[nomad-ish]

i'd give sucking up a shot first. bring in some baked goodies for the office and offer him some.

[Rusty Shackleford]

[Ramen]

[dirving]

Thanks for the replies.

Actually, I just began last Friday and have not taught with him yet because of some kind of big test, which has cancelled all of my classes. So, after making some tentative lesson plans for next week, which he has not seen yet, I've nothing to do until it's time to go home.

Today at lunch, he came to the table and then sat down directly across from me. He picked up his chopsticks and then cupped his head in his right hand and then shook his head back and forth a few times. He then stared at his tray with an angry look on his face for a few seconds until I asked him if everything is alright. He said yes, took a bite of rice, and then continued to stare at the tray with his hand supporting his brow while he quickly shoveled food into his mouth. I tried to talk to him, but he ignored me. So, I left the table.

I think that he hates or resents me.

[Fishead soup]

Koreans don't make eye contact it's considered rude. Next time you see a kid getting shouted at by a teacher. Observe it. The student will look towards the ground. This is what he is expected to do. I agree about going out for a drink. Possibly some soju with Samgyupsal. He might loosen up.Unless he's a Christian then it's most likely he will never loosen up.

[Ramen]

[dirving]

Ramen,

I hope this is what it's all about. I have tried to be friendly to him.

Thanks for the reply!

[Cerulean]

Does he speak English?