Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mjhatari]

I worked for a hagwon. I did everything I was suppose to do. I stayed until my time was up. I never caused any problems.

I did leave to go work for a school in the next town over because my friend was opening up a school there. When I told my boss I was leaving, she was alright with it. She didnt care.


Now, at my current school... my current director is having a bunch of problems with the mommies and me. Why? My old director, while I was still working at her school, was telling all the mommies vicious lies about me. She said that I had to go back to America because I was sick... but when the mommies questioned her she just started saying awful things. She was telling them all I was a horrible teacher. I did not love my kids. I was rude, mean, and just the worst teacher ever. She said all these things while I was working there. It didnt cause a problem with her at her school, but now I am being haunted by it.

I am having weekly meetings with my director about it because of all the things the mommies are saying because of everything my old director is saying about me.

Is there any legal recourse I can take? I am stressed beyond anything because EVERYTHING I do is wrong. If I play games, then I get in trouble with the mommies because I played games. If I dont play a game and focus on material, I get in trouble for my class being boring or no games. My new director understands everything and doesnt believe anything that is being said. She knows me very well, but its getting a little insane. Korean mommies are insane and indirectly I am hurting her business because of my old boss!

[BoholDiver]

If you were Korean and she were foreign, it'd be easy to sue her for slander.

I doubt you can.

[jpotter78]

I hate this rumor garbage that gets started at hagwons. Here is what you do, pretty much the only thing you can do (besides leave). If your current director is on your side and understands the situation, along with any other teachers, have her (him?) call a meeting with all the parents. Address the issue and ask for any parents to step forward with what they have heard, rumors, complaints, comments, etc. Together as a school the director, you, and other teachers can address any of the problems, dispell rumors, and hope that all involved will realize what is going on. That's my advice.

[lifeinkorea]

Sounds like you need to make it a director vs. director thing. Come straight out and tell the new director what you think is happening. Coordinate an "English Flea Market" or some other event, like a speech contest, for parents to attend.

Give them a chance to see for themselves a more accurate view of you. You will still get a few siding with blood over water, but I am sure most won't care as long as there is a white face in the class.