Korean Job Discussion Forums

[countovmontrose]

I've been teaching in a Hagwon for just over five months. I know I was a mess when I first started but I've improved drastically and making progress with most of the kids.
Still, I have lingering anxiety that any moment I'm going to get called into my director's office and be told that she's hiring another native teacher and that I have a week to leave my apartment and all that. It doesn't help that I occassionally see resumes floating around her office. (This could be a good thing as we are getting more students, but not enough to hire another native teacher.)
Without sounding stupid, what is a good way to ask my Director what she thinks of my performance without standing ridiculusly insecure

[thegadfly]

Try honesty and directness:

"Sir/Ma'am, I was hoping I could have some time with you next week to talk about my performance. I know I had some problems when I first arrived, mainly due to my inexperience in both this school and with teaching in general, but I DO want to do a good job. Could you please schedule some time to talk to me about the things I am doing right and the things you would like me to work on, to improve?"

Of course, use your own words, but you want to hit the main ideas of:

1) I was inexperienced and possibly suffering from culture shock when I arrived

2) I sincerely want to get better at what I do

3) I would like your help/feedback so that I can improve.

Also, give them a week to get back to you -- cornering your boss about anything is a bad idea -- whilst they may drop bombs on us all the time, you do NOT want to do the same to them, if you want something from them.

Good luck!

[Fishead soup]

Don't say anything. If they plan to fire you, they will fire you in the most sneaky backstabbing way. They will probrubly interview your replacement while you're still in the room. According to Korean law they have to give you at least a months notice or a months salary in lue of being let go.

Do your best and keep your mouth shut. If you show that you feel insecure about your proformance this will backfire always. If they know you and insecure about your abilities they will use this to screw you out of some of your privillages.