Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jst]

I was looking at hagwon job postings.

Teaching kindergarten/elementary school classes tends to be the same pay as teaching elementary/middle school classes, but you work longer hours with kindergarten/elementary school classes.

Why is this? Aren't kindergarten/elementary classes (especially kindergarten classes) more work/energy?

[lifeinkorea]

All classes at public schools are more relaxed generally. I don't mean relaxed in that the students are relaxed, but the school's expectations are not as demanding.

In the few classes I have had with kindergarten students, you tend to take mini breaks along the way (whether it be planned or on the spot when Bobby falls or Sun Kim decides to throw glue balls at the girl next to him).

If you don't like these classes, there is a real simple solution. Don't sign contracts agreeing to teach them. I have had amazing results. I am sure you will be able to teach more of the classes you do want to teach this way also.

[northway]

Often, yes.

The folks at my school work there for a few reasons:

1) We get off at 5:30 or 6:30 every day, which allows for more of a real day than if you work until 9 or 10, as many of the schools where you teach less would have you do. I definitely work a lot more than some of my friends who work afternoon gigs, but I can go and do stuff after work while the rest of the world is kind of winding down by the time they get off. It really depends on what you're looking for.

2) The students are often a bit higher level as they've already been through immersion kindergarten.

3) As for kindergarten being more work, it's a little easier to get away with less prep as the kids learn English just by talking to you. So while you definitely have to put more energy in while you're in the classroom, you don't have to have amazing lessons planned out all the time.

By no means is kindergarten for everyone, but there are significant perks.