Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Koreabound2004]

What level do you think is best to teach in terms of time off?

I have heard that elementary public school positions require more class hours, and they generally get less time off...but I was thinking of giving it a go next year...however, I am getting good amounts of time off in my current high school position(I think I need a change though)

Middle school? Thoughts?

Maybe this is a silly question, but I thought it worth asking...

[JacktheCat]

Actually, the elementary public school teachers teach the least number of hours a week.

All us public\private school teachers are contracted to 22 classes a week.

BUT ... high school classes run 50 min, middle school 45 min, and elementary 40 min.

So elementary school teachers are, in effect, teaching 1/5 less classroom hours than high school teachers (and getting paid the same).

[Koreabound2004]

Hmm..good points there.

I know in my HS contract, it says max 22 hours as well, although, I am actually only doing about 15 hours of classes....but I am intrigued by the idea of teaching elementary school next, and you have helped to make that decision easier!

Thanks!

[schwa]

I'd guess that that 40 minutes would require more energy & planning than 50 minutes at the highschool level though.

[JacktheCat]

[JacktheCat]

[schwa]

Not sure where that "general rule of thumb" comes from, but I respectfully disagree.

The younger students require more physical energy of the teacher, thats a given, but in my experience they also require more activities, more planning, & considerable spontaneity to keep them on task. Older kids, its easier to get a groove going.

Or maybe youre right. Teens are far smarter than their level of english & its a good challenge to keep them challenged.

I'm torn -- I like both age groups.

[ajuma]

Are you SURE that you want to teach elementary kids? I've read your posts and you sound like you're pretty committed as a teacher. You sound like you'd fit well in my uni. Let me know if you might be interested! Don't know if there will be a postion coming up, but I could keep you in mind! I don't have a LOT of say as to who gets hired, but I could steer you in the right direction and put in a good word! When does your contract finish?

[crazylemongirl]

I like my middle schoolers. Especially the first graders. They still have a lot of positives of children. They tend to have a lot of energy and aren't so worried about their image. They also know how to behave (and if not someone will remind them).

[JacktheCat]

Myself, in the last 5 years I've taught all levels from kindergarten on up to graduate school and I have to say they all have their pluses and minuses. It really comes down to you as a teacher, what level are you most comfortable and most effective with. I've finally found my "groove" with middle and high schoolers.

If you're looking at this ESL thing as a long term deal, I'd say go for it. Reach out and explore your options. It's one major benefit we ESLers have over regular school teachers "back home." Job flexibility and job mobility. We are not tied down. We can teach any age level, anywhere in the world.

[JacktheCat]

[schwa]

Thanks. Nice edit on my remarks.

Yeh you'll find your niche.