Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Real Reality]

How to define 'unqualified' teachers in dispute
Education Ministry officials, parents' groups and teachers' unions have been arguing over how to define "unqualified" teachers. The disputes arose at a meeting of the Special Committee to Evaluate Schools' Competency on Tuesday and Thursday.

The ministry told the other groups that unqualified teachers include those who engage in unethical practices, such as manipulating students' grades, committing sex crimes and receiving bribes. Also included, said the ministry, are those who have mental and physical problems that can hinder their performance as teachers.

Meanwhile, parents' groups argued that the category should be even broader.

The Korean Federation of Teachers' Associations, however, insisted that "unqualified" is a vague word. Instead, they suggested a replacement, "unethical." As for the Korean Teachers and Education Workers' Union, they suggested "corrupted," demanding the category be narrowed down to those who commit serious crimes.

Members of the committee also could not decide upon the punishment for teachers found guilty of misconduct. The ministry believed those who manipulate grades, commit sex crimes or receive bribes should be dismissed. However, the Korean Federation of Teachers' Associations said they agreed with the ministry, but believed receiving bribes should carry lighter punishment. The new evaluation system, however, has been planned to go into effect in early September.
by Kang Hong-jun, JoongAng Ilbo (August 13, 2005)
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/200508/12/200508122257209579900090409041.html

The Korea Federation of Teacher's Associations (KFTA) announced Thursday the results of a nationwide survey of 5,420 elementary, middle and high school teachers. Some 27 percent of respondents said they had been bribed with gifts by parents, with 34.3 percent of them doing favors in return. The KFTA admitted many teachers were giving and taking bribes,...
Chosun Ilbo (April 14, 2005)
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200504/200504140030.html

May 15 is Teacher's Day in South Korea, and to honor their teachers, students will be bring them flowers, write compositions in appreciation of them, and even participate in sports competitions with them. Parents also often give gifts or gratuities to the teacher. According to an article in the Nishinippon Shimbun, surveys indicate that parents spend a minimum of 100,000 won on these gifts (roughly US$100.00), while cash presents can go as high as 30 million won (roughly US$3,000).
Polishing the apple, Japundit (May 15, 2005)
http://japundit.com/archives/2005/05/15/polishing-the-apple/

78 Percent of Koreans Consider Corruption Level Serious
Donga.com (June 17, 2005)
http://english.donga.com/srv/service.php3?biid=2005061709768

[funplanet]

if accepting "bribes" is a measure of a teacher being unqualified, then a large number of public school and uni teachers are unethical...

[shakuhachi]

That seems like a double standard. White english teachers in Korea get called unqualified for having consensual sex with Korean women.

[yemanja]

[ladyandthetramp]

[Real Reality]