Korean Job Discussion Forums

[bourquetheman]

I did a 4 week winter camp two years ago and I'd like to do it again this year. After acing the open class and having the principal and numerous teachers praise me for such a good job, I thought that would be a good time to ask if I could go do that camp. Here's the situation, last winter I had to come in ONE day a week and teach 2 fify minute classes. My thinking was that why I can't I make up those classes in February by working 2 days (or however many it takes) to make up the missed classes?

I explained to my head supervisor (not my immediate one who I work with as she is almost useless) and she was sympathetic and said she'd ask the principal. I immediately told my immediate supervisor that I had talked with the head one and she was totally unsupportive, saying that "the principal will probably say no because 4 weeks is too long, and that if I could find some 2 or 3 day camp that might be possible, and that I should check with HER next time instead of going to the head supervisor. Why the hell should I as her attitude is terrible and not supportive at all. Heck she NEVER has to teach during either vacations because she used to be a middle school teacher? WTF? So what? She IS a high school teacher now, that's what should matter.

Anyway irrelevant rambling I know. So the answer I get is that the principal wants to let me go, but the school accountant (finance officer, whatever the title is) says NO because of tax purposes and it's not allowed in the contract. I am willing to negotiate and would give up half/all of my January salary if I could go make double my salary at this camp. My supervisor says if she could show the accountant that other high school teachers are allowed to do it, perhaps she could be persuaded. I'm willing to try anything. So is anyone else doing a winter camp who is currently at a high school?

[thursdays child]

In my public highc school contract is clearly says that I cannot work during vacations. Last year I was recruiting for a camp and lots of high school teachers tried to get permission and all failed. Your school would have to temporarily release you... paperwork... and it would most likely say in your contract you can't do that! Besides most schools try to include the foreign teacher as part of the general staff. The Korean teachers can't work in the holidays - so many of them want to - but they would be in the poo and it's also ilegal for them. Government employees can ony have one job - and you are a governement employee.

[bourquetheman]

Well do or die tomorrow. I got the call tonight and have been offered the camp. The foreign director was a nice guy who said he'd get the head Korean in charge of it to contact my school and explain the situation. Needless to say I don't hold out much hope but it's worth a shot. Meanwhile my immediate supervisor has sat on her a$$ doing nothing to help, even when I asked her repeatedly to come be the mediator/translator with the financial officer or principal. I'm sure she won't be amused with the phone call idea but I could really give care less what she thinks anymore.