Korean Job Discussion Forums

fxman · Joined: 05 Jul 2003

I'm just looking for some info. My first year contract is almost finished and I've been thinking about holding out for a crack at one of those 'public school' gigs. I'm not enjoying my present hogwan and want to try something different. So I'd just like to hear some others experiences etc. regarding teaching at a public school. The ads make it sound like it's better than hogwan life, but I know better than to take that to the bank.

Comment away. Thanks

Draven · Joined: 03 Feb 2003

I work at a public school and am very happy that I no longer work at a hagwon. I get paid about the same, but I teach 20 classes a week compared to the 35 I had at the hogwan. But that's just the start of what's good about working at a public school.

I get way more than the standard 2 week hogwan vacation. I'm at 8 weeks a year now. Still not as good as some of the university jobs I've heard about, but not too bad either. Also, factor in all the other off days that happen from time to time. I was off today, as a matter of fact. It seems like every couple of weeks a day of classes get cancelled.

It's great work if you can get it. I've found the actual classes more challenging. It's quite a change going from a class of 10 kids to a class of 40.

rapier · Joined: 16 Feb 2003

I'm also highly interested in having a crack at the real schools, and I'll be sniffing round for a good position soon.

Teaching classes of 40 rather than 10 would be hard to handle...requiring a whole new set of tricks and techniques. It would take a while to get into. Any ideas on how to teach larger classes?, post them up-

peppermint · Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2004 9:50 am Post subject:

Public school comes with its own set of problems. I'm at a school where as far as I can tell, not a single teacher speaks English, to the point of being comfortable communicating with me. The textbooks you may use will be mostly in Korean- they're aimed at Korean teachers after all. The ammount of preparation goes up exponentially as well. Teachers here are also expected to buy lots of their own supplies- color pencils, story books games etc.

The thing is, that having 1200 kids bow and say hello instead of running and giggling goes a long way towards making it seem worthwhile.

Draven · Joined: 03 Feb 2003

fxman · Joined: 05 Jul 2003

Thanks for all of your input! These are valuable insights. I'm wondering about the competition for these jobs. I believe I've got the prereq's for it (a Masters degree (although not in Ed. or ESL), and teaching experience)
but then so do many,many other job seekers. Is it as competitive as getting a university job?

Again, thanks for all of your posts.

Draven · Joined: 03 Feb 2003

peppermint · Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2004 4:46 pm Post subject:

In case you couldn't guess from the supplies list, I'm at an elementary school. I prep say six classes a week one each for grades three and four, and two for grades five and six. The thing is, younger kids require more prep to keep them out of trouble.

I'm on the frontlines, being the first foreigner ever at the school, and the first foreign teacher for some of the kids. It's a learning process for both of us. If I sounded a little bitter, check the time of the last post- I wasn't overjoyed to be awake. Wink

Qualifications- you don't need a masters, but the teaching experience will help. I know in my city, personality and professionalism count for a lot.

CanadaCommando · Joined: 13 Feb 2004 Location: People's Republic of C.C.

I got a public school gig after bailing on my sinking Hogwan...was outta Korea for good until this.

My job is great-my co-workers are friendly and many are fluent. Kids are very respectful. I teach two different grades, 10 classes a week. So, with my 20 classes, I only have to prep for two as well.

The only downsides to my job, and many public jobs, is that
1) your up early (which is actually a big deterent for some)
2) You are USUALLY there from 8:30-4:30 5 days a week, and do some bonus work the occasional Sat. (once/6 weeks or so for me)

The benefits are too numerous to count. But, to start-respect, never problems with pay, professional atmosphere, and a job you can trust and rely on. I also get 12 weeks of holidays plus the extras (chusok, public holidays, etc) and miscellanious free days.

Jobs in the public that are advertised are ultra competitive...When I applied for mine, they interview 150 people for 2 positions! Many of the jobs start in late Feb (school itself starts in March) and it helps alot if you are in country for the interview.

Good luck. If I dont re-apply for my job next Feb, I will put the name out there.