Korean Job Discussion Forums

Bo Peabody · Joined: 25 Aug 2005

[deleted]

peppermint · Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 2:18 pm Post subject:

Sorry to hear things are going badly for you, but I don't think so.

Bo Peabody · Joined: 25 Aug 2005

[deleted]

cubanlord · Joined: 08 Jul 2005 Location: In Japan!

Perhaps you should look into other fields of work....

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

Let's not be hasty here.

#1. Let's say you are an inexperienced teacher. I think everyone is pretty lousy when they first step in front of a classroom. There is a lot to learn about classroom management and pacing in addition to planning good lessons, locating good materials to supplement your text, etc.

You get better at all this with experience. Taking a training course can only help.

#2. It's also possible the hakwon boss is blaming you for declining enrollment when it isn't your fault. Students drop out for many reasons, not only because the teacher isn't much good.

#3. It's also possible that you are a lousy teacher. Not everyone can teach. If this really is the case, then looking at another line of work is in your best interest. But consider some of the other possibilities before accepting this lable.

mindmetoo · Joined: 02 Feb 2004

Did your boss threaten to sue you for loss of revenue? One would assume it's the employer's responsibility to make sure he hires a qualified candidate. Unless you grossly misrepresented your experience and ability, the blame falls squarely in his lap. But you, Korea would have no problems ever if it weren't for all the meddling foreigners...

some waygug-in · Joined: 25 Jan 2003

buymybook · Joined: 21 Feb 2005 Location: Telluride

Yes, your employer can sue you for anything. Whether they win is another story. If it's in civil court they need to know your address to send you a letter to inform you of court dates/times ect...

Don't worry, if you do end up in court I feel sorry for you. The Korean courts are not fair to foreigners. They want to point the finger at YOU.

Bo Peabody · Joined: 25 Aug 2005

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Lemonade · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Location: South Korea

Let's say your employer decides to sue you for all you're worth. They first need a lawyer right? Last I heard Korean lawyers are just as expensive as the ones in western countries. So why would they shell out that much money in lawyer fees to sue a lowly hagwon teacher who can leave the country? That doesn't make a lot of sense. Let's say even if they win; they can't get blood out of a turnip. How are they going to collect any money from you, especially if you choose to stay in Korea and pay a lawyer to keep representing you in court? Think about this.

Your defense could be that they failed to properly train you - their way. Lord knows there's NO sort of formal training here in Korea for teachers. Tell them you were confused about the expectations. Were you suppose to be out there hawking for business in a clown suit in front of the hagwon? Did you fail to bring in enough candy?

UncleAlex · Joined: 04 Apr 2003

That depends on your employer's defintion of a good teacher.
Many students may have allegedly left because you didn't play
enough Hangman or Picture Bingo. If that's the case, he may
have a hard time convincing the judge that it's all your fault. Cool

kimchikowboy · Joined: 24 Jan 2003

For extreme incompetence, in Korea (and ESL in general) its more common to get promoted, not fired. You can't be all that bad.

TJ · Joined: 10 Mar 2003

jacl · Joined: 31 Oct 2005

Anyone can sue you for anything if they like. Not that they will be 100% successful.

An employer is not going to sue you. C'mon. You're more apt to sue you employer, on the other hand. If you're threatened, just say, "Bring it on!" 'cause that would be one big joke.