Korean Job Discussion Forums

politica · Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Location: Suwon-si

Hello there. I'm a newbie, and I have a million and one questions, but I'll start with the most pressing . . .

I've just been offered a position with the Seoul public school system, teaching either middle school or high school (that hasn't been determined yet), for 2 million won. I have no teaching experience (aside from a stint as a GA in grad school), and I have my masters in politics. The job comes with all the perks (apartment, airfare, etc.), but I wanted to know if the pay seemed reasonable. As I mentioned, it seems like a really great job, and I have no experience.

Also, if anyone is already in the Seoul public school system, I would love to hear from you! Shoot me an email!

Thanks in advance!

seoulsucker · Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 6:04 pm Post subject:

2 seems a little low, but not bad since you have no teaching experience. I would also find out if the school provides a set program for you to work with, or if you'll have to design your own lessons, etc.

Chances are you'll have rather large class sizes, and without a foundation (textbook, activities) it might be pretty hard for a noob to manage them.

Also ask if there will be a Korean teacher in the class with you at all times. They're a valuable asset in keeping the younger kids under control and providing translation and assistance when needed.

IMHO, public school gigs are the way to go here. If you can land one your first year here with no experience, you're golden. With a masters, you'll be in line for good uni jobs next year.

Octavius Hite · Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 6:06 pm Post subject:

Compared to Hogwons, public schools rock. I am in my second one and have never been treated better. Always paid on time, only 90 hours a month, 10 weeks paid vacation, great apartment, very little oversight, no parents, no hogwon owner. I will never go back to a Hogwon, they leave you bitter and angry. Public Schools rock!

SPINOZA · Joined: 10 Jun 2005 Location: $eoul

If you've an MA in anything you should not be on 2m.

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

Are you dealing with the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education (SMOE)?

If so, from what I understand, you should make more than 2 million with a Masters degree. Ask them about their pay scale, it is set by SMOE and shouldn't differ from school to school.

Also, usually SMOE hires for elementary and middle schools, not high schools.

If you are with SMOE, then you will have a Korean teacher in the classroom with you. Classes should be managable with a competent teacher who regulates the discipline.

Octavius Hite said:

socrates flitcraft · Joined: 11 Sep 2006 Location: Seoul

2million is low for a masters but the holidays make up for it.
I am in a middle school but I have to do some small camps. I get 4 weeks off but I also have weeks like the last couple where I have had barely 2 classes a day and will be home by 1:30pm today.

I do three hours a week of an after school program which provides some nice pocket money.

And I only have two core lesson plans to produce weekly which makes my workload is reallly minimal.

Find out the nuts and bolts of what they expect from you.

rothkowitz · Joined: 27 Apr 2006

How'd you get the offer of MS or HS in Seoul?I never see them advertise.

2M seems way too low with an MA.Ought to be at least 2.2.

I teach at a HS in Bundang and I've taught at a MS in Seongnam.I think you should check what kind of school it is and go with that.

Public school,have a realistic(ie low )expectation of how much you'll be able to do with the bulk of your students when you're only seeing them once every 1 or 2 weeks.An academic school,you might find less frustrating.