Korean Job Discussion Forums

[shantaram]

I have to co-teach with every teacher in my elementary school from grades 3-6. In each grade, one teacher liases with me to decide lesson plans for the week. That teacher also has to give an open class with me in front of the other teachers. The worst one is down- the grade 6 teacher who is new and cannot speak understandable English, yet somehow is Head of English and a control freak in the classroom. Now I have to do the open class with the Grade 5 teacher, who seems to be taking a leaf from the Grade 6 teacher's book (though she should know better) by making a strict lesson plan and minimising my role in the classroom (despite my numerous protests that the open class is supposed to demonstrate CO-TEACHING). Furthermore the English classroom has been renovated with a new English section and we have to twist the lesson plan so as to use the English booths- as many of them as possible. It is like we are modelling a show-home, not teaching a class. Anyway I am entirely frustrated with the show aspect of these classes. What are your experiences with co-teaching? How do your open classes go? I wish mine would just go away.

[pkang0202]

Every teacher? How many 3-6 teachers at your school? My school has about 35 teachers in 3-6 grade. Thats a ton of open classes to be having.

I have 1 open class. Thats with the main coteacher and the class of my choosing. This open class is for GEPIK officials, other teachers at my school, and other native teachers in the area.

It doesn't make sense that you would have to coteach with every teacher at your school. This is the first time I've heard of such a thing.

[shantaram]

It took me several months of being here to realise that other people co-teach with a smaller number of people.

I co-teach with 17 different teachers.

Our school is supposed to be a 'pilot school' for the region, modelling effective co-teaching. Which presumably is why the principal insists we waste 20 minutes of the open class on role plays in the Hospital and Snack areas that actually have nothing to do with the topic we are studying. Which also must be why when these classes come up the Korean teachers' ambition becomes so strong they write up a lesson plan and give it to me with notation: KT, KT, KT, KT, NT. In my next open class, I get to say hello to the class. Then, I will get to place a picture of myself on the board according to directions given me by the students (like a weather person). That is my full involvement.

I have time and time again told the open class co-teachers that people watching the class expect to see co-teaching. My Grade 6 open class co-teacher found ways around my objections and introduced things at the last minute to prevent me from even speaking to the class (for example, suggesting I come in late as a gimmick). The reason she did this is because as Head of English she is aware that all eyes are on her and she wants to take every opportunity to prove she can teach effectively in English. This, despite the fact she doesn't speak proper sentences, cannot be understood, has been told by me and even by the provincial office that she needs to share class-time with the co-teacher. Now the grade 5 open class co-teacher is going down the same road, surely to be followed by the grade 4 and grade 3 open classes. I feel like I am wasting my time.

[goodgood]

God, public school sounds unpleasant. Just having a co-teacher always in the room with me is enough of a turn-off, but all this stuff sounds over the top. Not that I dont have to deal with my fair share of ridiculous hagwon bs, but at least I have control over my classes. Nobody tells me what to do. Ever. I like it that way.

Sorry to interrupt, just thinking out loud. Carry on.

[oldfatfarang]

Sounds like you could be being 'sidelined'. If this is an issue for you, and you feel it is preventing you from undertaking your role as a professional co-teacher - you need to bring this up with your co-teachers. If this doesn't work, THEN your school hierarchy. In person, and in writing. Be VERY tactful (and I mean TACTFUL).

I am starting to struggle with a similar situation. My Head English Teacher (and also a co-teacher) is slowly introducing Korean Teacher-Centred methods into my lessons. I am politely resisting and 'negotiating/rebutting' these creepingchanges- but I see my situation heading your way.

What to do? If it gets out of hand I'll be bringing this issue up in the teachers' meeting. If I can't retain control of my class and the outcomes I expect from my students - I'll just leave and find a job where I can. But I'm sure a little tact will solve my problem - and I'm sure it will solve yours too.

[ChuckECheese]

[Milwaukiedave]

I've enjoyed the public school I've been at for almost a year now. I have one co-teacher for each grade for a total of three co-teachers. The 6th grade Korean English teacher is also the head teacher. The level of English that he speaks and understands is low. Many times I have to repeat things two or three times which is frustrating. The co-teachers do the lesson planning and then we talk about it. However, they are open to suggestions most of the time.

As for the open class, the only thing similar I've had to do is when my 4th grade co-teacher had to be observed by the principal because this is only her second year teaching. She was nervous, but it was a breeze for me.

I don't know if that helps you having something to compare to or not.