Teacher Discussion Forums

Hi,
I am just trying to figure out what I can expect and what is expected of me when I accept a job. I was shown a contract, which had wording like this...

"Following the requirements set forth by the head of the teaching department and the school, the Teacher is to plan, organize, prepare and offer instructions in the English immersion classes assigned to him/her at the school site to which he/she is assigned and is to assist as required with the supervision of students.

The Teacher is expected to prepare appropriate resource materials, develop approved annual course plans, develop detailed lesson plans, and proved quality teaching to the students."


Now I am not sure really what can be expected? I mean do I start teaching immediately and with a lesson plan already prepared or is there some sort of discussions/meetings with other teachers to plan out lesson plans to see if they are appropriate? I just wanted to be prepared when I actually get there. I mean should I be bringing as many books with activities or do schools have materials that I am supposed to use. From what this contract states, it seems like I may have to have everything? Please let me know if I am just being paranoid?

Thanks.

Wher are you teaching?

I just arrived in Korea yesterday and went to my school today. I found the staff to be very inviting and very warm. When I approched the enterance there was a banner with my name on it saying "Welcome Jorge Greenwood".
I had the same concerns you did. Do I bring my own material? How do I make the lesson plans? etc. At my school I have to do a week long orientation, which consists of meeting all my students, grades 3-6, meeting my coworkers, and just getting familiar with the program. If you want specific information you can always ask the school for contact info for the person who was the ESL teacher before you. I wouldn't be overly concern with preparing lesson plans now, especially if you are in the states. Enjoy your last moments there, with family and friends. There really is no need for anxiety as far as your curriculum is concern. The fact that you are a native english speaker makes you a commidity already. That is what got you the job, and that is what they will want from you, your insight on the idosyncricies of the english language. You will be treated like a VIP upon arrival and all you questions will be answered then.
As I said, enjoy your time in the states. You will be briefed to the fullest upon arrival. Everyone has that question, I did, up until today when I met my principal and fellow staff. I feel so at home now and have no anxiety what so ever about curriculum matters.
/hoped that helped.

I think the above advice may well be very useful if you will be teaching in Korea but every country/school has a different way of helping new teachers. I am in China and am basically left on my own. I did not have a particularly friendly welcome in my school and was told just to do whatever I wanted. There will not be anyone to guide me. Now I am an experienced teacher and so I can manage but be prepared for this outcome and I would advise you to have a few general lesson plans that will get you through the first few weeks if you find yourself in the same situation as I did. Good luck and let me know if you need any more help.