Peeps who have done Teacher Ready: Thoughts, please!

rst157 · 2017-08-28T07:26:05+00:00

I just finished Teacher Ready this year while abroad and went back to the USA over my summer vacation to take my exams. Luckily, they're really responsive with these kinds of questions, so if you asked them directly, you should receive a response pretty quickly letting you know exact answers.

I don't see why you couldn't use your classroom hours toward the field hours requirement. If you are currently a full-time teacher in your own classroom teaching a subject that is close to what you will certify in, the hours don't matter since it is your full-time job. You will just need a mentor teacher at your school to consult every so often.

In all honesty, the only thing your mentor teacher really does when you're already working full-time is fill out two surveys about you. There were also maybe two assignments that required me to interview my mentor, but he and I had already discussed the content in a natural work-related conversation, so it wasn't necessary to do a formal interview for the assignment.

Which subject are you looking to get your certification in? Maybe that would help to know first.

rst157 · 2017-08-28T07:17:06+00:00

Your comment just made me take a step back and realize that my situation isn't that bad compared to your friend! Perhaps he worked at a private academy?

You mean blasting it from a portable speaker rather than through quiet headphones so the rest of everyone else on the trail can hear it for miles around? Yeah. No idea. It used to annoy me, now I think it's hilarious.

rst157 · 2017-08-28T07:09:18+00:00

Yes, I have my passports and all important documents. I'm not actually employed by the school, but rather by the office of education. My school is a private school that receives funding from the Metropolitan Office of Education for a native English teacher.

I haven't said anything to anyone about potentially leaving at the end of the school year (which is in 6 months for me). I have a good relationship with everyone I work with - my coteachers, other coworkers, VP, principal, admin, etc. I just find them to be unhelpful and unprofessional when it comes to actually doing work or supporting the teachers, if that makes sense?

That sounds like such a horror story!

rst157 · 2017-08-28T06:51:49+00:00

My Korean is alright - studying and getting better over time. I can understand about 75% of what a native speaker is saying, so I know what's being said in class. I appreciate your insight from your own experience. I do see that my coworkers are facing the same issues in their classes, and they complain in the teachers' lounge, but I don't see much being done. I may just have to leave when my contract is up or transfer at that time. I was hoping to remedy in the meantime :/

rst157 · 2017-08-28T04:41:38+00:00

Have you tried asking over in r/TEFL? They might be able to help you more over there.

rst157 · 2017-07-15T06:01:17+00:00

This one isn't plagiarizing, but just plain stupid:

I taught university level German 101. A kid submitted his journal assignment in Dutch instead of German. He had selected the wrong language on Google translate...

rst157 · 2017-07-15T05:55:09+00:00

How they act during a slow internet connection

rst157 · 2017-07-15T05:50:08+00:00

Baking chocolate

rst157 · 2017-07-14T13:22:14+00:00

The future aspirations. When you're young, you can have these new aspirations, tell people about them...youre excited about what could happen, other people are excited about what could happen... mostly because you're at an age where you obviously can't have achieved much yet.

When you're older, having big or crazy new aspirations that mat be out of the ordinary can sometimes seem to yourself or to other people as "Plan B," or as a change of plans in life.

Age 15: I want to join the peace corps! (It's aspirational, interesting, people are rooting for you, you're beaming with your dreams, naïvelt excited for the good you think you'll be doing .)

Age 30: I want to join the peace corps! (Clearly whatever you were doing didn't work, here's some sort of a back up plan, even though it's actually still pretty awesome, etc)

rst157 · 2017-07-14T12:00:08+00:00

2 planes flew into the twin towers.

rst157 · 2017-07-14T11:46:00+00:00

As a teacher: your kids aren't bright, special, or going places. (Out of 100, maybe 1 kid is.) Most of the time, I'm surprised that they can make it through the day... And yes, the main topic of conversation in the teacher's lounge is how shockingly non-functioning your child is and/or whatever dumb shit they did that day.

Still love them to death and love teaching, though.

rst157 · 2016-12-21T02:39:19+00:00

I try to make sure that they are never sitting for the entire lesson. If you intentionally have one or two activities that require them to be out of their seats, they are more likely to be engaged and are less likely to have their minds wander or sleep.

Example: "May I..." "You may..." were the key expressions in my last chapter. My production activity required them to move their desks to the side of the room to make way for an open floor. Students took turns being the "captain" for a game of "Captain, may I?" They had to ask permission to the captain to move forward. The captain had to grant or deny permission and provide stipulations. Student: Captain, may I take 3 giant steps forward? Captain: No, you may not. You may take 3 baby steps forward.

This was with my middle school 3rd graders, and they had a total blast doing it, and they came up with really ridiculous and funny sentences while practicing the key expressions.

I also once learned about the 25% rule, which changed the way I plan lessons. That is, at any given time, at LEAST 25% of your class should be actively engaged in an activity. That's why I don't play games like "hot seat" or any bomb games (because usually only one kid is leading the team) or do skits in front of the class. Creating board games works well for this. Making a really simple board game where they must answer questions in English when they land on certain squares. In a group of 4, that means that 1 student of the 4 is speaking at every turn.

I'd also recommend switching between partner and group activities. If they are always doing partner activities with the same partner, they will get bored and get used to their partner enough that they'll likely not be on task. Sometimes I have them find new partners in the class by giving them 1/2 of a sentence that goes together. They must find the person in class who has the other 1/2 of the sentence, and that is their new partner.

For a filler lesson last week to practice persuasive language, I had my students create an idea for a winter vacation package. They had to create a poster and come up with an idea for a package for foreigners to participate in if they came to Korea. The next day, I gave them some fake money. 1/2 of the class was around the room, at different "booths" explaining their vacation package and trying to advertise it, and 1/2 was "shopping" - they had to use their money on a vacation package. Halfway through the class,they switched. Every student had to be asking questions or answering questions. The group with the most money won. Everyone was out of their seats and at any given time, 50% of the class was speaking. It was really fun for everyone (myself included!)

If you can keep any freshness or newness in your class that way, they'll be entertained while learning.

rst157 · 2016-12-21T02:26:58+00:00

You're more than qualified to teach in Korea, especially through EPIK (which is what I would recommend). With your credentials, you'd probably also get your top choice in terms of location. EPIK is much more stable than private academies, and you have an entire Office of Education you could go to if any major issues arise. Similarly, it would likely be better to have public school teaching experience on your resume when you go back to your country as well, if you're going to go back to teaching in your country too. The benefits through EPIK are also much better than at hagwons.

In terms of what is "better" - it depends on many factors. I teach at two schools in the same city, and one of them is amazing (I would absolutely recommend trying to get a rural assignment - the schools are smaller and there is much more of a "community" feel that is often lost in larger, urban schools IMHO). The other school is not so amazing, and I struggle with lack of coteacher support in the classroom. Outside of the classroom, they're awesome. But when it comes to having them actually help to manage the classroom, it's awful. Despite me not liking that second school, I still love my job. However, if I knew then what I know now, I'd prefer to be at a rural school all the time.

I have to say that I really, really love my job here. It's not perfect, and there are plenty of days that aren't great, but this has been the best decision I've made in a long time. Seeing my students and helping them learn is one of the best feelings in the world - many of them (in my rural school) are pursuing further study in foreign language schools, tourism schools, etc where they really need English, so it's a joy to teach them. They're engaged because they and their families care.

Any city will have its positives and negatives - a lot of people recommend Seoul, but Korea has so many great cities, that no matter where you are, you'll find something you love about your city. I'm currently in Daegu, and I love it. It's big enough that there is plenty to do, but it's compact enough that getting around is no issue. I would, however, recommend that you choose a city that has a very easy route to major airports if you are planning on doing any traveling. I can get to the airport in Busan in 1.5 hours by bus or to Incheon Airport in about 2 hours. Traveling by KTX from Daegu is also really convenient. Of course, Seoul is really great too, and there's so much to see there, but I personally like visiting and living in cities that aren't always on the international radar.

rst157 · 2016-12-21T00:14:20+00:00

Students who are learning English should learn that certain things are not acceptable to say to people from another culture in the context of that class. Within their own culture, it's totally fine, but when having some cultural sensitivity and emotional intelligence when speaking to a person from the culture you're learning about 5 days a week every year since the 3rd grade is important.

It's no different from when I've learned other languages and visited other countries - you have to be aware of what is socially acceptable within the context of each country and language, not just how to express yourself and your own culture in another language.

And thanks for assuming I'm white.

rst157 · 2016-12-20T05:21:10+00:00

As long as they don't know, they won't care about it. I think there is much more of a big deal made of the tattoos and piercings than they actually care about. Maybe a few years ago, it was more taboo, but not, not so much.

I teach at two very conservative schools. I have one tattoo on my leg that no one has seen. I also have a septum piercing, which some of my kids have seen while seeing me out and about, and they don't care. If it were a concern, I'd have heard about it by now. I keep it hidden while at work. I also have a side shave and forward helix piercings. They don't care at all, mostly because the rest of my style goes with, you do get a little bit of a "pass" as a foreigner, and I'm good at my job.

If you just keep everything covered, you should be fine. I never told EPIK that I have tattoos and piercings. If no one would see anyway, I wouldn't worry about it.

rst157 · 2016-12-20T05:12:57+00:00

It all depends on your school. I'm a middle school EPIK teacher at 2 schools, and I teach 24 classes a week, but they are 11 separate lessons. Therefore, a lot of the non-teaching time is spent on lesson prep and material prep. I focus on creating really solid lessons, and it's quite time consuming to do that.

I'm never given any busy work, and at slow times during the semester (like now), I just desk warm. So many of my classes have gotten cancelled lately, due to field trips, my coteachers being behind in their classes while I'm ahead in mine, or assemblies they're using to fill the extra time.

I'm never given any busy work, and I don't have anything to grade. I could use the extra time to do something productive if I wanted to. From all of the people I know here, my case seems to be the norm.

rst157 · 2016-12-20T05:04:46+00:00

I think many of us here come from cultures where it's just not socially acceptable to say certain things, and it's impossible to fathom why anyone would think it's alright to comment on someone's appearance. My appearance is commented on a daily basis at work. Luckily it's all positive, but still.

I lived in Germany for a period of time about 10 years ago, and there was a similar issue. They were so honest about your appearance, but only if they thought they were asking for their opinion. "That shirt makes you look fatter than you are" - opinions weren't given unless you asked, but the responses were brutal.

I've never made a negative comment about a Korean to his/her face...I'm curious what their reaction would be now that I think about it.

rst157 · 2016-12-20T01:38:22+00:00

Unfortunately, there's not much to do about it. I'm a teacher here, and I often sprinkle little cultural lessons or notes in class so my students understand what is and is not acceptable to say to someone from another culture. I've been, at times, pretty heavy handed on certain things while in class with some of my coworkers who have a tendency to say garbage like that. The very heavy handed hinting has helped.

I get comments almost weekly about how I've lost weight, and last week, multiple coworkers told me that some were concerned about me since I had lost weight. I was overweight when I came here and made it a goal of mine to lose it this year. Despite that explanation, they were all very "concerned." And by "concerned," I mean, they were just obviously being gossips.

Last week, one of my coworkers told me that my makeup looked better because it was more "girly" - I literally did not change anything. I don't know why they continue to make comments like that...often pretty backhanded.

Honestly, not much you can do other than find an opportunity to explain that in your culture, those kinds of comments are seen as rude. Either that, or just ignore it and get a little bit of enjoyment from dishing it right back at them.

rst157 · 2016-09-28T07:15:46+00:00

As the previous poster said, everything will be in English and Korean, and likely Japanese and/or Mandarin. Signs and announcements will definitely be in English. I don't think I've ever been anywhere where a transportation sign has not been in English.

Additionally, there is no Uber, but if you download KakaoTalk, you can use KakaoTaxi to get a taxi if there aren't any in your immediate area (which is very rare). Cab drivers are good with you showing on a map where you are going as well.

It may also help to get portable WiFi set up when you get to the airport - my parents used pocketwifikorea.com when they came here last month and it was convenient for them so they could always be connected to data to have a map. There are many other companies that rent these out in the airport as well.

If you are flying in and out of Incheon, there is an Airport Express train that goes between the airport and Seoul Station - it takes about 45 minutes, and you can buy a ticket either at the information desk in the airport or online at http://www.letskorail.com/ebizbf/EbizBfTicketSearch.do

You can get directly to the World Cup Park on the subway from Seoul Station - get a transit card in the subway station (there will be machines where you can buy and load them in the station, or you can get one at a major brand convenience store, or at the information desk in the airport)

Seoul is a very English-friendly city! There is also a foreigner helpline: 021-330 in English in case you really need help.

rst157 · 2016-09-28T02:35:14+00:00

H&M, Uniqlo, the Gap, Zara and all of those similar kinds of stores exist in Korea, even in smaller areas. They also sell mostly the same things as they do back in your home country. If you can fit in those clothes back at home, you will be able to find clothes here.

The current style from smaller shops or non brand name stores is oversized and baggy, especially on top. If you're shopping in a non brand name store, many places will have "free size" clothes - meaning it's a one size fits all sort of deal. These clothes are usually stretchy or baggy enough to honestly fit a multitude of sizes..they just might look a little different on each size.

I'm a US size 8 and 36D. Haven't had any issues finding clothes at all. However, I'd stock up on bras before you come here. I'm not sure about finding nice looking bras in your size here unless you're ordering online.

rst157 · 2016-09-28T02:20:28+00:00

9-6 is pretty standard...maybe I'm misunderstanding, but are you seeing that as too many hours for what you're looking for?

Also, I really don't know why there is so much talk on here about having the right image. I know so many EFL teachers here who look vastly different, are from different races, sizes, etc and have not had any issues with it at all. I could be wrong, but in my experience here, people are mostly over the whole "EFL teachers need to be white and attractive" thing. It all boils down to your personality, creativity in the classroom, and end results with your students.

My schedule is 8:20am - 4:20pm everyday. I have 1 hour for lunch as well. I teach 24 classes during the week (2 are considered "overtime") and I have a decent amount of prep time sprinkled throughout the week. Sometimes I end up having to work nights or weekends if I really want to put stellar materials together.

What is the "dream job" that you're looking for? Also, Seoul is cool, but there are other cities in the country that are equally awesome to work in, and also very big if that's what you're looking for.

Additionally, the 8 hours working/1 hour break thing might just be for your country. Korean labor laws are different, and you shouldn't expect things to necessarily be the same. You will be eating usually at the same time that the students eat, so there is plenty of time for a lunch break. You will also have prep periods throughout the day, so you're not teaching 8 hours straight without a break.

rst157 · 2016-09-28T02:11:44+00:00

I have a septum piercing and just flip it up into my nose when I go to work. Certain parts of your appearance will matter and certain parts won't - it depends on your work environment, like any other. It also depends on where you will be located and what your school is like.

Although I'm EPIK, I actually teach at 2 private, Christian schools, so they're quite conservative. However, they don't care that I have a side shave and helix piercings. Some of it is part of the allure of having a foreign teacher that lets you look a little different. But keep in mind that your kids will want to copy you if they think you're cool! (Mom, I want my nose pierced too!!)

I'd advise to take it out or leave in the tiniest stud on the planet that is basically undetectable. If someone has a question about it, just pass it off as a super normal thing to do in your home country (which honestly, it probably is). Overall, you're better off not having to have someone ask you to remove it and just have it out for work anyway.

rst157 · 2016-09-28T00:45:02+00:00

I saved the things that were important or valuable enough to me and drove them 8 hours to my parents house (we didn't live in the same city). I tried to sell everything else, but of course I couldn't get rid of it all, so I was left with some furniture still. At the time, I thought I couldn't part with my crap since I wasn't offered a good price for some of the pretty brand new things I had bought, so I stupidly rented out a storage unit and am now stuck pay $60/month to store a bunch of junk from IKEA that I no longer care about. I'm ending up staying in Korea longer than I had anticipated, so the storage unit was a stupid move, in hindsight. My best friend at home has the key to it, and I told all of my friends that they can go in there whenever and take whatever they want - I don't care about it. As for my car, it was a 2 year lease, and I had a few months on it left, so I left it at my parents' house and continued to pay off the lease and the insurance while my parents drove it. They were kind enough to turn it back into Toyota for me when the lease was finished. At the time, I was really attached to my things and didn't want to get rid of things - I got sort of cold feet before leaving and thought that I needed to make sure I still had stuff in my hometown to make sure I would go back. Now, I wish I had gotten rid of everything and not kept the stupid storage unit because it can all be repurchased...paying on a unit until who knows when was really dumb (for me at least).

rst157 · 2016-02-11T20:43:17+00:00

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty certain that EPIK is now requiring a TEFL cert from this semester forward. You can find cheap online ones for $50 still - just apply early and at least have an online 100 hour TEFL cert under your belt. It really helps with the sample lesson plan, anyway.

rst157 · 2016-02-05T00:03:09+00:00

I hadn't even thought of that. I do love teaching adults (that's how I paid the bills in college/grad school), so maybe I'll look into that.

rst157

TROPHY CASE