RANTING/VENTING MEGATHREAD 3.0

[Mr.DeMartino]

I can't believe these 6th graders think the Han river is bigger than the Amazon river.

And Jeju is bigger than Hawaii.


They act shocked and offended when I show them the comparisons.

I told a class of students that a tomato was a fruit on friday.  The look of shock, horror and disbelief on their faces was amazing.  It was if i was perfoming sorcery in the class.  Their minds were exploding.

I teach in a university!

Possibly because you decided to foist upon them one of the most tedious facts in the history of mankind?

Haha!

I wonder how often the kids are just deliberately riling up the teacher during these stories?

[Aristocrat]

This pathetic loser has absolutely no business being a teacher.
He's trying to make me teach the textbook when half the students can't spell basic 3-letter words and the other half can't count past 10, in English. He's simply too lazy to do anything other than listen and repeat and can't be bothered to follow up with whatever I decide.

(English room, after class)

Me - Teacher,the students are in 6th grade and can't count past 10 or read these basic words (cat, hot, cold)

HR teacher - Yes, but English numbers are so hard.

Me - It took me 30mins to figure out the Korean number system (for counting). I learned to read Korean during my flight
       to Korea, and I'm a slow learner... They had 4yrs! It's really not that hard.

Me - Either teach them phonics and numbers or let me teach what I think is important.

HR teacher - But the textbook...

Me - The textbook is useless! The level is too advanced for them

HR teacher - (Does that annoying sucking sound whenever adults are too chickensh*t to say what's on their mind)

Me - I'll be teaching phonics and counting, starting next week. Enjoy our lunch.

[Dave Stepz]

This pathetic loser has absolutely no business being a teacher.
He's trying to make me teach the textbook when half the students can't spell basic 3-letter words and the other half can't count past 10, in English. He's simply too lazy to do anything other than listen and repeat and can't be bothered to follow up with whatever I decide.

(English room, after class)

Me - Teacher,the students are in 6th grade and can't count past 10 or read these basic words (cat, hot, cold)

HR teacher - Yes, but English numbers are so hard.

Me - It took me 30mins to figure out the Korean number system (for counting). I learned to read Korean during my flight
       to Korea, and I'm a slow learner... They had 4yrs! It's really not that hard.

Me - Either teach them phonics and numbers or let me teach what I think is important.

HR teacher - But the textbook...

Me - The textbook is useless! The level is too advanced for them

HR teacher - (Does that annoying sucking sound whenever adults are too chickensh*t to say what's on their mind)

Me - I'll be teaching phonics and counting, starting next week. Enjoy our lunch.

That sounds similar to my elementary co-teacher a few years back, although I think she had some form of Aspergers because he never could relate to anyone.  She just looked awkward the whole time.  But she'd just teach the textbook, minus games and the kids just fooked around the whole class.  I stood beside the screen and they repeated the words after me, problem is, they had no interest because English class was 100% on her.  She just thought the textbook is the only thing that was important.  If they finish the textbook then they've obviously 'succeeded' and will pass to the next level.  There really was no need for me, with some idea about how we should engage the students and get some kind of English ability.  Her work was riddled with mistakes, 'What is the capital city of England?  Rondon'  I mean, come on!!! 

My sympathies....

[Mr.DeMartino]

And yeah, it's pretty pointless to argue with Americans about whether or not the USA is the best country. But the difference is it's an opinion. However, even if you present them with facts about all the ways in which the US is failing its citizens, it won't alter their opinion. I used to try it with my family but it was like knocking my head against a brick wall. They'll just say "huh, really? Well I'd still rather live here than anywhere else." But I don't think that's a uniquely American thing.

1. I think A LOT of Americans know their country isn't best in everything, even MAGA types think that about many things.

2. A lot of times people who do put on the "America #1" front are just messing with you for the fun of it.

3. Other times people dig their heels in when someone just starts ranting about someone else's country for the sake of either making themselves feel better (usually due to their own inadequacies) OR to put the other person down in some sort of passive-aggressive stand-in rant (again, usually due to certain inadequacies). Then you just get people claiming their country is the best just to piss off the other person or because they have had enough of the other person being a dick and this is how they can do it without coming to blows.

4. The U.S. gets dumped on a lot, but Americans have done some pretty remarkable things.

[HabsFanInKorea]

I'm really starting to resent going into my third grade classes due to how pointless it has all become. They are lovely kids and I will miss them when they are gone, but their exams are finished, what is the point?

In the UK the academic term is from September to around the 20th July. In year 11 which is 15/16 you take your final exams around May to early June and you enjoy an extra long summer break. I remember it well, it was such a great time in my life; from staying up till 4am playing playstation to seeing my friends every day, it was awesome. There was no coming back doing nonsense until July. Let the kids have a nice long break where they can actually be kids. Let them have fun before they have the (futile) stresses of High School to deal with. I really do feel sorry for them, it's not fair at all.

The other day my ct mentioned how its hard to control them now their tests are over. Fortunately, I haven't had too much of an issue, just yet at least, but can you blame them? If we had to come back to school until July after our final exams which we had spent the last 4 years prepping for, we would have come in fuelled on resentment.

Your third grade classes are done already?  What about your 4th, 5th, or 6th graders?

That is poor planning on your teacher's part.

There are loads of review activities and engaging stand alone lessons you can do until the end of the term.

Good luck.

Pecan, he's probably teaching Middle School. 

[Mister Tim]

Your third grade classes are done already?  What about your 4th, 5th, or 6th graders?

That is poor planning on your teacher's part.

There are loads of review activities and engaging stand alone lessons you can do until the end of the term.

Good luck.

I assume he means middle school or high school 3rd grade.

EDIT: Beaten to the punch!

To avoid redundancy, I'll throw in that I sympathize. My middle school 3rd graders took finals in October, and they've all been lame duck students ever since. I can't imagine how much worse it'd be for HS 3rd graders who just finished the National Exam.

[grey]

Waygook pushing their political beliefs at us. The next thing we know foreigners will start telling us what to do.

[SteveBruce]

I'm really starting to resent going into my third grade classes due to how pointless it has all become. They are lovely kids and I will miss them when they are gone, but their exams are finished, what is the point?

In the UK the academic term is from September to around the 20th July. In year 11 which is 15/16 you take your final exams around May to early June and you enjoy an extra long summer break. I remember it well, it was such a great time in my life; from staying up till 4am playing playstation to seeing my friends every day, it was awesome. There was no coming back doing nonsense until July. Let the kids have a nice long break where they can actually be kids. Let them have fun before they have the (futile) stresses of High School to deal with. I really do feel sorry for them, it's not fair at all.

The other day my ct mentioned how its hard to control them now their tests are over. Fortunately, I haven't had too much of an issue, just yet at least, but can you blame them? If we had to come back to school until July after our final exams which we had spent the last 4 years prepping for, we would have come in fuelled on resentment.

Your third grade classes are done already?  What about your 4th, 5th, or 6th graders?

That is poor planning on your teacher's part.

There are loads of review activities and engaging stand alone lessons you can do until the end of the term.

Good luck.

Middle school, clown.

[tadpole511]

Coteachers. Coteachers. Coteachers. Coteachers. Coteachers. Approximately 97% of my issues stem in some way from my coteachers.

[koreakorea]

I teach high school and these days the third graders don't even bother coming to class half the time.  My CT will catch me in the corridor and say "oh, they didn't want to have a class with you today".

Oh!!  I didn't realise they get to choose! 

I love the fact that I'm literally getting paid to drink coffee and browse the internet all day* because the students have decided they don't want to have classes with me. 

*I mean...erm...learn coding and watch TED talks

[Pecan]

I'm really starting to resent going into my third grade classes due to how pointless it has all become. They are lovely kids and I will miss them when they are gone, but their exams are finished, what is the point?

In the UK the academic term is from September to around the 20th July. In year 11 which is 15/16 you take your final exams around May to early June and you enjoy an extra long summer break. I remember it well, it was such a great time in my life; from staying up till 4am playing playstation to seeing my friends every day, it was awesome. There was no coming back doing nonsense until July. Let the kids have a nice long break where they can actually be kids. Let them have fun before they have the (futile) stresses of High School to deal with. I really do feel sorry for them, it's not fair at all.

The other day my ct mentioned how its hard to control them now their tests are over. Fortunately, I haven't had too much of an issue, just yet at least, but can you blame them? If we had to come back to school until July after our final exams which we had spent the last 4 years prepping for, we would have come in fuelled on resentment.

Your third grade classes are done already?  What about your 4th, 5th, or 6th graders?

That is poor planning on your teacher's part.

There are loads of review activities and engaging stand alone lessons you can do until the end of the term.

Good luck.

Middle school, clown.

I deleted my post.

I didn't know there were any NETS remaining in the public school system here.

[HabsFanInKorea]

I'm really starting to resent going into my third grade classes due to how pointless it has all become. They are lovely kids and I will miss them when they are gone, but their exams are finished, what is the point?

In the UK the academic term is from September to around the 20th July. In year 11 which is 15/16 you take your final exams around May to early June and you enjoy an extra long summer break. I remember it well, it was such a great time in my life; from staying up till 4am playing playstation to seeing my friends every day, it was awesome. There was no coming back doing nonsense until July. Let the kids have a nice long break where they can actually be kids. Let them have fun before they have the (futile) stresses of High School to deal with. I really do feel sorry for them, it's not fair at all.

The other day my ct mentioned how its hard to control them now their tests are over. Fortunately, I haven't had too much of an issue, just yet at least, but can you blame them? If we had to come back to school until July after our final exams which we had spent the last 4 years prepping for, we would have come in fuelled on resentment.

Your third grade classes are done already?  What about your 4th, 5th, or 6th graders?

That is poor planning on your teacher's part.

There are loads of review activities and engaging stand alone lessons you can do until the end of the term.

Good luck.

Middle school, clown.

Why so hostile Steve?  Having a rough day?

[Pecan]

Why so hostile Steve?  Having a rough day?

If you understand Mr. Bruce.  I don't think he was being hostile.

He was simply stating his position, as a middle school clown (he refers to those that are not certified, as "clowns").

[SteveBruce]

I'm really starting to resent going into my third grade classes due to how pointless it has all become. They are lovely kids and I will miss them when they are gone, but their exams are finished, what is the point?

In the UK the academic term is from September to around the 20th July. In year 11 which is 15/16 you take your final exams around May to early June and you enjoy an extra long summer break. I remember it well, it was such a great time in my life; from staying up till 4am playing playstation to seeing my friends every day, it was awesome. There was no coming back doing nonsense until July. Let the kids have a nice long break where they can actually be kids. Let them have fun before they have the (futile) stresses of High School to deal with. I really do feel sorry for them, it's not fair at all.

The other day my ct mentioned how its hard to control them now their tests are over. Fortunately, I haven't had too much of an issue, just yet at least, but can you blame them? If we had to come back to school until July after our final exams which we had spent the last 4 years prepping for, we would have come in fuelled on resentment.

Your third grade classes are done already?  What about your 4th, 5th, or 6th graders?

That is poor planning on your teacher's part.

There are loads of review activities and engaging stand alone lessons you can do until the end of the term.

Good luck.

Middle school, clown.

Why so hostile Steve?  Having a rough day?

Didn't have the patience for his condescending tone ("poor planning"). Additionally, I think there was enough for him to deduce that I was not an elementary teacher.

[zola]

Pecan is well known for not being able to comprehend someone else having an independent experience that differs from his own.

"You are eating an apple? But I'm eating a banana. So you can't be eating an apple. You follow?"

Have a great weekend everyone.

[Pecan]

People read into things as they like, no tone was given or intended.

I have four coteachers, one per grade.  They are the ones who dictate the pace that we move through the curriculum/the book.  Three have planned well, while the fourth moved too quickly, so we will finish the book with 4 weeks of school remaining.

It's not ideal, but it's not a major issue either.

[koreakorea]

People read into things as they like, no tone was given or intended.

I have four coteachers, one per grade.  They are the ones who dictate the pace that we move through the curriculum/the book.  Three have planned well, while the fourth moved too quickly, so we will finish the book with 4 weeks of school remaining.

It's not ideal, but it's not a major issue either.

As a qualified teacher with years of experience, why don't you take more of a lead in your classes?  Genuine question. 

[Pecan]

As a qualified teacher with years of experience, why don't you take more of a lead in your classes?  Genuine question.

20+ years ago, I had to lead, as the most of the Korean English teachers had a very low-level of English language proficiency.  Today, that is simply NOT the case.

I am sure you are aware, the goal has always been for us to work ourselves out of a job, so I have adhered to that objective to the best of my ability.

My level of involvement and input has gradually tapered off over the years, while my Korean counterparts have gradually taken over more and more of the responsibilities and control.

I have always been and will remain an assistant, a resource, a sounding board, a mentor, etc. that follows the mandate.

For the past 2-3 years, almost all of my Korean colleagues have been capable of conducting the English class on their own.

[koreakorea]

As a qualified teacher with years of experience, why don't you take more of a lead in your classes?  Genuine question.

20+ years ago, I had to lead, as the most of the Korean English teachers had a very low-level of English language proficiency.  Today, that is simply NOT the case.

I am sure you are aware, the goal has always been for us to work ourselves out of a job, so I have adhered to that objective to the best of my ability.

My level of involvement and input has gradually tapered off over the years, while my Korean counterparts have gradually taken over more and more of the responsibilities and control.

I have always been and will remain an assistant, a resource, a sounding board, a mentor, etc. that follows the mandate.

For the past 2-3 years, almost all of my Korean colleagues have been capable of conducting the English class on their own.

Thanks for the insight.  That sounds reasonable and fair to me but also quite a unique situation.

Personally, being an assistant was never presented as an option haha.  I think the same goes for most of us here.

[Pecan]

That sounds reasonable and fair to me but also quite a unique situation.

Personally, being an assistant was never presented as an option haha.  I think the same goes for most of us here.

Unique in what way?

That the English ability of my colleagues is so high or...?

Article 3 of our contract is pretty clear.  We are "to assist".

Do you have a different type of contract?