Resigning from Gepik

Wow that sucks. If they force you to resign, consider quitting immediately. Unless you want to go for a d-10 visa then you will need the release letter.

Really terrible you have to deal with this nut job and the lack of support is typical unfortunately.

I know someone hiring for a net in Suncheon I can send you their contact details.

How does this work? What did she say? How did she know?

This happened after i first reported her to the school, she got mad and decided to pitch up at my apartment at around 22:00/23:00 unfortunately i had visited a friend in wonju and she did tell me she'll be coming by i just started getting calls and text, tell me she's at my door and the i need to be home immediately, we aren't allowed to leave our homes and etc after i explained that i cant make it she said i disrespected her and stay there for almost an hour calling and texting it was really scary. she'll say stuff like don't talk to any of the other teachers or your friends. etc.
And even with these texts, my recordings and letter i wrote her, that stuff wasn't even considered instead they ignored for the rest of the year and told be "things will be different next year".

I haven't heard anything since then.  I don't know what the outcome is or anything.  The coteacher is not messaging me anymore and when we have class (online) she just puts up a hand drawn picture of herself on the screen.....

And with that she just sealed her fate. Seriously, if this were a soccer match, you could be the goalie and pour yourself a mojito and lie down on the goal line a this point.

Seriously, you've won. I assume you record your Zoom classes? It's game over for her.

Just remember these three things because I assume at some point there's going to be a meeting and you MUST mention them at any meeting where it looks like you are about to be questioned about your coteaching relationship-
1. She doesn't teach in class. She just sits down. Please ask the students or check the CCTV.
1A. She doesn't teach in Zoom classes. She turns her camera off during class time so the students can't see her. Please check the Zoom recording.
2. "I really didn't want to do this, but since this is getting so serious, I'm afraid I have to- She's been messaging me late at night and early in the morning."

Also, I assume you're the senior teacher in terms of employment duration and have had a good relationship with the school, yes? If so that's the closer.

If you are going to apologize for anything, apologize to them for not telling them sooner about her not doing her responsibilities. That you wanted a harmonious relationship and all that and also language problems. THAT is the kind of apology that will work- Don't apologize one bit to that scumbag CT. But that kind of "I'm sorry I didn't report this sooner because I want to be a no-drama team player" to your manager is no biggie. Just makes you look even better.

In Korea, one of THE cardinal sins in teaching is to not look active. You can have mindless rote memorization and listen and repeat, but the teacher damn well better be at the front of the class and active. If the teacher is in the back, the students damn well better be doing something fun and active involving the lesson. We all know how much about looks Korea is.

Seriously, her camera not being on during Zoom is game over. I really think she will be at a minimum reprimanded, if not outright terminated for that.

Nothing else matters in this. This isn't about you. This is about her not doing her job, your best efforts to be a team-player, and you are now deciding to inform your manager about it.

Seriously, you've got this! I know in the murkiness and drama of it, it can look really bad. I'd say just pour a cup of tea focus on the essentials and then all of a sudden that moment of calmness and clarity will come and with it the realization, "Hey, I'm about to take this b--- down!"

Wow that sucks. If they force you to resign, consider quitting immediately. Unless you want to go for a d-10 visa then you will need the release letter.

Really terrible you have to deal with this nut job and the lack of support is typical unfortunately.

I know someone hiring for a net in Suncheon I can send you their contact details.

I was actually searching on here for some work when i finish this contract, i finish in July and it would be great if i could stay another 6 months! Please send me their details and job requirements if you have any info on that or otherwise i can ask them directly. Thanks so much

tell me she's at my door and the i need to be home immediately, we aren't allowed to leave our homes and etc after i explained that i cant make it she said i disrespected her

Imagine this was a guy doing this to a woman after not getting a second date?
The police would be involved, FFS. I

I've said this 1000 times, once 4:40 hits, leave me the f alone. There's nothing so important at the public school that it can't wait for tomorrow.

We're not doctors, we're not law enforcement. "HOLY SHIT, THE PPT HAS A SPELLING ERROR IN IT!!!!!!!!! TEXT ME."

Like............... ................... ... no. F off.

Imagine this was a guy doing this to a woman after not getting a second date?
The police would be involved, FFS. I

I've said this 1000 times, once 4:40 hits, leave me the f alone. There's nothing so important at the public school that it can't wait for tomorrow.

We're not doctors, we're not law enforcement. "HOLY SHIT, THE PPT HAS A SPELLING ERROR IN IT!!!!!!!!! TEXT ME."

Like............... ................... ... no. F off.

You wouldn't believe it! I even involved the cops and to this day nothing has been done about the theft and etc. I followed up and they still haven't found the furnisher or any info.
I'm not sure if this would be labelled as racism but i assume mostly it's because i am a black "african", well South African foreigner 

Good luck to everyone dealing with these issues. I don't have much advice, but you do have my sympathies.

Luckily I've never been through anything like this in Korea but I know several people who have. A friend of mine worked for a kindergarten and had to move to another city with 3 months left on her contract because her husband got a job that they couldn't refuse. In retaliation for breaking the contract, the boss put out the word that my friend was to be treated as a "non-person" (I can't remember the Korean word for this... but they have a word for targets of their bullying, and that's how it literally translates. It basically means that you don't deserve the dignity normally afforded to a human). So all the women at the kindergarten had to engage in this elaborate, theatrical bullying for about six weeks, even though it affected the quality of classes, basic admin functions, etc. She'd previously had no communication outside of work hours prior to that, but sure enough the nocturnal Kakao harassment started up.   

Insane. I wish there was something I could do to help.

Oh My God! That's scary, i hope she' was able to move on from this! I can't imagine her anxiety wow! Sending her strength

I didn't hear anything until yesterday when had to ask one of my coteachers what was happening?!   She said that they (English teachers) had a meeting and then the two of them (there are 4 of us in total) went to go and speak with the principal.

I would suggest, if you're not already, being very pushy about this. Don't stop asking until they tell you in detail what was discussed in the meeting and what they talked to the principal about, or even request a meeting with one (or both) of them and the principal so that you can get your side in. Even if the other English teachers are on your side, their retelling of events can differ from your own or potentially make the situation seem not as bad. I highly, highly urge you to fight back and let your voice be heard. Don't sit in anxiety waiting for dreaded news, annoy them until they tell you what the hell is happening so that you can defend yourself. It's your life they're talking about, after all. If these meetings lead to the principal wanting you to resign, you at least have a right to be present in them. Even if it ends in your favor, you still deserve to be there when it's happening.

As others said, the fact that she hasn't been teaching in person and now is refusing to teach in Zoom is something you can easily use against her, plus all of the nasty messages she's sent you. Use her mistakes to your advantage to show not only how she has been treating you, but also that she isn't even doing her job. If anyone should resign, it should be her. But even if she gets her way and you are forced out, at least you can know that you did all that you could.

Also, maybe someone can clarify to me, but can a public school force you to resign? There are specific clauses in the gepik contract regarding what actions by the NET will result in termination. It doesn't seem legal for them to force you to resign, and they can only terminate you if they can prove that you've broken one or more of these clauses, right? If my school tried to get me to resign, I'd stay just to be petty and piss them off.

Op, I've been in a similar situation. I don't want to lay it out openly here because that teacher is still working (elsewhere) and is aware of this site. I think you need to be proactive like the guys above are saying (Yana, Dmart, njarlson etc. Not those advocating a scorched earth approach).

I know its awful and you're upset, but it does sound like there's a lot you could use against her. I hope you've got records (emails, kakao chat logs, messenger logs) you can show, and you should. Show it to the other English teachers. Especially that resignation template and the message she sent it with, that's incredibly childish and damning.

If you sit back and wait for a decision from above without being heard from, I don't think it will end in your favour.  I reckon they'll take the path of least resistance unless you present your side of the story.

I'm worried about tomorrow.  I just have a bad feeling that shit will go down tomorrow  because it's Friday ... The school has not updated me or even asked for a meeting with me to hear my side of the story.  Today I saw the CT fervently talking with two heads of the school~ Any advice for the meeting with the principal?  I've seen her in person for the last couple of days and she won't even look at me.

I'm worried about tomorrow.  I just have a bad feeling that shit will go down tomorrow  because it's Friday ... The school has not updated me or even asked for a meeting with me to hear my side of the story.  Today I saw the CT fervently talking with two heads of the school~ Any advice for the meeting with the principal?  I've seen her in person for the last couple of days and she won't even look at me.

This may sound ridiculous but try not to worry about whatever may happen. It is already in motion, so just stay focused on what you can control. At the end of the day this is not at all representative of you and your abilities. If the school should decide to part ways you will have options. Whether that is staying in country and switching to a hagwon temporarily or ending your time here for now. Just remember you have your whole life ahead of you and this is not the end. I’ve had very similar worries in the past and I only avoided panic attacks but not giving a fook. Don’t lose sleep over this.

“When you worry you make them double, don’t worry be happy. “

Thanks guys and gals for all your suggestions!

So.....what I have isn't really an update...

The English teachers met and I wasn't aware of what was discussed or given any basic information of what was said at all.  The next day the coteacher in question cool messaged me with a sample resignation letter and told me good luck in my future!!  (That was Tuesday)...

I didn't hear anything until yesterday when had to ask one of my coteachers what was happening?!   She said that they (English teachers) had a meeting and then the two of them (there are 4 of us in total) went to go and speak with the principal.

I haven't heard anything since then.  I don't know what the outcome is or anything.  The coteacher is not messaging me anymore and when we have class (online) she just puts up a hand drawn picture of herself on the screen.....

My stomach has been in ropes for days and I truly have no idea what is going on.  I don't really know what to do, actually....and am anticipating the worst.

One thing I can say is that the HEART method will not work in this situation.  It's too far gone and I'm not apologizing to someone who has been harassing me and making my life hell.  The HEART method works with sane and rational people.   

So I'm just waiting for the dreaded call to come to the principal's office....Geez I feel like I'm in middle school and am in trouble....this worst feeling ever....my anxiety is through the roof right now.

Again, thanks for all the encouragement and helpful suggestions.   

Consider this a blessing.  If you quit, they can place all the blame for the problems onto you.  If they fire you, they must process their reasons for letting you go.  This will void your contract and allow you to work elsewhere.  Also, by resigning, you give up any rights to what you are owed.

Go in, get fired, get paid, get a new visa and move on.

You are very lucky.

Have you contacted the Office of Education to notify them of the situation?  Give them your viewpoint and your breakdown of what has and is happening.  Again, ask for their advice as to what you should do. 

As someone else has said, 'Keep asking'. 

If you aren't getting advice etc from your school then it is time for the Office of Education to get involved.  Explain to them how anxious you are as you are not receiving any information and are concerned that you don't know what is happening.

No matter what happens today you have the weekend coming.  I hope you can get out and do something relaxing and for yourself.
All the best for today

I'm worried about tomorrow.  I just have a bad feeling that shit will go down tomorrow  because it's Friday ... The school has not updated me or even asked for a meeting with me to hear my side of the story.  Today I saw the CT fervently talking with two heads of the school~ Any advice for the meeting with the principal?  I've seen her in person for the last couple of days and she won't even look at me.

That doesn't sound promising.  Keep cool and make sure your side of the story is heard.  Don't just sign a resignation paper.  They can't force that on you.  Make them go through the required steps as in the contract, and then if that is what they are going to do it may be time to follow DocH's advice and file a complaint.  At the very least it will take them outside of their comfort zone.  They may be hoping they can make it all go away in house, but a forced resignation?  Let them know you'll be letting the Labour Board make the final call, not the principal.  They can threaten all they want but the school boards are still beholden to the labour laws, even with the lowly NETs.  It's a school, not a kingdom, and she's the principal, not the queen.  Hold them to account. 

I'm worried about tomorrow.  I just have a bad feeling that shit will go down tomorrow  because it's Friday ... The school has not updated me or even asked for a meeting with me to hear my side of the story.  Today I saw the CT fervently talking with two heads of the school~ Any advice for the meeting with the principal?  I've seen her in person for the last couple of days and she won't even look at me.

Just remember the key points and address them when the meeting happens. Do you know anyone who is a friend and can speak Korean (and is in an established position like a teacher or working for a reputable company) who you can call upon to explain things? They could be helpful in a situation like this.

Guess I'm late to the party.  Glad it worked out, but like others said, never cry.  That was terrible advice.  Koreans see that as a sign of weakness often.  They even berated Park Geun-Hye for crying when the Sewol sank.   

Guess I'm late to the party.  Glad it worked out, but like others said, never cry.  That was terrible advice.  Koreans see that as a sign of weakness often.  They even berated Park Geun-Hye for crying when the Sewol sank.   

It hasn’t worked out. Has it dipped??

I was wondering that as well. 

I’m sorry to hear that you’re going through such a sh****ty situation in your final year teaching here, and after a decade of excellent teaching judging by your great relationships with other co-teachers and renewal for the past 10 years!

Please don’t quit! You invested a lot into your teaching career and deserve every last pay cheque and exit allowance and your apartment deposit back!

I agree with the HEART approached mentioned above, and while talking with her using that method audio record every bit of it.  Also when she mentions your problems, empathize with her by saying I’m sorry you feel that way, and the address her not helping out or working with your to fix the problems, and address her inappropriate behavior in class doing nothing, yelling at you, bothering the students... and mention to her that you have been renewed for the past 10 years, which wouldn’t have been possible if you were a bad teacher and that you have a wonderful co-teaching experience with the other teachers.

Later, ask her calmly about how the both of you can work together better in the future?

If worst come to worst, tell her calmly.... I don’t want to be your enemy. I am a contract teacher like you, we are both vulnerable in this field..We should be supporting each other and not attacking.

Tell her that if she doesn’t stop harassing you, you will take this to the hire ups and file complains and also make legal complaints, which you really don’t want to do because you understand that she needs this job to support her self.

Tell her that you have nothing to lose (lie a little), tell her you can go back to your home country at anytime or even to go another country easily and have nothing to lose, but she has to stay in Korea and support her self on the salary she makes here and you would feel awful to ruin her chances of working as a teacher.... but will do so if she doesn’t leave you alone..

I've seen quite a few foreign teachers get screwed.  The Korean teacher is always right most of the time and they got non renewed.  There was no appeal.  They made nice and sucked up real good though.  But keep playing footsies.  Best of luck.  I get along great with my co teachers.  But no way I'd tolerate that level of disrespect and no way would I sign any written warning.  I'd teach in China or where ever if I had to. 

My years in customer service (serving, tending bar, managing in hotels and on cruise lines) really help in Korea. Here's my advice and it works most of the time for me in life whenever I have conflict with someone.

Don't take a combative approach. It won't solve anything and will only damage the ego of the other person when your goal should be to scaffold it.

An easy way to address it is using the HEART approach.

Hear: engage her in a friendly and non-antagonistic manner. Listen to her points raptly and don't react to any of them.

Empathize: try and see her side, as crazy as it might seem. Throw in a few "I appreciate how it must be difficult to work with someone from a different culture, in a different language who doesn't fully understand the details of the Korean education system" etc.

Apologize: be careful here, don't assume too much blame but rather frame it as you're sorry this situation came about and that the relationship between you has become strained.

Resolve: tell her you respect her experience and knowledge and would appreciate any help she could give you, tell her you're always looking to improve as a teacher and will try your hardest to make things better going forwards.

Thank: thank her for bringing this to your attention and giving you both the opportunity to fix the situation and your working relationship.

Is it being a "cuck"? No, it's being smart and socially manipulative to get what you want. You catch more flies with honey than vinegar.

I'm not saying this situation is on you at all. I know her type and they suck, really. But in life we're all gonna meet unreasonable people and being able to deal with them in a productive way is a valuable skill.

Still, be firm and assertive. Don't be meek or timid. Definitely don't cry. But don't be looking for a fight, the game is rigged against you and you'll lose.

Why do you have to thank her and why do you have to fix her situation?  Admit nothing if you did nothing wrong.  As I have said, I have seen quite a few foreigners making nice still get screwed over in the end.  If she yells at you, you yell at her.  If she gives you a written warning, refuse to sign it and list all the complaints about her.  Stand your ground or bend over.  You'll either get fired or non renewed on next contract anyhow.  Might as well hold your head high.