RANTING/VENTING MEGATHREAD 3.0

Not really ranting, but we don't have a thread for bemoaning our existence... yet.

There's something seriously wrong with my emotions right now.

My school sent out a survey to our 4th and 5th graders and their parents asking how they felt about the English program and about me in particular. I got very... mixed reviews.

I'm a teacher. Kids aren't all supposed to like me and obviously some parents are against NETs in the classroom. So I shouldn't be so shocked and hurt.

I'm not normally the "cries-in-a-bathroom" type, but I have seriously gave my all this year. I create good lessons, I'm never late or absent, and I always say yes when asked to do something.

I don't know. I just feel discouraged right now. I was finally starting to feel good about staying for another year, I'm so excited about my Christmas lessons, and now I'm just... sad.

I feel you. I got mixed reviews as well. I think the bad reviews came from parents whose children are pretty much spawn of satan and I am fairly strict. Also my CT and I aren't exactly on the best of terms and I noticed that parents who are friends with her gave her rave reviews and me, not so much. She doesn't even teach or prepare materials or have anything to do with classroom management. She will play non English related fun Korean games with them though so of course they all love her more than the teacher who actually makes them do work and learn and who has to be the policeman. So be it. Can't please all of the people/kids/parents/CT's all of the time. Take the rest of the year to chill, throw together classes last minute, show videos, you did your bit just be kind to yourself now.

I have said this many times before, NET"s are just a scapegoat, or someone to throw under the bus to make the Korean "English" Teacher look good.

How many post in these rant threads to people have to read, before they figure this out?

How is it, that the NET is responsible for all these check boxes, yet the Korean CT doesn't even get evaluated, and on top of that, your CT hands in an evaluation of you. Which is probably way lower than it should be to boost numbers. I had a great relationship with my CT"s, they loved my teaching style etc... then they tried to HIDE their evals of me... Why? Probably because they need to throw me under the bus for the parents approval and schools...

I will continue to say this, along with what I have already posted. The schools what want to have their cake, and eat it too.

They want a NET to be a HOMEROOM teacher, and be responsible for all the things that a HOMEROOM teacher should take care of... but at the same time undermine everything you do, not give you any real authority, steal lesson materials after they say it's no good, give you the shit contract teachers wage and benefits, but HEY YOU ARE A TEACHER SO... you didn't do this and this and this, and the students don't like this and this... "Umm excuse me, if I am an English teacher, then why in the yearbook am I not under the English teacher page listed as one. Instead, I am on the back page listed as the school's "foreigner."

Yeah go **** yourself. It doesn't matter what you do, the teacher in the end or school will resign or let you go on a whim, and it might have NOTHING to do with any of the things mentioned in the thread previously. It could be some petty gripe, because Koreans lack any sort of maturity in the workplace, and have to take a personal vendetta out on you when you disagree with anything, or whatever...

Show up, do your job with just enough effort, stop trying to build "relationships," and take your money to the bank.

It's hard to do at first. It took me a full year. I just couldn't accept that I had to be that way, I wanted the kids to learn, and I wanted to teach... but, the stress on your body and mind; it's not healthy. I still have times where I get upset, but its far less, and at least my time energy and effort weren't completely wasted.

Same for all of the schools I've worked at so far. If they have any evaluations, I'm not hearing about any of it.

Fuhhh so on the bright side, they upgraded/replaced my office computer (and my old computer is moving to the English lab, which is great) but on the downside, I don't remember how to change the display language to English.

Trying to figure that out again. If anyone knows offhand, that'd be cool to know.

Same for all of the schools I've worked at so far. If they have any evaluations, I'm not hearing about any of it.

Last year the kids returned the evaluations to the ct, I asked her about it, and she told me I was not allowed to see them.  This year, different co-teacher, she told me the general response I was given (thankfully positive).  So I wouldn't be surprised if all schools do it, you are just not told about it.  And if you can't read Korean, there's even the chance you've looked at it and not known it was about you.

Nice, wheresmycoffee changed their profile picture to something more appropriate! lol

Why, when you ask for advice on something specific, do people give you unrelated advice? I posted in a foreigner's group asking about some specifics regarding transferring money from my specific bank, and people are giving advice like "use western union! get an account with citi! use KEB!"

Um excuse you. That was not the question I asked. I asked for some specific information about my bank, not for advice on how to transfer money

Fuhhh so on the bright side, they upgraded/replaced my office computer (and my old computer is moving to the English lab, which is great) but on the downside, I don't remember how to change the display language to English.

Trying to figure that out again. If anyone knows offhand, that'd be cool to know.

This is assuming that the computer is running on Windows 7 and probably already has English fonts/script installed.

Go to : Control panel > Clock, Language, and Region (this will be the icon with the globe and clock) > Region and Language (globe and clock again, not the calendar)

A new window should pop up, the third tab is normally "Keyboards and Languages". The second button will be an option to install/uninstall a language (should have a picture of a shield on the button next to the text). Under that should be a box where you can select your display language (everything will be in Korean). Select 영어 (there will be multiple options for this, I always go for 미국).

You may need to change the Format to English as well (First tab of same window, first box).

Same for all of the schools I've worked at so far. If they have any evaluations, I'm not hearing about any of it.

Last year the kids returned the evaluations to the ct, I asked her about it, and she told me I was not allowed to see them.  This year, different co-teacher, she told me the general response I was given (thankfully positive).  So I wouldn't be surprised if all schools do it, you are just not told about it.  And if you can't read Korean, there's even the chance you've looked at it and not known it was about you.

A lot of CT's will "hide" NEIS from you, or make it seem like "you're not allowed" to see it or use it. When actually, you could argue you are legally obligated to be able to access and use it.

It's the system, like above said, where you evals, sick days, etc... are all input. A lot of CT's like to keep you from using it, becuase it gives them power over you, some sense of control. You have to go through THEM when you want sick days etc...

My CT this year was pretty chill so I didn't bother with it. However, the one before, when I asked to for password to my account, gave me the BS about I am not allowed etc... **** that.

Same for all of the schools I've worked at so far. If they have any evaluations, I'm not hearing about any of it.

Last year the kids returned the evaluations to the ct, I asked her about it, and she told me I was not allowed to see them.  This year, different co-teacher, she told me the general response I was given (thankfully positive).  So I wouldn't be surprised if all schools do it, you are just not told about it.  And if you can't read Korean, there's even the chance you've looked at it and not known it was about you.

I'm through EPIK so I'm pretty sure I'm getting evaluated, but I never hear about it. I'm also not set up to access NEIS (I've asked for help on this several times, and a couple of CTs have actually tried to assist, but there were problems accessing it on my school computer and the "tech" couldn't figure out, either, so they just kind of threw up their hands and told me it wasn't important anyway), and, in all honesty, I probably wouldn't read them anyway, especially since they're apparently based on too much criteria that the NET is not in control of.

As far as I'm concerned, if they don't need to bring them up with me, then I don't need to worry about them.

I was originally supposed to do 2 days of camp at my 2nd school and 2 weeks of 0 budget "vacation class" at my main school.  That's a lot, but alright. Now my 0 budget class got changed to 12 days because, "oh, you only have 2 days of camp one week? WORK MORE"

How do people even get deskwarming days? What am I supposed to do for 12 days with no budget? I feel sorry for students....

I was originally supposed to do 2 days of camp at my 2nd school and 2 weeks of 0 budget "vacation class" at my main school.  That's a lot, but alright. Now my 0 budget class got changed to 12 days because, "oh, you only have 2 days of camp one week? WORK MORE"

How do people even get deskwarming days? What am I supposed to do for 12 days with no budget? I feel sorry for students....

Movies, dodgeball, youtube videos of wii dance, and sing along songs, duck duck goose.

Same for all of the schools I've worked at so far. If they have any evaluations, I'm not hearing about any of it.

Last year the kids returned the evaluations to the ct, I asked her about it, and she told me I was not allowed to see them.  This year, different co-teacher, she told me the general response I was given (thankfully positive).  So I wouldn't be surprised if all schools do it, you are just not told about it.  And if you can't read Korean, there's even the chance you've looked at it and not known it was about you.

My students just evaluated me yesterday. Each class brought their evals to my coteacher. She was out of the office when a student brought his class's in. You bet your ass I ran those bad boys through a translator. The main questions were:

Is your native teacher fun?

Does she teach in a variety of different ways?

Does she help develop your speaking and listening skills?

Is it easy to understand your teacher when she speaks?

If you don't understand something, does your teacher help you in a kind manner?

They mark you on a 1-5 scale. Luckily, I got mostly 5s, with the exception a few giving me 4s and 3s on the "is it easy to understand your teacher" question.

I wasn't supposed to see those, but I'm happy to know my kids think I'm fun and kind. But honestly, I don't think they're that big of a deal. 

I was originally supposed to do 2 days of camp at my 2nd school and 2 weeks of 0 budget "vacation class" at my main school.  That's a lot, but alright. Now my 0 budget class got changed to 12 days because, "oh, you only have 2 days of camp one week? WORK MORE"

How do people even get deskwarming days? What am I supposed to do for 12 days with no budget? I feel sorry for students....

Movies, dodgeball, youtube videos of wii dance, and sing along songs, duck duck goose.

Yeah, those are some good ideas, my CT added that I must "teach" some things though...it'll take a while to plan 12 days 

Same for all of the schools I've worked at so far. If they have any evaluations, I'm not hearing about any of it.

Last year the kids returned the evaluations to the ct, I asked her about it, and she told me I was not allowed to see them.  This year, different co-teacher, she told me the general response I was given (thankfully positive).  So I wouldn't be surprised if all schools do it, you are just not told about it.  And if you can't read Korean, there's even the chance you've looked at it and not known it was about you.

My students just evaluated me yesterday. Each class brought their evals to my coteacher. She was out of the office when a student brought his class's in. You bet your ass I ran those bad boys through a translator. The main questions were:

Is your native teacher fun?

Does she teach in a variety of different ways?

Does she help develop your speaking and listening skills?

Is it easy to understand your teacher when she speaks?

If you don't understand something, does your teacher help you in a kind manner?

They mark you on a 1-5 scale. Luckily, I got mostly 5s, with the exception a few giving me 4s and 3s on the "is it easy to understand your teacher" question.

I wasn't supposed to see those, but I'm happy to know my kids think I'm fun and kind. But honestly, I don't think they're that big of a deal.

Got to love adults being rated by 9/10 year olds.... because they know what they are doing, and have really mature thought process, and fully understand what it is they are even doing... Also great for the CT's to be able to hand evals, that are way more in depth (they give you a rating out of 100) regarding your English teaching ability, when they can't even speak English in any type natural situation, oh and half the time I can't believe are hired as teachers in the first place.

I mean, whatever, they want feedback. Why can't I give my counter parts feedback? Why can't I rate my CT's ability as an English teacher (or teacher in general)? Why can't I rate the school on how they treated the NET, and student behavior towards a foreign teacher? Nope, just more of the, you aren't a human being, mentality.

"We don't like him, he yells!" Umm, yeah, when you throw stuff at me, while giving me the finger, and half the class is yelling shibal musunsoria when ever I speak... and I can't even hear myself.

"The teacher is boring!" Dig out all this old audio equipment, hook it all up to the computer and tv, setup up the mixer, and mics, find batteries for them.. Norebang time instead of just sitting and singing because its boring! KIDS COMPLAIN! They said I was taking away their dignity or something like that? WTF. Didn't even force them to do it.

"Doesn't teach with variety..." Every single plan and materials I come up with are shut down, only for the CT to use them later....

And the one about introducing foreign culture... What the actual ****. 99% of the people at my school avoid having any type of convo with me or sitting with me at lunch... kids yell at me in Korean, this is Korea! Speak Korean!


Anyway, so glad I left that school...


New school, so far is nice. CT is actually young, maybe 28, female... so not some adjumma who just sighs and sleeps at her desk.

I was originally supposed to do 2 days of camp at my 2nd school and 2 weeks of 0 budget "vacation class" at my main school.  That's a lot, but alright. Now my 0 budget class got changed to 12 days because, "oh, you only have 2 days of camp one week? WORK MORE"

How do people even get deskwarming days? What am I supposed to do for 12 days with no budget? I feel sorry for students....

I know this might sound like an unpopular thing to do for most teachers here, but I usually buy things with my own money, if I want to do something.  I know I could try and go through the channels to get the budget, but I find it easier just to get the stuff myself.  Last summer camp, for a two-hour class, we made balloon cars.  Straws, polystyrene card, tape (from school), skewers, some polystyrene wheels, together about 15 000 won.  If I have a cooking class doing pancake art, I buy pancake mix, eggs and milk, syrup (I already have the burners, pans and squeezy bottles) together about 20 000 won.  I am the opposite of tight when it comes to spending money, but making classes interesting with minimal costs from my pockets makes me happy that I can give something back to my students.

I don't think people dislike the idea, because they are penny pinchers...

It's the idea that, because they say NO BUDGET, they just expect the NET to shell out the budget, now the next teacher will have no budget, and have some expectation put on them...

Also, just another way for schools to walk all over us.. yay! Thanks Man!

I was originally supposed to do 2 days of camp at my 2nd school and 2 weeks of 0 budget "vacation class" at my main school.  That's a lot, but alright. Now my 0 budget class got changed to 12 days because, "oh, you only have 2 days of camp one week? WORK MORE"

How do people even get deskwarming days? What am I supposed to do for 12 days with no budget? I feel sorry for students....

I know this might sound like an unpopular thing to do for most teachers here, but I usually buy things with my own money, if I want to do something.  I know I could try and go through the channels to get the budget, but I find it easier just to get the stuff myself.  Last summer camp, for a two-hour class, we made balloon cars.  Straws, polystyrene card, tape (from school), skewers, some polystyrene wheels, together about 15 000 won.  If I have a cooking class doing pancake art, I buy pancake mix, eggs and milk, syrup (I already have the burners, pans and squeezy bottles) together about 20 000 won.  I am the opposite of tight when it comes to spending money, but making classes interesting with minimal costs from my pockets makes me happy that I can give something back to my students.

Does 0 budget mean you can't use the school's paper and printers because there is a lot that  you can do with just printing and ppt games.

I was originally supposed to do 2 days of camp at my 2nd school and 2 weeks of 0 budget "vacation class" at my main school.  That's a lot, but alright. Now my 0 budget class got changed to 12 days because, "oh, you only have 2 days of camp one week? WORK MORE"

How do people even get deskwarming days? What am I supposed to do for 12 days with no budget? I feel sorry for students....

I'm in the same boat with my main school. 0 budget, 15 days of camp (at my main school) have to do more at my travel schools as well. Barely managed to fit my vacation in there. :\ Has to be entirely contests.

I was originally supposed to do 2 days of camp at my 2nd school and 2 weeks of 0 budget "vacation class" at my main school.  That's a lot, but alright. Now my 0 budget class got changed to 12 days because, "oh, you only have 2 days of camp one week? WORK MORE"

How do people even get deskwarming days? What am I supposed to do for 12 days with no budget? I feel sorry for students....

I know this might sound like an unpopular thing to do for most teachers here, but I usually buy things with my own money, if I want to do something.  I know I could try and go through the channels to get the budget, but I find it easier just to get the stuff myself.  Last summer camp, for a two-hour class, we made balloon cars.  Straws, polystyrene card, tape (from school), skewers, some polystyrene wheels, together about 15 000 won.  If I have a cooking class doing pancake art, I buy pancake mix, eggs and milk, syrup (I already have the burners, pans and squeezy bottles) together about 20 000 won.  I am the opposite of tight when it comes to spending money, but making classes interesting with minimal costs from my pockets makes me happy that I can give something back to my students.

Does 0 budget mean you can't use the school's paper and printers because there is a lot that  you can do with just printing and ppt games.

I'm sure there's ideas, I'll probably focus on some culture classes and let kids do some drawing/creative activities. I just wanted to vent and clear my head first.

CT hasn't taught Grade 1 and 2 with me this week, she has been "busy" (I love teaching alone, so I was happy). I taught alone absolutely no problem, and I have done it before pleanty times. She comes in today, translating and completely giving the wrong instructions for a game that the kids already know how to play. Kids are confused. I just cancelled that game and did another. Because f*ck, if you don't want to hear me telling you over and over that this is not a group game, then you need to just get out of my classroom, because the kids understood.... *ripping hair out*

I was originally supposed to do 2 days of camp at my 2nd school and 2 weeks of 0 budget "vacation class" at my main school.  That's a lot, but alright. Now my 0 budget class got changed to 12 days because, "oh, you only have 2 days of camp one week? WORK MORE"

How do people even get deskwarming days? What am I supposed to do for 12 days with no budget? I feel sorry for students....

I know this might sound like an unpopular thing to do for most teachers here, but I usually buy things with my own money, if I want to do something.  I know I could try and go through the channels to get the budget, but I find it easier just to get the stuff myself.  Last summer camp, for a two-hour class, we made balloon cars.  Straws, polystyrene card, tape (from school), skewers, some polystyrene wheels, together about 15 000 won.  If I have a cooking class doing pancake art, I buy pancake mix, eggs and milk, syrup (I already have the burners, pans and squeezy bottles) together about 20 000 won.  I am the opposite of tight when it comes to spending money, but making classes interesting with minimal costs from my pockets makes me happy that I can give something back to my students.

Does 0 budget mean you can't use the school's paper and printers because there is a lot that  you can do with just printing and ppt games.

I'm sure there's ideas, I'll probably focus on some culture classes and let kids do some drawing/creative activities. I just wanted to vent and clear my head first.

See, these types of post I don't understand. You came in here to rant about "having" to spend your own money" You chose to spend you own money.

Jesus, I need to stop for today, the whole rating system etc post have literally sent me into a rage.

I was originally supposed to do 2 days of camp at my 2nd school and 2 weeks of 0 budget "vacation class" at my main school.  That's a lot, but alright. Now my 0 budget class got changed to 12 days because, "oh, you only have 2 days of camp one week? WORK MORE"

How do people even get deskwarming days? What am I supposed to do for 12 days with no budget? I feel sorry for students....

I know this might sound like an unpopular thing to do for most teachers here, but I usually buy things with my own money, if I want to do something.  I know I could try and go through the channels to get the budget, but I find it easier just to get the stuff myself.  Last summer camp, for a two-hour class, we made balloon cars.  Straws, polystyrene card, tape (from school), skewers, some polystyrene wheels, together about 15 000 won.  If I have a cooking class doing pancake art, I buy pancake mix, eggs and milk, syrup (I already have the burners, pans and squeezy bottles) together about 20 000 won.  I am the opposite of tight when it comes to spending money, but making classes interesting with minimal costs from my pockets makes me happy that I can give something back to my students.

I don't think people dislike the idea, because they are penny pinchers...

It's the idea that, because they say NO BUDGET, they just expect the NET to shell out the budget, now the next teacher will have no budget, and have some expectation put on them...

Also, just another way for schools to walk all over us.. yay! Thanks Man!

Judging by your posting, you have a very strange idea about these 'us and them' battles that means it is a constant fight of getting the upper hand in schools here and this getting 'walked on' shit.  I couldn't give a poopie what budget is available or not.  Like I said if I wanted to go through the channels, I can.  The students are my focus and the reason I'm here, if I want to make a fun class using a bit of my own money then I'll do it.

Oh, you guys are co-workers?