RANTING/VENTING MEGATHREAD 3.0

I almost lost my **** today. I was trying to play a game with my low level students and when I got around to Team 4, the ENTIRE team ignored me. Even when I shouted for their team louder than I've ever shouted in class before (they had responded during their last turn too). What's funny is the class saw my frustration, and did a group apology. Guess who didn't apologize? Team 4...

Trying not to explode from the accumulated frustration of being treated like garbage, despite everything that we sacrifice to be here.

A small bit of advice for a new teacher - shouting is a almost always very ineffective means of making students listen to you. Keep in mind, those are (according to you) low level students, so they likely don't have a lot of intrinsic motivation to study English, and they game is probably a little confusing or uninteresting to them if they're really low level.

Anyways, try to practice some non-shouting classroom management. You're new, so it won't come immediately, but try to avoid letting students frustrate you. If they see you getting flustered, they're not going to take you seriously.

Don't worry - it gets easier with practice.

I don't want you to get the wrong idea here. It's not like I'm constantly yelling at the top of my lungs. It was just this one instance. I learned well enough early on that that doesn't work. But these are students who've participated well enough in the past, so to see them just flat out ignore me was just baffling.

I almost lost my **** today. I was trying to play a game with my low level students and when I got around to Team 4, the ENTIRE team ignored me. Even when I shouted for their team louder than I've ever shouted in class before (they had responded during their last turn too). What's funny is the class saw my frustration, and did a group apology. Guess who didn't apologize? Team 4...

Trying not to explode from the accumulated frustration of being treated like garbage, despite everything that we sacrifice to be here.

punish the entire class for their behaviour. they'll (hopefully) start to self-police each other

Somehow gained points with other teachers, they're making conversation with me now.
And somehow lost points with kids, they're even more disrespectful. Even the nice ones are pushing boundaries every single time I see them. They went through my bag and took out my v expensive planner and started trying to take the stickers out of it, I had to snatch it away because they wouldn't stop.

What is with these kids??? When I was 10-11, I'd have never thought to do half of what they do. My mom would have whooped my butt if I even thought about stealing things from a teacher's bag, or even touching it at all. Or talking back and flat out insulting my teacher when she asked me nicely to stop playing dodge ball in the classroom.

On another note, I'm getting super stressed about my money situation. I've got $40 in my account and I won't get paid until the end of the week. My contract says the 25th, but they haven't paid up yet. They first said the 23rd, (since the 25th was a Sunday) then the 26th, 27th, maybe the 28th but most likely late on the 30th.

I wish I could make them understand I've got bills and the landlord to pay.

Even the nice ones are pushing boundaries every single time I see them. They went through my bag and took out my v expensive planner and started trying to take the stickers out of it, I had to snatch it away because they wouldn't stop.

Dang, that's not OK at all. I'm at middle school, but my kids would never touch my personal stuff.

On another note, I'm getting super stressed about my money situation. I've got $40 in my account and I won't get paid until the end of the week. My contract says the 25th, but they haven't paid up yet. They first said the 23rd, (since the 25th was a Sunday) then the 26th, 27th, maybe the 28th but most likely late on the 30th.

I wish I could make them understand I've got bills and the landlord to pay.

Are you EPIK? Because if you are, go talk to one of the EPIK coordinators.

Somehow gained points with other teachers, they're making conversation with me now.
And somehow lost points with kids, they're even more disrespectful. Even the nice ones are pushing boundaries every single time I see them. They went through my bag and took out my v expensive planner and started trying to take the stickers out of it, I had to snatch it away because they wouldn't stop.

What is with these kids??? When I was 10-11, I'd have never thought to do half of what they do. My mom would have whooped my butt if I even thought about stealing things from a teacher's bag, or even touching it at all. Or talking back and flat out insulting my teacher when she asked me nicely to stop playing dodge ball in the classroom.

On another note, I'm getting super stressed about my money situation. I've got $40 in my account and I won't get paid until the end of the week. My contract says the 25th, but they haven't paid up yet. They first said the 23rd, (since the 25th was a Sunday) then the 26th, 27th, maybe the 28th but most likely late on the 30th.

I wish I could make them understand I've got bills and the landlord to pay.

Your kids are out of control. Is your Co-teacher with you in the class? You should consider making stronger classroom management (if it's even possible to tame these kids).And you should definitely talk to whoever's in charge of your contract about your pay. It's unacceptable to get paid so late

Are you EPIK? Because if you are, go talk to one of the EPIK coordinators.

I'm TaLK, the baby brother of EPIK. I haven't gotten a real reason as to why I'm not being paid. They said I wouldn't get the $300 housing settlement yet because the PoE hasn't paid them and I can understand that much, but my MT just kind of says they don't have money/there's an issue and I won't be paid yet for my paycheck. She hasn't been real clear on it.

Your kids are out of control. Is your Co-teacher with you in the class? You should consider making stronger classroom management (if it's even possible to tame these kids).And you should definitely talk to whoever's in charge of your contract about your pay. It's unacceptable to get paid so late

No CoT was given to me and none in the near future that I can see, I've got 16-17 kids in the class with 0 English ability.

All the other teachers have class at the same time I do, and I've already had to pull 2 out of their classes to help me get them under control. I've tried so many tips from other teachers both on Waygook and that I've spoken to outside, and I've even expressed that I cannot control the kids and desperately need help but my MT and other staff just kind of laugh and go "yeah they're hard to control :)"

My 4-6th are lovely kids and want to learn. It's 3rd that has me wanting to sit down on the floor and cry. Out of 7 classes we've had 1 good day. I'm half tempted to tell them I flat out refuse to teach another class without a CoT.

I worked out too late and now I can't sleep.

I'm TaLK, the baby brother of EPIK. I haven't gotten a real reason as to why I'm not being paid. They said I wouldn't get the $300 housing settlement yet because the PoE hasn't paid them and I can understand that much, but my MT just kind of says they don't have money/there's an issue and I won't be paid yet for my paycheck. She hasn't been real clear on it.

None of that sounds right to me at all. As I understand it, the schools receive the funds for NETs well in advance.

Either way, being paid this late is completely unacceptable, and, while I hate going over people's heads, this is your livelihood here, and they're not giving you any clear answers.

I'd contact someone with the TaLK program, see if you can get some answers or at least a name.

I was only able to find the number for applicants residing in Korea, but if you don't have a region coordinator's contact info, you may be able to get relevant contact info from that line:

http://www.talk.go.kr/talk/talk_new/content/content.jsp?menuId=010404

I worked out too late and now I can't sleep.

I'm TaLK, the baby brother of EPIK. I haven't gotten a real reason as to why I'm not being paid. They said I wouldn't get the $300 housing settlement yet because the PoE hasn't paid them and I can understand that much, but my MT just kind of says they don't have money/there's an issue and I won't be paid yet for my paycheck. She hasn't been real clear on it.

None of that sounds right to me at all. As I understand it, the schools receive the funds for NETs well in advance.

Either way, being paid this late is completely unacceptable, and, while I hate going over people's heads, this is your livelihood here, and they're not giving you any clear answers.

I'd contact someone with the TaLK program, see if you can get some answers or at least a name.

I was only able to find the number for applicants residing in Korea, but if you don't have a region coordinator's contact info, you may be able to get relevant contact info from that line:

http://www.talk.go.kr/talk/talk_new/content/content.jsp?menuId=010404

Yeah, TaLK is through the government, so you definitely get paid on time. The school/your coteacher is bullsh!tting you. Contact your TaLK coordinator. Even if it might not be the correct person to talk to, they should be able to give you the correct information.

And you definitely need to have a coteacher. Even if it's just the homeroom teacher in the classroom with you. You are never supposed* to be alone in the classroom with the kids. (*This actually totally happens all the time, but if you are clearly struggling and no one's doing anything about it, that's wrong).

Yeah, TaLK is through the government, so you definitely get paid on time. The school/your coteacher is bullsh!tting you. Contact your TaLK coordinator. Even if it might not be the correct person to talk to, they should be able to give you the correct information.

And you definitely need to have a coteacher. Even if it's just the homeroom teacher in the classroom with you. You are never supposed* to be alone in the classroom with the kids. (*This actually totally happens all the time, but if you are clearly struggling and no one's doing anything about it, that's wrong).

So good news and bad news regarding this topic.

I got paid! I check my account every day after work just hoping and wishing, and today it was there like magic. I was so shocked I was absolutely calm. So much stress vanished at once that I was 100% at peace with life lmao.

But the bad news. I actually begged my MT for a CoT today, I pleaded and begged and brought her in to see how bad the class was. What used to be my worst student snitched on the ones causing issues because even HE was annoyed by it. She just made them apologize and then told me something I'm not sure makes sense.

All I could gather was that I need to give them a worksheet every day and collect it at the end and hand them over to my MT so I can get paid..?? Her English is as good as my Korean, which is barely anything, but I guess I'll do what they want me to.

I know legally I can't grade papers so I'm confused as to why I need to give them one every day and give them over.  But eh, when it doesn't fly with the kids then maybe they'll finally see why I've been begging for help. 

Yeah, TaLK is through the government, so you definitely get paid on time. The school/your coteacher is bullsh!tting you. Contact your TaLK coordinator. Even if it might not be the correct person to talk to, they should be able to give you the correct information.

And you definitely need to have a coteacher. Even if it's just the homeroom teacher in the classroom with you. You are never supposed* to be alone in the classroom with the kids. (*This actually totally happens all the time, but if you are clearly struggling and no one's doing anything about it, that's wrong).

So good news and bad news regarding this topic.

I got paid! I check my account every day after work just hoping and wishing, and today it was there like magic. I was so shocked I was absolutely calm. So much stress vanished at once that I was 100% at peace with life lmao.

But the bad news. I actually begged my MT for a CoT today, I pleaded and begged and brought her in to see how bad the class was. What used to be my worst student snitched on the ones causing issues because even HE was annoyed by it. She just made them apologize and then told me something I'm not sure makes sense.

All I could gather was that I need to give them a worksheet every day and collect it at the end and hand them over to my MT so I can get paid..?? Her English is as good as my Korean, which is barely anything, but I guess I'll do what they want me to.

I know legally I can't grade papers so I'm confused as to why I need to give them one every day and give them over.  But eh, when it doesn't fly with the kids then maybe they'll finally see why I've been begging for help.

Are you sure you don't just have to take the attendance correctly?

So good news and bad news regarding this topic.

I got paid! I check my account every day after work just hoping and wishing, and today it was there like magic. I was so shocked I was absolutely calm. So much stress vanished at once that I was 100% at peace with life lmao.

But the bad news. I actually begged my MT for a CoT today, I pleaded and begged and brought her in to see how bad the class was. What used to be my worst student snitched on the ones causing issues because even HE was annoyed by it. She just made them apologize and then told me something I'm not sure makes sense.

All I could gather was that I need to give them a worksheet every day and collect it at the end and hand them over to my MT so I can get paid..?? Her English is as good as my Korean, which is barely anything, but I guess I'll do what they want me to.

I know legally I can't grade papers so I'm confused as to why I need to give them one every day and give them over.  But eh, when it doesn't fly with the kids then maybe they'll finally see why I've been begging for help.

Yeah, either there's a misunderstanding again, or your MT is bullshitting you hard. Whether or not you get paid has nothing to do with worksheets you collect from students. That's not something a school can decide to do, especially when it's regarding a NET supplied through a government program.

It's more likely that they just want you to do a worksheet activity with the students on the regular or else they won't have adequate "proof" that the students are getting work done. Or, like lifeisgood has suggested, it could be that she's just wanting/needing you to take attendance, possibly as part of a first step towards trying to get the class under control.

If your MT is actually trying to tell you that you won't get paid UNLESS you do this, I'd immediately report them. That's not only NOT something that the school can decide upon and dictate, it's also illegal. They receive funds from the government to pay the NET, they cannot withhold that pay for any reason. If they have a problem with the NET, they can just not renew the NET at the end of the contract. Period.

Whatever the case may be, don't let them get away with paying you late. It could be that someone is just super incompetent at doing their job, but it's also possible that someone in the school sees fit to **** with the NET out of some misguided power play. Be diplomatic about it, but if it happens again and they don't immediately pay you after being notified that you haven't been paid yet (in the chance that someone just forgot to wire it), you really need to start reaching out to people over them.

My co-workers have taken me out to eat several times in the past, but last night was the first time it was a communal-style meal at a Chinese restaurant. Needless to say, I'm not feeling too well today 

Are you sure you don't just have to take the attendance correctly?

It's more likely that they just want you to do a worksheet activity with the students on the regular or else they won't have adequate "proof" that the students are getting work done. Or, like lifeisgood has suggested, it could be that she's just wanting/needing you to take attendance, possibly as part of a first step towards trying to get the class under control.

She explained the attendance thing on day 1, which completely makes sense to me. Take attendance to provide proof you were in class with students etc etc.

But this was another checklist she showed me, and kept, and said I had to turn in the worksheets AND the attendance sheet. She said briefly the payment part, something like "like check list, turn it in. For payment."

I'm assuming it's just for "proof" that they're learning. The school is kind of cryptic with me, I'd expect it from a private school but not a public one. There's also other issues regarding paying for the 회식 and...trips and "other fees"? 3 months in advance but tbh I'll just roll with it until I can figure out what game they're playing at.

Sorry to spam the thread guys.

My co-workers have taken me out to eat several times in the past, but last night was the first time it was a communal-style meal at a Chinese restaurant. Needless to say, I'm not feeling too well today 

And oh boy, drink lots of water and have something with citrus. It always helped me as a kid, I hope it'll help you too.

Are you sure you don't just have to take the attendance correctly?

It's more likely that they just want you to do a worksheet activity with the students on the regular or else they won't have adequate "proof" that the students are getting work done. Or, like lifeisgood has suggested, it could be that she's just wanting/needing you to take attendance, possibly as part of a first step towards trying to get the class under control.

She explained the attendance thing on day 1, which completely makes sense to me. Take attendance to provide proof you were in class with students etc etc.

But this was another checklist she showed me, and kept, and said I had to turn in the worksheets AND the attendance sheet. She said briefly the payment part, something like "like check list, turn it in. For payment."

I'm assuming it's just for "proof" that they're learning. The school is kind of cryptic with me, I'd expect it from a private school but not a public one. There's also other issues regarding paying for the 회식 and...trips and "other fees"? 3 months in advance but tbh I'll just roll with it until I can figure out what game they're playing at.

Sorry to spam the thread guys.

My co-workers have taken me out to eat several times in the past, but last night was the first time it was a communal-style meal at a Chinese restaurant. Needless to say, I'm not feeling too well today 

And oh boy, drink lots of water and have something with citrus. It always helped me as a kid, I hope it'll help you too.

I am not sure how the TALK contracts read, but I would be careful about that "order to get paid" stuff. It could even be that she has to turn in documents, but wants you to get them done on her behalf, so tells you that. It wouldn't be the first time that I've seen that done. They could however want you to turn in papers as part of your duties, but not as criteria to get paid.

Firstly, a big thank you to the makers of the PPT games. It sure kills 20 mins when my back-to-back elem classes with the same students get a bit dull. Also, "what does the fox say ?" game is kind of fun. I enjoy it in my quiet time. 

But, learn to friggen spell! Loose a turn?!; not once but twice! 

I am not sure how the TALK contracts read, but I would be careful about that "order to get paid" stuff. It could even be that she has to turn in documents, but wants you to get them done on her behalf, so tells you that. It wouldn't be the first time that I've seen that done. They could however want you to turn in papers as part of your duties, but not as criteria to get paid.

I read that contract front to back multiple times, and I don't recall it mentioning the "you must turn in documents to get paid" aspect. And yeah, I'm pretty sure I'm being had here and that you're right.

Actual vent for the vent thread from me instead of endless bitching (sorry guys)

Yesterday my MT told me I needed to turn in the worksheets with the attendance sheet for my pay at the end of the month.

Today my MT told me that I need to turn in the attendance sheet, and worksheets and I need to take photos during class of the kids doing work/videos of them speaking English and turn them in.

I asked why, because that's an odd request. She said "It is for your...achievement. It is also....my achievement."

...What? Your achievement? You haven't done anything for me! You didn't help me get my Korean phone number, you aren't helping me get my online banking set up, you don't do anything for me in terms of making my life easier. What achievement have you earned? You don't even print papers for me anymore.

So now, I have to teach 80 minute classes with no CoT and no textbook, I have to force worksheets and now play paparazzi in my class for my, no wait, our achievement. Godspeed future me, good luck on getting photos/videos and worksheets from 16 3rd graders who won't sit down long enough for me to say "Hello class!"

I'm probably coming off really fking bratty right now. But this makes no sense to me on why I have to solo everything and benefit someone else. Is this normal?? Am I being unreasonable?

Welcome to Korea! My first co-teacher was like that. Don't let her walk over you - as you've said, you've read your contract multiple times so you know what is expected of you. Anything 'beyond the call of duty' and I'd call her out on it. For example, the photos - say you're too busy teaching / managing the students. Suggest if she wants some photos of the class maybe she can take them herself?

Bingsu, are these regular classes or after-school classes?

I'm all after school classes Mon-Fri. I know I can't complain too much since others have it a lot worse but I just feel exhausted. It feels like every time I ask for their help or for a CoT, they just add something else for me to do. I guess asking for help results in the bureaucratic method of telling me to shut up.