I've attempted to write this post several times. I promise it will get posted tonight - it's out in the universe so now I have to complete this post. I have worked here almost a month, but I've put off writing about my new job for one reason...I'm still trying to figure out my female co-teacher. Let's just say she has been very frustrating. More info on her later.
First, my school and apartment are both located in the Okdong (옥당) area of Andong City (안동시). I work about a 20 minute walk away from my apartment, which isn't too bad. It's just a straight shot down the street. The walk itself is actually quite nice. If I ever need anything there is a Lotte Mart and a few smaller markets where I can stop and grab what I need. There are also a few boutiques and thrift stores along the way, which has potential to make life a little more financially difficult, but I'm not too worried, nothing ever fits so I never actually buy anything.
I teach a total of ten classes. Five 3rd grade classes and five 4th grade classes. In the near future two more classes may be added to my schedule. Although I do have the extra time it will be 6th grade so I'm a little curious to see how that will go. Apparently only teaching 3rd and 4th grade is odd. Now I don't know if this is necessarily true, but from what I've heard if placed in a public elementary school most English teachers teach 5th or 6th grade. For whatever reason I only teach 3rd and 4th (for now). At the time I was really excited for this. I personally only really like younger kids, but after teaching a month I've realize I only really like Kindergarten. I just can't get enough of little kids. Plus, you tell them what to do and there's no back talk. The older they get the more they realize they don't actually have to listen to you.
I have two co-teachers; one female and one male. I don't feel comfortable using their names so I'll refer to my male co-teacher as M and the female F. I personally feel I get along better with M; who's my co-teacher for 4th grade. My desk is located in the same room as his and he's also closer in age so I think we have a little more in common. Life in the 4th grade world is pretty sweet if you ask me. Unfortunately, 3rd isn't doing so well. Not only are the kids extremely rowdy, but F doesn't really control them very well which leads to complete chaos. Oh and I've only actually taught my 3rd graders once. The past few weeks in F's class I have literally been the assistant. I have handed out stamps, stickers, told kids to please be quit and passed out papers. Actually no, I did not pass out paper. I wasn't even doing that! For the most part I just stood there and observed. YES...OBSERVED. The longer this occurred the more frustrated and, excuse my language, fucking pissed I became. Let's be real, I didn't move to Korea to sit back and watch how Koreans teach English. That's just not why I'm here. About 2.5 weeks ago I spoke with F to get a better feel for what she wants me to do and how she wants me to contribute to the class. She basically said, "find music and activities". At the time I thought, "ok, this sounds easy enough." When the time came for me to do my thing, she basically canceled it and continued with her activities. I was FURIOUS.
After a few more days of doing nothing I decided last Monday was the last time I'll be the assistant. I was tired of doing nothing and wanted to actually start working. So after our last class I asked if I could speak with her. I just said it, "look this isn't working out." I continued to explain how I'm not teaching. How I'm essentially doing nothing. Her response, "It's okay." After about five minutes of getting nowhere I realized she wasn't really understanding anything I was saying. So in the nicest voice I could bring out in this moment I suggested we meet after lunch and this way M teacher could translate for us. She agreed and we met after lunch. After a 10-15 minute discussion I suggested I teach one whole class a week. This way the students could hear English the entire 40 minutes instead of going back and forth from English to Korean. It just gets too confusing and difficult for them. She actually loved this idea and agreed. If I'm being 100% honest, I just really wanted to teach solo and have some control at least once a week. We tried it for Wednesday and Friday and I think everything worked out well. She seemed a little irritated with me so I brought her a choco pie, Moon pie for us Americans. You may say I'm being a brown noser, but in Korea to give gifts is just a sign of respect. It did work because I feel our relationship is back on track. It's her turn to teach this Monday and back to me for Wed/Fri. I'm crossing my fingers it will all work out, which it will if we just stick to the plan.
The only thing that could turn my frown upside down Monday:
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