Co teacher taking over

[ilovehaters]

Hi guys
i thought my co teacher was cool
but its strange i feel that she wants to take over my class, altho she teaches her own class,
however when she works with me , she wants to talk more and wants me to talk less , for eg she wants to do everything and i just do the activies ( games etc)
also she's asking me when i prepare a game to come and show it to her first .
i can speak korean , so she has all this courage to ask whatever she wants to me , well she talks to me in korean .
i feel i need to step up to her and tell her you are just my CO teacher like an assistant or i could be wrong

guys am I the assistant for CT or is the CT the assistant to Native teachers and what exactly is our roles ?

[S.Lee]

I have a few co-teachers(, most just sit in the back while I do everything (which is fine with me). Some help when the students are doing writing or group activities (which i appreciate). One translates everything I say (which I hate, but let her do anyways....for now)

But there's a reason why we're sometimes referred to as English puppets... :'(


I dont mean to rub it in or anything, especially since the deed is done, but i'd try to ask your co-teacher to not let people know u speak korean. I find that gyopos (I'm assuming you are, and apologize if im wrong) get more work, and have higher expectations placed on them if they speak korean. Also, the students treat you differently.

[Jessica G]

She is your co-teacher. Not the other way around. Take control.

[JamericanTeacher]

Well technically you're her assistant so she's supposed to take the lead.  I had this issue when I first started.  My co was a control freak and assumed I didn't know what I was doing ( I had no teaching experience but while I stood to learn a few things, I'm a natural teacher and was able to successfully jump in feet first without any problems...not to mention teaching isn't exactly rocket science...but I digress...)  We basically discussed our inidividual roles and split roles in the class.

What we did was she called the class to order and led the review.  I would support her by helping to hand stuff out etc.  I would then introduce the key words and expressions and lead look and listen and role plays.  And we'd work together in the practice and game segments of the class.

I have 3 KT at my current school and 2 of them just sit back and translate when necessary (I like it that way bc I'm also a control freak) and the third one sometimes takes the lead in the review segment and interjects herself at certain points of the lesson and I just support her. 

Perhaps you can have a talk to work out something similar?  If she wants to take the lead, approach it as if you're a team and support her.  If she's trying to do everything herself step in and take some of the stuff and  say, "I'll hold this for you"  or "I'll hand these out."  I dont know if its a cultural thing, but I noticed Korean women seem to like to do everything themselves so feel free to step in and support her with a smile on your face, especially in front of the kids.

If she doesn't want to compromise and insists on doing everything, then sit back, take your salary and free apartment that HER tax dollars pay for and don't feel an ounce of guilt.

[JamericanTeacher]

Also, in answer to your specific question on our roles, on paper, we are the Assistant Native Teacher.  Because we aren't certified teachers we are assistants to the KT and cannot legally teach classes on our own.  The KT must be in the classroom at all times.

In regard to what our roles are in the classroom, GEPIK had no answer to that when I attended their last 2 training sessons.  The general attitude is you and your KT need to work that out amongst yourselves.

Ask 10 NT what their roles and individual situations are at their schools and you'll get 10 different answers.

Good luck.  I know it can be annoying.

[cragesmure]

I don't teach public school, so I don't understand the situation exactly.  However, when I taught I China, I was definitely the head (lead?) teacher, and I had a similar feeling when dealing with my Chinese CTs.  After struggling with the situation for some time, I realised that they were being the way they were (autocratic/unhelpful attitude) mostly because they were worried that they would be out of their depth in the class (obviously not as fluent as me, despite their more than adequate education) in front of the students.  Let them know exactly what you will cover in the class, email them your lesson plans, talk to them about the best ways to teach the material AND the ways they will feel most comfortable teaching the material/what role they will feel comfortable taking in the class/what they expect from you/what they are willing to contribute.  Do it in a non-confrontational way.  You may find that they just have no understanding of western teaching methods and have a great fear of losing face.  If so, patient communication may be the solution.  You may find they are just jerks.  Keep in mind that regardless of who is expected to take the lead in class (as per the contract) or whoever is more capable/qualified to take the lead role, many teachers here will have to appear to be that person.  To some, loss of power/control=loss of face.  What seems obvious to us may not be obvious to others, and vice versa.

[cinamon]

There's no defined rules about coteaching.  If she wants to teach more, just sit back and relax. 

[Yu_Bumsuk]

Yes, there are no clear rules and it will vary from situation to situation - anything from being a human tape recorder / puppet to having no idea where your CT is during your lesson. Except with CA classes I always take the lead and my CTs seem more comfortable with that and in the case of my higher-level classes I usually just teach solo.

This year my new CT for middle school introduced himself to the classes as my assistant. If he's fine with that then so am I.

[Ectofuego]

Employee shall perform the following duties.
1. To co-teach with Korean teacher(s) in regular classes and conduct/lead extra-curricular
activities, afterschool program and/or school camp.
2. To do lesson planning and develop teaching materials
3. To be involved in English day camps, extra-curricular classes, and teacher training during
school vacations.
4. To be involved in other educational duties relevant to English education as requested by
Employer.
5. To conduct English Conversational Class(es) for Korean teachers and/or students’ parents
as requested by Employer.
6. To participate in GEPIK teachers’ workshop(s) conducted by Employer or GPOE.
7. The Employee shall pay any expenses involved for acquiring Visa documents, medical
examination (HIV, drugs, etc.) and a residency form for residency in Korea and employment
in Korean public schools.




You co-teacher, by this explanation, one is not above the other contractually.  Realistically, you are considered below them.  Never be agressive with your stance, just talk it out with them that you want more time to teach the kids yourself.

This was an excerpt from GEPIK btw

[gmosborn]

contract states we are assistant teachers.  We are there to assist them. If they let us do more then we can. It's their school.

[Rutten]

there's no problem here. just do what she tells you to. you can SUGGEST changes but, like other posters have said, it's their school and ultimately they are responsible for what they learn, not you.

[afroome50]

I just recently got a co-teacher who is a controll freak.

I've been here for a year already, and she is new to the school. I was a bit taken a back when she started changing everything.

I tried to explain to her that I was capable of teaching the whole class, and only needed help with discipline. She said it wasn't my job to teach reading and writing, and that I only needed to organise a game every lesson. This makes me feel less like a teacher and more of- I don't even know the word for it.

Sometimes she teaches the entire lesson by herself. I actually think she's a few sandwhiches short of a picnic, so after asking for time to teach a few times I've given up.

[Yu_Bumsuk]

contract states we are assistant teachers.  We are there to assist them. If they let us do more then we can. It's their school.

I've been living (literally) at my school for almost six years. My new part-time CT has taught about 12 days so far. I can see why he'd have the exact opposite impression to what you state above, regardless of what might be printed in some regulations somewhere.

[nzer-in-gyeongnam]

There is no exact definition, however, what level are you teaching?

If its Elementary, the KT should take the majority of the lesson, as they have the ability to translate. SOME KT's prefer the NT to teach the lesson and just translate where needed. NT's should be taking care of the Listen and Speak and Listen and Repeat sections of the book at this level, and working with the KT to come up with fun and exciting games and activities to aid the students in learning and remembering the key expressions which are the goal for the lesson.

If its Middle school, then the responsibility should ideally be split 50/50 NT teaching speaking and listening sections and KT teaching reading, writing and grammar sections of the text. If there are chances for games and activities, again KT and NT should be working together to come up with materials appropriate for the levels of students.

If its High school, then the NT should be more prepared to take a bigger section of the class and work more with listening and reading and speaking, leaving the KT with the grammar and writing sections as students still need a lot of guidance in Korean over these sections. In this area, the NT should be more prepared to create activities which stretch and challenge what students already know also, as this prepares students for university and beyond.

If its at University level, the NT should be prepared to teach all aspects of English language. IF they have a KT they are very lucky. The NT must prepare relevant and useful materials for students which is going to be of use in the future, and not overly specific to just one expertise level unless all students in the class are studying for the same ultimate goal.

Now, having said all this, these are ideal situations. There are KT's who see NT's as no more than walking dictionaries and tape-recorders. Be prepared to become such if that is what your KT wants from you. Remember, the KT is in charge of the classroom. The NT is the support. IF your KT is asking you to take the lead, feel privileged. Not all KT's will do this. IF you're working with a new KT, they may be trying to get their bearings still on the class, and therefore wanting to take a majority of the lesson. Just do your best to accommodate this until such a time as they feel comfortable loosening their control on the reigns and handing you a bit more responsibility.

It's hard working with another person at the best of times. When its someone new, neither knows where the other stands or how they work. So, there is always a teething period. Take a breath, try not to get upset and just see where the semester takes you. IF nothings changed by mid-semester, try suggesting politely to your KT that you'd like to take a bigger part in the class, after all, that is why you are here. If he/she's not willing to share, then you can't push the matter too much. Just be prepared, be on the ball, and try to be one step ahead, so that should you be asked to do something in the spur of the moment, you're ready to step up. It's sometimes a challenge that KT's issue.


And just a point too:

"Posted by: aneikamcd6

Also, in answer to your specific question on our roles, on paper, we are the Assistant Native Teacher.  Because we aren't certified teachers we are assistants to the KT and cannot legally teach classes on our own.  The KT must be in the classroom at all times."

Some of us here, ARE certified teachers. Granted, not certified in South Korea, but in our respective countries. It does sometimes feel a little degrading when the KT's treat us like we know nothing. However, as certified teachers, we know a thing or two about the ways and roles of a teacher. Yes, contractually,  KT's should be present at all times, but there are occasions where KT's can't make it to class, and if they're confident that we can handle a class alone, will ask us to do so. I know I've done so on many an occasion.

[KingKrang]

We are a resource. Some of us are better resources than others, but in the end we have no real vested interest in whether or not we are being utilized efficiently and effectively up to our potentials. Professional pride and dignity is what drives us to try to be the best teacher we can be but in the end if the locals choose to not use us effectively, its not our loss its theirs. In the end I'll be going home and I might leave behind the same confused and disorganized mess I came into but I won't feel to blame at all if I was not used to my potential.

[gilbert.a.h]

Hi guys
i thought my co teacher was cool
but its strange i feel that she wants to take over my class, altho she teaches her own class,
however when she works with me , she wants to talk more and wants me to talk less , for eg she wants to do everything and i just do the activies ( games etc)
also she's asking me when i prepare a game to come and show it to her first .
i can speak korean , so she has all this courage to ask whatever she wants to me , well she talks to me in korean .
i feel i need to step up to her and tell her you are just my CO teacher like an assistant or i could be wrong

guys am I the assistant for CT or is the CT the assistant to Native teachers and what exactly is our roles ?

If you are at a public school, you are an assistant to the teacher. You are not a teacher by any means. If you are on an E-2 visa, check your visa. It should say something like 보조교사 which translates to "assistant teacher." If you are here on an F4 or F2, it wouldn't say that, but basically that is what your contract says. If you speak Korean, read the contract in Korean. It is a lot more clear than you might think.

If you are at a public school and have a Korean teaching license, you should talk to your principal.

Basically, if you are not a Korean teacher, you are here to assist the teacher in teaching the lessons. However, you can talk to the co-teacher and ask why you are not allowed to do more, if you want to do more. As for myself, I do everything. I'm sure you could split up the tasks between you. And I don't think it is unreasonable at all to show the teacher what activities you have in mind. Remember, they are your bosses. Would you not want to show your boss the work you did back in your home country before you show it to "customers"? If you speak Korean, than you know approval is EVERYTHING in Korea.

[Yu_Bumsuk]

If you are at a public school, you are an assistant to the teacher. You are not a teacher by any means. If you are on an E-2 visa, check your visa. It should say something like 보조교사 which translates to "assistant teacher." If you are here on an F4 or F2, it wouldn't say that, but basically that is what your contract says. If you speak Korean, read the contract in Korean. It is a lot more clear than you might think.

If you are at a public school and have a Korean teaching license, you should talk to your principal.

Basically, if you are not a Korean teacher, you are here to assist the teacher in teaching the lessons. However, you can talk to the co-teacher and ask why you are not allowed to do more, if you want to do more. As for myself, I do everything. I'm sure you could split up the tasks between you. And I don't think it is unreasonable at all to show the teacher what activities you have in mind. Remember, they are your bosses. Would you not want to show your boss the work you did back in your home country before you show it to "customers"? If you speak Korean, than you know approval is EVERYTHING in Korea.

You are whatever your school decides to make you. At mine I'm apparently 교사 on any sort of teachers' lists published and on the school website. I'm fine with that. As for who follows whom, that's more a matter of age and experience than anything. I basically tell the younger CT what to do. The senior English teacher tells us both what to do. We seem to get along all right. None of them have any idea what's in my contract in any case.

[Yu_Bumsuk]

If its High school, then the NT should be more prepared to take a bigger section of the class and work more with listening and reading and speaking, leaving the KT with the grammar and writing sections as students still need a lot of guidance in Korean over these sections. In this area, the NT should be more prepared to create activities which stretch and challenge what students already know also, as this prepares students for university and beyond.

High schools vary so much by level that there's really no general advice about this that would be applicable.

[dancesonhertoes]

I didnt read all the responses so perhaps this question has already been asked - but what type of school is this?  Elementary, middle or high?

I have been teaching at a public elementary - and i had a co-teacher (who's now left) who was really good.  But, he didnt let me do much.  I realize that sometimes teachers have bad experiences with native teachers - not everyone comes here really wanting to teach, as you obviously do, otherwise you wouldnt have posted this.  I read a couple of the responses that say just enjoy it - go with the flow of not having to do work, but if you really want to teach, it sucks.  I was a teacher in the states and that situation make me feel useless and depressed.  I WANT to teach.  Anyways, i was talking to my main coteacher about it - as her and I have a really good relationship and she was noticing i was getting frustrated with not doing anything (not to mention sleepy in class - its really hard to sit and do nothing 4 classes in a row and keep our eyes open)  and I mentioned that maybe he had  bad experiences in the past with native teachers and her response was, that, he had told her I was the best native teacher he'd worked with yet.  And he still didnt let me do much.  Guessing he had some bad experiences. - and he was very concerned with his students performances, and we did talk once about how he felt bad because it was all he could do to cover the required material, that there wasn't time for fun stuff. 

Thankfully he was leaving in a few months at that point so all i did was energetically suggest activites and ask him if there was stuff I could do an patiently wait for it to pass. 

I do believe that we are assistants to the main teachers, however, I don't think that was intended to mean we just do games, or repeat sentances.  They pay us altogether to much for that.  So, keep working on it, break her down.  Show her you are capable, and when you are able to present stuff make it really great so it makes her trust you more and allow you to teach more.  This won't happen over night.  Be patient.

[elzoog]

Yeah, too many foreigners have this insane notion that the purpose of English is to communicate something rather than play games.  Any idiot knows that the only language that was ever set up for people to communicate is Korean.

If I am not helping students with communication, then I don't see why I am here.   There are tons of English games out there.   The school could simply download those games and play them.   Would save them a ton of money.