Your role as a public school assistant language teacher and relationship with your Korean co-teacher

One of the unique benefits you’ll have as a publicthe tasks of managing, preparing and teaching your classes as well as administrative tasks both inside and outside the school setting. Here is a closer look at what you should expect from the relationship with your Korean co-teacher and how it affects your responsibility as a foreign language assistant teacher at a public school.

Though your co-teacher is there to help you with many different tasks it is important to understand that they are also your direct supervisor. As your supervisor it their responsibility to report and communicate to the school administration on all aspects of the language program at your school including the classes you are responsible for. The co-teacher is empowered by the school board to make final hiring decisions and create performance reviews of the entire English teaching staff, foreign teacher included.

The working relationship with your co-teacher should be viewed as supervisor-employee. foreign language instructor at a public school you are expected to create and maintain a positive learning environment for your students. The co-teacher can and will assist you when and Korean staff but should not be expected to be a constant overseer of your classes. You are first and foremost responsible for your students learning.

At times Native English speaking foreign language teachers may assume that they are on an extended vacation with little to no obligations or responsibilities to their school or employers. This is indeed the case. All public school foreign language assistant teachers are expected to perform their duties at a high level and should expect to be treated as foreign guests on holiday. Assuming such an attitude towards your professional responsibilities will lead to a successful teaching experience and in doing so you run the risk of facing possible early termination.

Korean co-teachers have not been specifically trained and evaluated by the school boards specifically to enrich the English language programs in the public schools. Though the co-teacher is there to lend assistance and advice the Native English speaking teacher must assume full responsibility of the task of managing and teaching their students. Establishing a line of communication with your co-teacher and being clear of what is expected froway of ensuring a positive teaching experience at a Korean public school teaching position.

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