Because of the importance of matching each applicant with the school that best suits his or her qualifications, preferences, and individual situation, finding a position in a private language school can be very confusing and overwhelming.
At Teacher Tech the focus is on listening to candidates, learning exactly what they are looking for, and then assisting them in the best way possible. This individualized and detailed approach to placement may reveal that Teacher Tech is not the best service for some candidates. In such cases, Teacher Tech’s team will do everything possible to guide applicants in directions that are best for them.
Teacher Tech has been recruiting teachers from North America since 2001.
Building on years of experience placing teachers, and witnessing the changes in the Korean English Teaching Market, our approach to job placement has been refined into an effective and individualized process. For candidates who have the passion and professionalism to successfully teach in Korea, we will assist you in securing the best possibly position
Steps
Listed below are the steps you will follow in order to secure a teaching position. During each step of the application you will receive guidance and detailed assistance from Teacher Tech, so that you will be comfortable going through this complicated process.
- Apply with Teacher Tech
- Consult with Teacher Tech
- Prepare: visa paper work, interview strategy, video file, and resume
- Interview with a compatible school
- Review the contract, contact current teachers
- Sign the contract
- Finalize your visa
- Make travel arrangements
Depending on when you are applying and how soon you want to start working in Korea, these 8 steps can be accomplished anywhere within a range of one to six months.
Hiring Season
Private schools may have openings year-round on an ongoing basis, but there are peak times when most of the openings are available. Because of this, it is best if you prepare in advance to find a position during one of these peak-hiring times
These are the normal starting dates for contracts:
March 1st
This is the biggest hiring time of the year, since South Korea’s academic calendar starts in March. You will need to secure a position before January if you want to be hired during this season.
June 1st, July 1st, and September 1st
These three months in the summer can also be a good time to look for positions.
December 1st
This time of year is mainly a hiring time for elementary and middle school teaching positions.
You will be required to arrive one or two weeks before the actual start date for training and orientation.
We have an open application process, so you can apply anytime and we will discuss your best departure time and plan your journey.
If possible, it is best to prepare three to six months in advance. However, if you need to find a job or are able to leave within a short time frame, we can often accommodate that as well.
Our placement service is free to candidates and includes the services listed below. These services provide candidates with the tools they need to find the best possible position for their journey to Korea.
Consultation
During the consultation phase we assess your qualifications, preferences, background, and career goals. Based on your personalized profile we create a plan for your job search.
Resume Writing
Based on her e-book, Native Speakers Wanted: Resources for Teaching English Abroad, Madeline Moon will assist each candidate in writing a professional resume tailored to the Korean context. All applicants will get a free copy of the e-book as well as Madeline’s help in finalizing and polishing the resume.
Creating Video Files
Crafting a compelling video file has become one of the most important components of securing a teaching position in Korea. Based on her experience evaluating and advising hundreds of applicants, Madeline will guide you through the process of making an engaging and persuasive video file.
Interview
Successful interviewing is a learnable skill, and Madeline will help applicants navigate the unique cultural and professional complexities of interviewing with schools in Korea. Interview preparation includes an explanation of the priorities of employers as well as coaching, rehearsing, and evaluating answers to sample questions.
Reviewing Contracts
Once a job offer is made, Teacher Tech will make sure all questions are answered, so that each applicant understands the contract. Also, in order to make teachers more comfortable with the employer, Madeline will put you in touch with a current native speaker teacher at the school.
Visa Process
Teacher Tech will also walk you through all phases of the visa process, including an explanation of and assistance in completing required visa documents.
Training
All of Teacher Tech’s partner schools in Korea provide some form of training before teachers are required to be in the classroom. Often, a week of training is provided after applicants arrive in Korea and before they actually start teaching. Some participating schools also provide pre-training materials before departure. These materials will help to familiarize new teachers with teaching in Korea.
On going support from previous or current teachers
Since 2001, Teacher Tech has placed more than a thousand teachers with private language schools in Korea. Recently, Teacher Tech created a three part network, so that former, current, and future teachers will be able to connect with and learn from their colleagues.
First, you will find blogs and articles on our website from previous and current teachers. These are updated frequently, so check back often. Also, a network of teachers is accessible through our Facebook page. Finally, you can always reach out to Teacher Tech directly after you arrive in Korea. We will be here to support you so that you can be successful in your teaching role, and have a positive experience living in Korea.
Cooperation With Partners in Korea
Teacher Tech also cooperates with our partner schools to provide the following additional services.
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- Prepaid airfare to Korea
- Airport pick up or pick up at the final destination
- One week of orientation and training
- Furnished single rent free walking distance housing
- (For candidates who are moving together as a couple, shared housing can be provided.)
- Medical Insurance and Pension Plan
- National Holidays off
- 7-10 days personal holidays
- Good working hours
- Curriculum, textbook, all of teaching related material provided
- Small classroom size
- TESOL Certification (for candidates who don’t have a TESOL certificate)
There are many TESOL certificate programs—some of which are very expensive. It is not necessary that all applicants get an expensive TESOL certificate. This will depend on your background and your long-term career goals. Based on the available jobs as well as an inventory of your professional qualifications and financial situation, we will provide a recommendation for professional development, which may include guidance on selecting an appropriate quality TESOL program.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do positions begin?
Positions are available on an ongoing basis but March, June, July, September and December are peak times. Most of positions start 1st day of every month and you need to arrive In Korea a week In advance to have time to rest and training. Each month several teaching posts become available. If you have a specific time you would prefer to start work, it is best to begin the process at least three months prior to that date.
How do I apply with Teacher-Tech?
Click here to apply online or send your resume to Teacher Tech via Email
Do I need to have special teaching experiences or other credentials?
Schools do not normally have requirements for either experience or specific credentials beyond the BA or BS.
Do I need TESOL certificate?
A TESOL (Teaching English as a Second Language) certificate is not always necessary and there are expensive programs that purposely make candidates feel that they need one. These programs can charge a LOT of money.
If you are interested in a TESOL certification, we can recommend reasonable programs and guide you to find the right program based on your qualifications. And remember, some people don’t even need it. We can help you figure it out.
What is the term of the contract?
Contracts are for one year. Short-term contracts are not normally available.
Can I set up a bank account in Korea, and can I send money back home?
Yes. Your school can usually help you to set up an account. Sending part of your salary home is also possible. Most banks In Korea can wire money to your home country easily.
Does it matter that I don’t speak Korean? Do most people in Korea speak English? Can I learn Korean while I am there?
It doesn’t matter if you speak Korean or not.
Of course, it makes daily life easier if you know a few phrases. Many people study Korean while living in Korea.
You could take classes to learn formally or many people will be willing to help you with basic Korean in exchange for helping them with basic conversational English.
What is the cost of living in Korea, relative to the U.S./Canada?
The cost of living in Korea is becoming more and more comparable to the cost of living in major cities in North America.
It all depends on lifestyle, and trying to replicate a North American lifestyle in Seoul will be costly. Many things, however, are still cheaper in Korea than in a major U.S. or Canadian city. Public transportation, eating in local restaurants, and entertainment may be much cheaper.
Housing, major appliances, automobiles, and other durable goods are often similarly priced or more expensive. For teachers, however, since housing and major appliances are provided and there is little need for an automobile, It Is very easy to save a substantial part of one’s salary.
What will my classes be like?
You will have classes of eight to fifteen students. The ages will normally range from five to fifteen, with students grouped by age and ability.
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