On an upcoming SeoulPodcast, Joe Zenkimchi is interviewing Tony Hellman from ATEK, or the Association for Teachers of English in Korea, “an organization of language instructors and legal support that seeks to provide a voice for contract educators in Korea” (from their website).
Basically, among other things, ATEK is an organization that is tired of English teachers being ripped off, screwed over, and demonized in the Korean media (more here: A History of Scapegoating English Teachers, at Popular Gusts)
On his Twitter feed, Joe has opened the floor for questions: what would YOU ask the guy who’s started a group to defend the rights and reputation of English teachers in Korea? Sounds like an interesting show, and a good opportunity to ask your question.
You can post questions in the comments here, or email them to zen[at]zenkimchi.com
28/01/2009 at 12:11 pm Permalink
Seems like a good thing. Having just gone throught the surprise announcement that my hagwon was going out of business, I was surprised at how little I knew (and should have known) regarding my visa status.
It all worked out in the end re: finding a new job, but that was a very stressful week to say the least.
28/01/2009 at 12:56 pm Permalink
Maybe I should add the caveat:
It might be best to think about “interview-style questions” rather than “_____ just happened… what should I do?” type questions.
My big two questions would be “what two or three pieces of advice would you give to an English teacher who’s 1. losing his/her job, 2. thinking about coming to Korea, 3. thinks they’re getting screwed by their boss or school, and 4. about to leave Korea, but wants to make sure they’re going to get what’s in the contract upon completion?”
Second:
How do you envision ATEK’s role in the English education industry in the next few years, in a best-case scenario?
Third:
Given the aims and purpose of your organization, if you had a magic wand, what would you change about Korea’s Education system?