It’s amazing how fast life changes when we are busy making other plans. Less than six weeks ago, I was coasting toward the end of another successful semester at Namak High School. I signed my intention to renew several days prior. Then I read over a public message from the provincial native teacher coordinator - … Continue reading One More Year! (2019)
The Mokpo Misfits Break Up (2017-2019)
All great things come to an end. Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together. Every new beginning starts with some other beginning's end. No. I cannot hide behind the facade of cliches and lies. I'm sad as fuck. As our contracts creep to a close, the friend-group that grounded me when … Continue reading The Mokpo Misfits Break Up (2017-2019)
Korean Saunas
Two years ago, as a sprightly young native-teacher-in-waiting, I read up on Korean saunas. These public baths dot the country and polarize foreigners. Some appreciate its soothing hot tubs, steam rooms, and cold-water baths. Others recoil at the thought of public nudity. So when a former co-teacher invited me for a “Korean cultural field trip” … Continue reading Korean Saunas
3 Money-Saving Tips While Living In Korea
EFL education in Korea remains a lucrative job prospect for unfortunate liberal arts degree-holders like me. Many jobs provide a rent-paid apartment and many cities do not require car ownership. Many pay down their student loans, save for a down payment on a house, or to set aside a lump sum to kick-start their dreams. … Continue reading 3 Money-Saving Tips While Living In Korea
My Favorite Teaching Mindset
What qualities make a good teacher? Answers rain in from many people. Kind. Compassionate. Patient. Diligent. Growth-oriented. When I consider the common characteristics of quality teachers, I find a single thread that ties them together. This thread, this mindset, keeps me flying high during the best of times, and sustains me through the worst. It … Continue reading My Favorite Teaching Mindset
Effective Classroom Rules
One powerful force of classroom management is class rules. What guidelines will direct student behavior? Several weeks ago, attended a classroom management presentation up north, in Jeonju. One speaker shared clear and actionable insights about classroom rules. I embraced some of her wisdom but elected to ignore other aspects. Regardless, I see great merit in … Continue reading Effective Classroom Rules
The Three “C’s” I Love About “Corea”
Shout out to Spanish-speakers everywhere! For purposes of forceful alliteration...Quiero compartir mis tres “C’s” favoritas de Corea. La Conveniencia Me encantan las tiendas coreanas! Slowly but surely, convenience stores like 7-Eleven and CU evolved into cornerstones of my Korean lifestyle. Have 30 minutes to kill before school? Grab a coffee and read at Emart 24. … Continue reading The Three “C’s” I Love About “Corea”
