5/15 How do you become a teacher in Korea?

A public school teacher is a very popular job in Korea. The competition to become a teacher at a public school is very tough.

ex> A teacher at a public school can enjoy a lot of benefits.

To become a certified teacher at a public school, you have to pass a state teacher exam called the “im-yong-go-shi.”

ex> He failed to pass the state teacher exam last year.

There are separate tests for elementary school teachers and secondary school teachers.

* secondary school teacher: 중고등학교 교사, 중등 교원

ex> You need to take the secondary school teacher exam after you graduate.

To become eligible to take the exam, you need to acquire a certificate in teaching.

* certificate in teaching: 교원 자격증 = teaching certificate

ex> Some native English teachers do not have a certificate in teaching.

To do that, you have to graduate college with an education degree or get enough credits in education.

* education degree: 사범 대학교 학위

ex> Not everyone with an education degree becomes a teacher.

As for elementary school teachers, there are specialized schools named “University of Education” that you have to attend. Teachers at private schools do not have to take this state exam.

@ I’m re-taking the state exam.  나는 국가 고시에 재 응시할 거야.

<HOMEWORK>

1. I wanted to become a teacher at a public school.

2. I've been a secondary school teacher for 10 years.

3. It took me 3 years to take a certificate in teaching.

4. I graduated college with an education degree.

@ Related Topics>> Becoming a Teacher