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

5/14 Talk about student teaching assignments.

Before an education-major gets a teaching certificate in Korea, he or she must fulfill one’s student teaching requirement.

* student teaching: 교생 실습

ex> All education-majors go through student teaching.

The training takes place during the senior year of college, typically in the month of April or May.

* senior (junior / sophomore / freshman) year of college: 대학교 4학년 (3/2/1학년)

ex> I was busy applying for jobs during my senior year of college.

ex> I took a lot of courses in my junior year of college.

Commonly, a veteran teacher is assigned to each student-teacher to oversee his or her training.

* oversee: 감독하다

ex> I am in charge of overseeing the overall process.

* be assigned to: ~에 배정되다

ex> I thought I was gonna be assigned to a desk.

The first week is mainly about getting to know the students. During the second week, student-teachers learn the ropes by observing class sessions.

* learn the ropes: 감을 잡다, 분위기를 파악하다

ex> It didn't take that long for me to learn the ropes.

They typically start teaching in class during the third week. In the last week, other teachers sit in during the classes and offer feedback. Student-teachers get hands-on experience on student counseling as well.

* get hands-on experience: 실무 경험을 쌓다

ex> You can get hands-on experience through internship programs.

@ Let’s take a breather.  잠깐 숨 좀 돌립시다.

<HOMEWORK>

1. I was under a lot of stress during my senior year of college.

2. He will oversee the new project.

3. She quickly learned the ropes as I expected.

4. You have to get more hands-on experience.

4/25 Becoming a Teacher

DIALOG>> There is a state exam you have to pass.

A: What do you want to do after graduation?
B: I want to become a teacher.
A: Oh, really? Do you have to pass a test to become one?
B: Yes, there is a state exam you have to pass.
A: Is it difficult to pass?
B: Absolutely. The competition is very fierce.
* state exam: 국가고시

RESPONSE>> Explain how to become a teacher in Korea.

Teaching is a very popular career in Korea.
ex> The most popular career these days is to be a star.

School teachers can get career stability and some time off during vacations.
ex> I suggest you get some time off work.

To become a certified teacher, you have to acquire a certificate in teaching.
* certified teacher: 자격을 갖춘 교사
ex> I'm taking a test to acquire a certificate in teaching.

You must graduate with a degree in education or take a required amount of education courses to get that certificate.
ex> I began work with a degree in communication.

To teach at a public school, you must pass a state exam called the "imyong-go-shi".
* state exam: 국가고시
ex> You have to pass a state exam for a driver's licence.

Some people re-take the exam several times to achieve their goals of becoming a teacher.

Teachers at private schools don't have to take that test.

As for elementary school teachers, there are specialized universities you have to graduate from.
ex> I have a specialized plan for people who have difficulty in learning.


@ She failed to pass the state exam.
그녀는 국가고시에 떨어졌어.

1. These days the most popular career among teenagers is becoming a star in the entertainment business.
2. I haven't acquired a certificate in teaching yet.
3. You have to pass a state exam to become a doctor.
4. There are high schools that specialize in foreign language.