Cassie Teacher is scary

If the title doesn't say it all, then I don't know what will. Some days I wonder if my teaching job in Korea is remotely like those back in the States. I feel overworked and underpaid, so I'm guessing yes.

I work straight days with no break 3 out of 5 days a week. Those other 2 days I get one 50 minute break at the end of the day to work on report cards, call students, and prep for lessons. My boss expects so much from all of us, it's a bit overwhelming. We also have video cameras in class to give you that big brother feel. Micromanagment anyone? Alas, I've become an angry worker. Some days I want to just pull my hair out, and other days aren't so bad. It kinda sucks that my job is really bringing down the whole Korean experience for me. I know, I know. It's a job, not a picnic...but if you know me at all, it's a life long goal to beat the 9 to 5 and do something I love. What that thing is? I'm not quite sure. But I'm pretty sure (110%) it's not teaching.

My co-teachers are pretty much awesome. Foreigners and Koreans alike, they're funny, understand my humor, and want to hang out a lot. Most of the Korean teachers have lived in an English speaking country at some point in their lives, so their English is good.

We're always getting new students and sometimes classes can feel overcrowded. We also shove so much homework at these kids I kinda feel bad. I'm pretty hard on my students as far as behavior goes, but because of this I feel a lot more respected from students than some other teachers. Some students might say I'm scary, but I'm also the one they go to when some kid is picking on them. And boy do I love to watch the bullies get theirs (via me). Plus I'm the teacher with candy and stickers. Psh, they love me.

The older middle school girls love to gossip and talk about Korean celebs. A couple girls always send me emails with the newest k-pop songs or "who has a boyfriend" drama.

I'm not sure where I fit in as far as my role goes, but I hope "scary teacher" isn't it. I mean, come on, don't I strike everyone as pleasant, maybe spiritually uplifting?.......cricket, cricket...............

Goodnight all~