General Comments about the Korean Education System

Let me first begin by qualifying myself. I am a recent graduate of the greatest public university on the face of the earth, the University of Wisconsin at Madison. For better or probably for worse, I majored in political science. Now less than a year out of college, I've suddenly found myself teaching middle school students just south of the DMZ in South Korea. I am not exactly experienced when it comes to the educational system in the US, but I have been part of lots of inefficient bureaucracies in my time. Far and away, none have been so inefficient and far from logic than the system the guides Goam Middle School where I teach. This post has been inspired by crazy schedule they've had me working since winter break started on December 23, 2004. At some point I will explain the degree of absurdity. For now, suffice it to say that the amount of hours I work, and the amount of work I get done are in no way proportionate. It's not by choice because normally when I am "at work," I like to get work done, instead of figuring out ways to spend my time. My situation may be unique, but nevertheless, it is still worthy of complaint. As a final thought, I will say this: next week is spring break, yet all the teachers are required to come and work half days. The principal is retiring so a big ceremony has been planned. At the end of this spring break week, there is another separate ceremony for teachers who won't be returning for the start of the school year, the following week. Why plan such important events during a time designated for rest and "break?" It is queries such as these that perplex and plague my life here. Thankfully, I have many other things that I can complain about, so I don't have to spend my time dwelling on certain frustrations.