KOTESOL National Conference 2018
(Special Session)
Rhett Burton, Burton’s English School
Leonie Overbeek, Hwaseong Board of Education: Seosin Middle School
Unemployment: Take flight or double down?
Abstract
What will happen when you or your school aren't interested in renewing your teaching contract? Will you find a new job, leave Korea, or start up your own educational based business. These are all possible and there are lots of opportunities.
These opportunities won't be easy though. These transitions won't be the 'Low Risk / High Reward Opportunities' that many teachers experienced when first starting out. Now, many of us have 5, 10, or 20 plus years invested in our careers, degrees, skills and network. We have gigabytes or terabytes of assignments, worksheets, videos, stories, blog posts, etc stored on our computers. Some of us have families who are dependent on our ability to 'be of value'. And most of us will have to close a chapter on a goal or vision we have had.
In this joint presentation the authors will each present their own answers to these questions, their reasons for making the decisions they have, the prospects of moving across borders, not just figuratively but also literally, and discuss the possibilities for life after or during ESL/EFL teaching.
Leonie Overbeek will present the story of how, and why, she has decided to 'Take Flight' to new challenges in another country, Bulgaria. She will present a snapshot of Bulgaria at this time, and her hopes for the future of herself and of the country - and of the possibility to continue to teach or be involved in English teaching in some way.
Rhett Burton will share his story of 'Doubling Down' on his desire to start up an educational business (hagwon and more). He will share several crucial moments in his teaching career that have helped him to find the clarity and motivation to move forward with his projects. There are elements of classroom ah-ha moments, reflective practices, curriculum development, using Wordpress, starting a business, overcoming burnout and committing to lifestyle design.
What are some of your needs and wants for your next transition?
Come and join the conversation.
See the list of Presentations at the KOTESOL 2018 National Conference
