Decision: Contract Renewal

I have decided to stay in South Korea for a second year.

Actually, it wasn't simply deciding that I wanted to stay. Instead, I needed to apply to the board of education in Busan for the opportunity to renew my contract. I wrote a self-evaluation that reflected on my teaching and lesson planning throughout the year, co-teaching with Korean teachers, reasons for staying another year, and personal goals for next year.

I was told earlier in the year that I would have a meeting with the principal at the school. Depending on how that meeting went and the principal's satisfaction with my performance, the school would approve of my contract renewal, and that would be communicated to the board of education. The meeting with my principal never happened. Instead, my co-teacher made it clear that she and the school wanted me to stay. My school simply passed on their approval to the board of education.

A few weeks later, I heard back from the board of education that my contract renewal application was approved. I think most people who want to stay and do a half-way decent job as a teacher and stay out of trouble are granted another contract. Still, it was nice to officially learn that I was wanted.

That's not the end of it though. I will still need to pass a medical check and submit all of the proper paperwork for a work visa extension. Unlike in Japan where my initial work visa was valid for three years, in Korea I need to renew my visa every year or anytime I get a new job or contract. I will be taking care of these details in the coming weeks and I hope they are simply formalities.

About two weeks ago I was invited to take part in the online contract renewal orientation and training. All foreign English teachers in Busan who are renewing their contracts for next year logged in online for the afternoon session. We learned about the process for renewal and refreshed our teaching repertoire with new resources and techniques to try in the classroom. There was a heavy focus on further preparing to teach online and ensuring that this format would be beneficial for our students.

During the online orientation, there were several vague comments by the board of education coordinator that there was a possibility that teachers may be reassigned to different schools next year, depending on various factors. Although, those who teach at middle schools, like me, would likely remain at our current schools. Elementary teachers may have their responsibilities shifted because, due to budget cuts, there will be fewer native teachers hired in Busan next year. I'm thankful that I will have some stability next year and not have to worry about learning the ins and outs of a new school.

So, why did I decide to stay in Korea for year two?

It goes without saying that it was a very difficult decision and I've been shifting back and forth on my choice for weeks and months.  COVID-19 played a major factor in my decision. At the time of my decision, Ontario has had record numbers of new cases and they seem to be out of control, at least in the Toronto area, which is now under a type of lockdown.  Also, I have been monitoring the job market for the entire year, and it looks like finding another job back home in the immediate timeframe would not be very likely.

In the end, I am happy here and I expect the next year will be even better because I am much more comfortable teaching, I know my students better, and I have many teaching lessons and materials already prepared. I didn't get to explore South Korea very much this year because of the corona-virus. I have been in Busan for the whole time except for a brief trip to Jeju and Seoul, so I hope I can travel more next year. Despite some of the minor annoyances of living in a foreign country and struggling with the language, I think this is the best decision for now.

It will be very difficult to be away for another year and I don't know when it will be possible to come home for a visit. That depends on the COVID-19 situation in Canada, South Korea, and the world. I'll make the best of things here while trying to improve as a teacher and experiencing Korean culture and taking the necessary precautions against the corona-virus.