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Texas ISD School Guide
Texas ISD School Guide







Articles for Teachers

The 3 Rules For Making A Native English Teacher's Principal Adore You - Read This First
By:Daniel E Massicotte

There are three things you need to do to make your principal and vice principals adore you at your school. These three things are greeting them, gifting them and talking to them. Let's take a look at each of these in greater detail.

The Morning Bow: A good morning greeting has got to be the easiest thing in the world. All you have to do is upon arriving at work, take the long route to get to your cubical or office. Stop by at the principal's desk; wait for them to see you and then do a full, 100% complete bow.

Don't do a half bow, since that makes it look like you are bowing out of obligation or that someone told you do it. When you bow, give a solemn "An-Yaw-Ha-Seyo", smile and wait for them to acknowledge you. Don't make it look like you're a robot, do it naturally.

By doing this every single day, you show the boss that you see them as the boss and show respect to them. Principals and Vice-Principals like that kind of stuff. If you're having a hard time picturing it, just imagine you're the lowly poverty-stricken pawn at the bottom of the ladder. You can smile to yourself if you want. Just don't let them see it. Korea is all about putting forth a good image.

Taking To Them: Remember I said don't act like a robot? Well you shouldn't just limit your interaction to "The Morning Bow."Say "hi" in the halls, smile at them and don't forget to ask them how they're doing. Bonus points if you say it in Korean. To say "how have you been [lately]?" is Jal-Chi-Ne-Syo-Sum-Knee-Da?" They love hearing phrases that end with "Sum-Knee-Da" because it's indicates respect for someone who is higher, older and wiser than you.

The Giving Tree: Remember the giving tree? It would give apples to a boy who just happened to be nearby after he carved a heart in the trunk. Well in a way the principals at your school have carved a heart in your life. They put up with a lot of stuff from us Native Teachers (NT'ers) so we can be here. Doesn't it make sense to give them a gift every once in a while? Sure.

Don't bring a flower, that's too romantic. You could bring wine, if you wanted to, don't forget to include a Korean note though. Writing a note in Korean full of errors shows devotion and that you're trying to fit in with everyone. Write an English note only when communicating with your English co-workers.

The best things to give are usually Korean things. Koreans like getting gifts they recognize, of the highest quality.

Dan teachers Native English Teachers how to survive in Korea by cooking, giving and being loving at their schools. Join his free newsletter: http://www.survivalinkorea.com


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