[ A paradigm shift in Busan English teacher training program ]

Busan Metropolitan City Office of Education (BMCOE) creates various training programs abroad to train teachers to be competitive English teachers. This is aimed at enhancing accountability of public education and replacing native English teachers with them. Especially with a paradigm shift in the training program, the promotion of teachers' English teaching abilities and English communication skills are achieved by observing the classes and teaching American students in class in English in the U.S.

Teachers for the training programs were selected by a commission consisting of native English teachers, college professors and staff in BMCOE. A scrupulous selection procedure, including impromptu English speech, teaching demonstrations in English, an interview, and an English essay was used to select competitive trainees. These training programs are challenges to teachers and encourage them to keep trying to improve their English skills.

The elementary school teacher training programs in Chicago and New York will be carried out from January to June 2009. Teachers have the opportunity to observe classes and teach students in class at 15 public elementary and secondary schools in New York and 12 public elementary schools in Chicago.

The middle school teacher training program entrusted to the Dongseo university will be conducted from January to June 2009. Teachers will be provided with preliminary training which enables them to adjust themselves to the training in the U.S. They will learn basic information about schools in the U.S., including curricula, as well as living information in the U.S. Afterward, teachers will get a TESOL course at the University of California, Riverside (UCR). Teachers will be given chances to observe the classes and teach American students in class. They will have a home-stay accommodation, which helps them experience the culture as well as further improve their English communication skills.

During the training they will observe ELS and regular class and assist the class activities. Also, they will co-teach a reading class and student group activities with American teachers. With the approval of the principal of an assigned school, Busan teachers will be a class teacher and have a course in the Korean language for the ethnic Korean students. In the class, students will learn about not only the Korean language but also Korean culture and Korean etiquette. Moreover, counseling services will be available for the Korean students struggling in developing self-identity.

The training program abroad will be expected for teachers to learn advanced teaching skills by observing classes and assisting with classes in the U.S. This will make it possible for teachers to promote English proficiency and communication skills through various reciprocal activities between students and faculty. The quality of elementary English education will be improved by promoting teaching skills and expertise.

After training, teachers are required to submit a training report, a teaching plan of a class in English, and a video recording of a class. Also, they will perform an open class in each district office of education. When they get back to Busan, elementary school teachers will work in school as an English teachers for 3 ~ 5 years. Middle school teachers will be the preferred applicants to the special purposed schools and they will deliver an open class for developing a new English teaching model. Also, they will be designated as a key trainer and give a lecture in middle school teacher training.