Miscommunication? Try No Communication.

This should have tipped me off.


But my coordinator told me I had to come to school today. And at dinner last night with three of my co teachers, they all seemed confused when I told them I still had to go to work and said they were sorry.

This also should have tipped me off.

You see, today is Korea's national SAT day. So instead of having the SAT on multiple Saturdays throughout the year for high school students to take, they only have one and every high school student takes it on that one day. Its an all day event. So it has kind of turned into a holiday for everybody else, even middle schools. I knew this, but since my coordinator said I still had to come to school, I woke up, got ready, stopped at Starbucks, and headed out a little later than usual. Since, you know, there wasn't any reason to get there as early as I normally do.

20 minutes later, with a now cold scone in my purse and my toffee nut latte at slightly less than room temp, I walk up to the school. It's locked. The halls are dark. No cars are there. But, I'm not fooled. I was told by multiple people I still had to come to work. I was looking forward to this. A full day of no interruptions so I could lesson plan and prepare the room for my open class.

But like I said, the halls were dark. The doors, locked. I rang the bell.
Security dude: confused look on his face, nods his head no
Me: confused look on my face, pointing upstairs "me, teacher, work"
Security dude: makes the ex-uh gesture with his hands (no)
Me: see above
Security dude: Hakyo (school), NO! again makes the no gesture with his hands
Me: annoyed look on my face, ok.....

I text my coordinator to let her know what happened and that I will work from home, but she's supervising the SAT all day. So, obviously, there won't be a reply.

I start walking back, and see some of my students near the sidewalk practicing Shinee's Hello dance...I'm tempted to join them, but I don't want make them feel bad with my awesome Kpop moves when its their day off from school.

Middle school girls: "Teacher, you no have to work today. Test day!"
Me: "Well I was told I had to come to work, but you're right, nobody is there. So, if anybody asks tomorrow, will you tell them that you saw me here?"
Middle school girls: "Yes, yes!"

So I walk back getting more annoyed with each step. I text my friend who teaches middle school nearby. She tells me her school told her to come in at 10am.

Is that the case? If so, my school is going to be one English teacher short today when 10am rolls around.