46 Language Teaching
On Being a Master Teacher
EDUCATION
Interview by Dr. David E. Shaffer
Billie Kang conducting an “open class” open to parents, teachers, etc.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
May 2020
We all know what a postmaster is and what a headmaster is, and we’re all familiar with “master of ceremonies” and “master craftsman.” But what about “master teacher” in the Korean educational context? The Gwangju News recently approached Master Teacher Billie Kang during her school break to tell us a little about herself, her teaching, and becoming a master teacher. Billie is an active member of the Gwangju-Jeonnam Chapter of Korea TESOL and has been for quite some time. — Ed. Gwangju News (GN): Thank you, Billie, for granting us this interview. We know how busy you are. Well, to begin with, would you tell us a little about yourself? Billie Kang: I’ve been an elementary school teacher in Gwangju for over 20 years and have been a master teacher for nine years now. I’ve enjoyed most of my teaching career, especially since I became a master teacher, because a master teacher’s sole focus is on teaching itself. Other than teaching, I love traveling and meeting people from different language and cultural backgrounds for growth through sharing. GN: Could you tell us a little about your educational background? Where did you go to school and what did you study? I hear that you also studied abroad. Could
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you tell us about that experience, and why you decided to study abroad? Billie Kang: I graduated from GNUE [Gwangju National University of Education], majoring in elementary education and minoring in music education. English has always been my favorite subject – to both teach and learn – but GNUE didn’t have an English education major while I was studying there. Therefore, after graduation, it just seemed like a natural decision for me to further my studies in English teaching. With a bit of an adventurous spirit, I applied for my master’s degree in the United States. I started at SUNY-Buffalo [the State University of New York at Buffalo] in 2001 and came back with an MA in TESOL after a year and a half.
4/24/2020 4:15:57 PM
