Bryan Hale Heads Gwangju KOTESOL: An Interview

Interviewed by David Shaffer.

This November, the Gwangju-Jeonnam Chapter of Korea TESOL (KOTESOL) elected Bryan Hale to a second one-year term as president of the chapter. The Gwangju News recently connected with Bryan to find out more about him and more about the past, present, and future of the local chapter of KOTESOL.  — Ed.

Gwangju News (GN): Hello, Bryan. First of all, congratulations on your re-election as president of the Gwangju-Jeonnam Chapter of KOTESOL. I want to ask you many things about the chapter, but to begin with, would you tell our readers a little about who Bryan Hale is?

Bryan Hale: Hello, and thank you! It is a real honor to be interviewed by the Gwangju News! Maybe aspects of my story will be shared by a number of readers. I originally came to Korea because I was unsatisfied with my job in Australia and wanted an exciting experience in a new culture. But I quickly discovered that I find teaching fulfilling, so I have been here ever since!

I first worked at a hagwon in Gwangju for a few years before moving to my current position at a high school in Yeongam, near Mokpo. When I first came to Korea, I planned to move closer and closer to Seoul. That plan really has not worked out! Luckily, this is a wonderful part of the world to live in.

GN: I think that although many English teachers in the area may have heard of Gwangju-Jeonnam KOTESOL, they really are not sure of what it is: a TESOL certificate course, an expat teachers’ union, or what. Could you clear this up for us?

Bryan Hale: KOTESOL is for any language teacher who is interested in developing professionally. If you are passionate about teaching, or want to learn some new ideas and techniques for your classroom, or you are interested in doing research, or you have ideas about how our profession could improve – or even if you are just kind of curious – then you should definitely come check out one of our local monthly meetings!

I think you are right about misunderstandings about what we are. We are a non-profit organization powered by volunteers. We are basically a network of people interested in doing our best as teachers and in seeing the English teaching profession in Korea do its best.

GN: You are beginning your second year as chapter president. Could you tell us what has transpired within the chapter during your first year at the helm of the Gwangju-Jeonnam vessel?

Bryan Hale: It has been lucky for me as incoming chapter president that Gwangju-Jeonnam is one of the most well-established chapters of KOTESOL! That is because of the years of hard work its leaders have put in, and because Gwangju-Jeonnam teachers are a committed and passionate community. So, I am proud to say that I have been doing my best to continue the chapter’s proud history of service to its members. 

In March this year, we held our annual Regional Conference at Gwangju National University of Education. It was a blast! We had a really diverse range of workshops and discussion sessions in several strands, and we also had the GNUE Teacher Training Center foyer full of poster sessions and booths (and people from all around our province and across Korea mingling and chatting, too!).

It has been great fun to organize our monthly workshop meetings. I think this year we have had a great mix of practical teaching ideas, career development-focused sessions, and discussions on diversity and social justice from a wonderful array of presenters.

GN: And the obvious question to follow up with is “What are your plans for the Gwangju-Jeonnam Chapter for the coming year?” Are you planning on turning the captain’s wheel or changing the ship’s speed?

Bryan Hale: I try to be a considerate and collaborative chapter leader, so I am not planning any sharp turns of the wheel (unless maybe some kind of iceberg looms…. Am I taking the metaphor too far?). We already have a lot of great things planned for the upcoming year, including some exciting monthly workshops and what promises to be another invigorating Regional Conference on March 14, 2020. The truth is that KOTESOL is driven by the energy and contributions of its members, and a lot of my role as chapter president is about helping to create opportunities for members to engage and shine.

GN: Why should local English teachers be interested in the professional development on offer through KOTESOL, and what are some ways in which you think you have become a better educator through KOTESOL?

Bryan Hale: I think English teachers in Gwangju-Jeonnam care about professional development, but they might be wary because they have had bad experiences with mandatory teacher workshops that perhaps were not totally focused on helping them become better educators. At KOTESOL events, the focus is all about developing our teaching, caring about our students and their learning, and improving our profession.

I feel that my involvement with KOTESOL has allowed me to take control of my own development. It has opened me up to an array of ideas and approaches to language teaching, it has introduced me to all kinds of theories and debates and fascinating conundrums in our field, and most of all, it has put me in touch with a fantastic network of people with diverse areas of expertise. Through KOTESOL, I have become a better prepared, more confident, and more thoughtful and reflective teacher.

To be totally honest, professional development is not valued enough by many employers of English language teachers in Korea – but that does not mean that it is never valued, and good employers definitely value teachers who demonstrate professionalism and growth. And possibly the most rewarding part of professional development is feeling that you are providing your students with better learning opportunities.

GN: Thank you. It is almost time to wrap up our interview, but first, are there any final comments you would like to convey to our readership?

Bryan Hale: Oh no, there is so much I forgot to talk about! I did not even mention the KOTESOL International Conference in Seoul every October – the biggest English language education event in Korea. Or how valuable KOTESOL networking can be for finding out about job opportunities, research opportunities, and all kinds of exciting projects. Or the members’ discount at The First Alleyway! But I hope curious readers will check us out at koreatesol.org/gwangju, or search for “Gwangju-Jeonnam KOTESOL” on Facebook.

GN: Well, thank you, Bryan, for doing this interview with us. I wish you, the Gwangju-Jeonnam Chapter, and Korea TESOL the best in the coming year.

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Gwangju-Jeonnam KOTESOL Monthly Meeting

Date: December 14 (2nd Saturday)

Place: Gwangju National University of Education (GNUE)

• Representation and Racism: Focusing on English Textbooks in Korea (Presenter: Travis Frank (Kaplan English).

• Presentation 2 to be announced.
• SwapShop Mini-Presentations – All are welcome to contribute.
• Year-End Dinner

For full event details:

• Website: http://koreatesol.org/gwangju
• Facebook: Gwangju-Jeonnam KOTESOL

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The Interviewer

David Shaffer has lived for many years in Gwangju and taught for many years at Chosun University. He has been associated with KOTESOL since its beginnings. As vice-president of the Gwangju-Jeonnam Chapter of KOTESOL, he invites you to participate in the teacher development workshops at their monthly meetings. Dr. Shaffer is presently the chairman of the board at the Gwangju International Center and also editor-in-chief of the Gwangju News.