Teacher of the Month

Hmmmmm. . . I came in on Thursday (last day of classes for the intensive session – yeah!) and Mr. Chairman Kim said over and over, “Lori-Ga! Bes-ta teach-a!” Several of the students laughed; I really didn’t think anything of it. In between classes Ted, the head teacher, told me Mr. Kim would like to see me in his office. Even at 33, that phrase still inspires fear. What have I done wrong now? Is this about my outburst eariler in the week? I walked in, he motioned for me to sit down. I sat and smiled. “Annong haesay-o. . .” Hello, how are you? He smiled and handed me a card. I motioned with my hands to ask, “What is this?” He motioned with his hands to open it. I did. A very nice gift certificate to the local department store. “Bes-ta teach-a.” Now go. Ted later told me that they have decided to have a teacher of the month each month. No one knows what the criteria is, or who chooses, though. Upon walking into the teacher’s workroom, one teacher made the comment, “Well, it’s not that you’re not a good teacher, but I think you were chosen just to appease you for the misunderstanding earlier in the week.” At which point another teacher said, “Yeah, and just remember, nothing’s for free. Wonder what else you’ll be expected to do for that gift certificate?” Bitter? Party of 6? Right this way, your table is ready . . .