After reading through most of the posts on this thread, I feel compelled to offer my support to Michael, in the face of the ignorant raves of Mary, Clare, Baek,Sakana, and that professor, who really should know better.
Since I have only worked in the United States, I was very surprised to read the vicious remarks leveled at American teachers in Korea. Sure, there are some bad ones-just like in American schools and every business in every country.
However, considering the sacrifices American teachers make to teach abroad,and the hatred they encounter, I think that they should be treated with more respect.
It's often difficult to adjust to a foreign society, and I imagine some Americans have problems, but if they are able to teach English competently- why criticize them on factors having nothing to do with the work?
American teachers here in the States also have cultural issues with ESL students who want us to create an environment similar to the one they are accustomed to, and some of them refuse to learn unless we do it their way. If non-native speakers of English truly are committed to learning, they will stop their prejudices and fears from interfering with the learning process.
As a number of you have noted, each ranter has poor English skills. Maybe if they paid some attention to the teachers they hate so much, they might have learned enough English for us to take their complaints seriously. I have new admiration for those of you teaching in Korea. I wouldn't do it.
If a teacher is incompetent, has substance abuse isues, or is a predator of any kind, it is the responsibility of the administration to fire that individual. If a student has had a bad experience with a teacher, their anger should be leveled at those who hire bad teachers, and retain them despite the problems they cause.