Cho Hee-yeon: "If I could go back to the reinstatement of dismissed teachers, I would be careful with the procedures"

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyungsoo] Cho Hee-yeon, Superintendent of Education for Seoul, commented on the allegations of unfair special hiring of dismissed teachers, saying, "Even if the procedures were lacking, I believe our society can accept this to some extent within the larger flow of the spirit of the times."

On the 30th, attending the '301st Seoul Metropolitan Council Regular Session Plenary Meeting' for administrative questioning, Superintendent Cho responded, "If I could go back to that time, I would reinstate the dismissed teachers again, but I would be more careful with the procedures."

Regarding allegations that special hiring was carried out despite opposition from executives, he explained, "I told them not to worry because if we do not embrace the dismissed teachers in line with the changing spirit of the times, they would suffer on the streets for 10 years, and to proceed with the practical work."

Superintendent Cho accepted criticism about sending his two sons to foreign language high schools while advocating for the abolition of autonomous private high schools (Jasago) and foreign language high schools. He said, "I admit that sending my children to foreign language high schools while advocating for the abolition of autonomous private high schools is a case of 'naeronambul' (double standards)."

He also emphasized, "We need to create an equality project that can be accepted not only by the mainstream 50s and 60s generation but also by those in their 20s and 30s."

He shared his thoughts on 'Seoul Learn,' the lifelong education platform promoted by Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon. Superintendent Cho said, "Students with learning deficits or basic academic weaknesses cannot be helped by online content alone," adding, "It is important to provide integrated educational welfare, learning welfare, and mental health welfare."