Teachers' Union Urges "Support for Securing Personnel" in Promoting Elementary Neulbom Schools

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Tae-min] Teacher organizations emphasized that the Ministry of Education's '2023 Major Work Promotion Plan' announced on the 5th must be supported by a concrete personnel acquisition plan.

In the work promotion plan announced that day, the Ministry of Education presented ▲ the introduction of a digital textbook platform ▲ pilot operation of graduate schools of education ▲ promotion of integrated childcare and Neulbom Schools (full-day elementary schools) ▲ pilot operation of education freedom zones ▲ legislative promotion of the mayor-governor and superintendent running mate system.

The Korea Federation of Teachers' Associations issued a statement saying that while they generally agree with the Ministry of Education's reform direction, additional personnel supply plans are necessary to support the plan.

The federation stated, "Since the high school credit system will be gradually introduced starting from the first year of high school this year, a mid- to long-term teacher supply plan must be promptly prepared and actively promoted," adding, "Measures to increase teachers to strengthen basic academic skills and to resolve overcrowded classes and educational disparities must be prepared quickly."

They also emphasized, "(Neulbom Schools) should not assign specific teachers to manage the work as a side task during their free time outside of classes," and "Childcare and after-school programs should fundamentally be transferred to local governments and operated with dedicated organizations and personnel." The Good Teacher Movement also stated regarding the Neulbom School policy that "plans for securing personnel and financial support must be disclosed."

Regarding the legislative promotion of the running mate system, teacher organizations took a cautious stance, saying that 'sufficient discussion' must continue. The federation pointed out problems with the current direct election system and said, "All various election methods, including the running mate system, should be kept open, and serious discussions should begin now."

The Good Teacher Movement said, "The direct election system for superintendents is a system that should be further improved to realize educational autonomy, not a system to be replaced by the running mate system, which undermines educational autonomy and cannot secure political neutrality in education," and criticized, "It is premature to proceed without social discussion and consensus."

In addition, the Good Teacher Movement stated, "There are parts of the work report that may be hastily pushed forward without sufficient social consensus," emphasizing the importance of gathering opinions from stakeholders regarding the introduction of graduate schools of education and the promotion of integrated childcare.

The organization Education Concerned About Private Education argued regarding the high school system reform plan, "Focusing on the already concluded debate over high school diversification policy only undermines trust in education policy," and insisted, "By 2025, autonomous private high schools, foreign language high schools, and international high schools should be converted to general high schools, and full implementation of the high school credit system should be pursued with all efforts."