"Integrated Class Homeroom Teachers Face Increased Workload... Calls for New Allowances Surge"

Demand for 'New Allowance' on Hamkke School Platform
JeonGyoJo Submits Allowance Adjustment Request to Education Office
Ministry of Education "Sympathizes with Necessity... Under Internal Review"

There are growing calls to provide additional allowances to teachers who serve as homeroom teachers for integrated classes. An integrated class refers to a class where students with special educational needs attend lessons alongside their general peers. Authorities are currently reviewing the establishment of such allowances internally but state that consultations with multiple government departments are necessary.

On the 20th, on the 'Hamkke School' platform where citizens propose education policies, a teacher posted a request for the creation of an allowance, stating, "In integrated classes, teachers face complex tasks such as curriculum development and grade processing while instructing special needs students, bearing the burden of special education-related duties typically performed by special education teachers." The post received 63 'recommendations' from teachers and the general public over two weeks.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Currently, homeroom teachers of integrated classes feel a heavier workload compared to general classes but do not receive separate special education allowances. Only teachers at special schools, special classes, and special education support centers are entitled to a monthly special education allowance of 120,000 KRW. This amount was increased by 50,000 KRW this year from 70,000 KRW last year. One teacher expressed on an online anonymous community, which requires workplace verification for membership, "Homeroom teachers of integrated classes should receive benefits because they handle challenging classes, but there is no allowance," adding, "Nowadays, the number of special education students is increasing to the point that there is at least one in every class."

While homeroom teachers of integrated classes voice their difficulties, the size of integrated classes is gradually increasing. According to special education statistics from the National Institute of Special Education, the number of students in full-time integrated classes has steadily risen from 15,344 in 2016 to 18,474 last year.

The Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union submitted a request for allowance adjustment, including the establishment of a 120,000 KRW allowance for integrated class homeroom teachers, to regional education offices on the 15th. The union stated, "Homeroom teachers of integrated classes require various research and efforts for inclusive education and must make special efforts in class management and student guidance," adding, "As the number of integrated classes increases and social demands grow, the workload of homeroom teachers in integrated classes is becoming heavier." The Federation of Teachers' Unions also plans to send a request for allowance adjustment proposing the establishment of an allowance for integrated class homeroom teachers.

The Ministry of Education acknowledges teachers' opinions and is considering the establishment of an allowance. A Ministry of Education official said, "The number of integrated schools is increasing, and because of the heavy workload, teachers are reluctant to take on homeroom roles," adding, "We recognize the necessity and are conducting internal reviews on possible measures, but there are procedures such as consultations with related ministries." To establish the allowance, the 'Regulations on Allowances for Public Officials,' stipulated by presidential decree, must be amended. The Ministry of Education reviews allowance adjustment requests submitted by education offices and submits the results of the Allowance Adjustment Deliberation Committee's decisions to the Ministry of Personnel Management for consultation.