Elementary Special Education Teacher Facing Marriage Found Dead... Suspected Overwork

'Overcapacity' Crowded Class 담당... Suspected Work Overload
Education Authorities "Added 3 Staff Members to Support"

Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education building.
[Photo by Asia Economy DB]

It was recently revealed that a special education teacher at an elementary school in Incheon, who was scheduled to get married next year, was found dead. The special education community claimed that the teacher faced a heavy workload, including managing a class exceeding the official capacity.

According to Yonhap News on the 30th, A, a special education teacher in her 30s, was found dead at her home in Michuhol-gu at 8 p.m. on the 24th. The police are investigating the exact circumstances of the case, with no signs of foul play suspected.

The special education community stated that Teacher A had been struggling with a heavy workload, managing a class composed of eight special education students, including four with severe disabilities. Under the current Special Education Act, the capacity for one special class in an elementary school is six students.

Originally, the elementary school had two special education teachers, each managing one special class, but earlier this year, the total number of special education students decreased to six, so Teacher A took charge of one entire class. Then, in March, one more special education student was added, creating an overcrowded class, and in August, another student transferred in, bringing the total to eight students.

In addition to the eight students she was responsible for, Teacher A also frequently provided guidance to six special education students in integrated classes and handled administrative tasks. A special education official said, "Due to the nature of special education teachers, Teacher A was unable to take sick leave even when needed," and added, "She also received complaints from parents while managing the overcrowded class."

In response, the Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education explained that, following the school's request for additional staff, three additional personnel were assigned between March and May: two support staff for students with disabilities and one assistant for special education students. An official from the Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education stated, "Besides Teacher A and one existing special education assistant, three additional staff members were provided," and added, "We will verify whether there were any malicious complaints or unfair issues."

Meanwhile, it was reported that Teacher A was a special education teacher with less than five years of service and was planning to get married next year.