Gwangju Prospective Teachers Visit Elementary Schools in Advance... 'Mentors in Schools'

Gwangju Office of Education and Gwangju National University of Education Assign 304 Assistant Teachers This Year
Customized Support for Basic Academic Skills through Assistant Teacher Activities

Prospective teachers in Gwangju are heading to elementary schools. The Gwangju Office of Education, in collaboration with Gwangju National University of Education, is launching the "Mentors in Schools" program to support elementary students' basic academic skills.

On the 19th, a university student teaching assistant is guiding a student at Bonchon Elementary School.

The Gwangju Office of Education announced on the 20th that it will operate the "University Student Assistant Teacher Program" at 58 elementary schools during the first semester of this year in cooperation with Gwangju National University of Education. This initiative has been implemented since 2013 with the goal of improving basic academic skills among elementary students. University student assistant teachers provide tailored learning guidance and counseling to enhance learning efficiency for students.

This year, 304 third-year students from Gwangju National University of Education are participating. At least two assistant teachers are assigned to each school, focusing on guiding students who lack basic academic skills. The assistant teachers oversee both the academic progress and daily life of the students. Schools offer prospective teachers opportunities to observe classes and participate in daily education, while also managing their activities. Gwangju National University of Education provided pre-training for the assistant teachers, covering Korean literacy education, basic mathematics instruction methods, and student counseling techniques.

On the 19th, a university student teaching assistant is guiding a student at Ojeong Elementary School.

Following this semester's collaboration with Gwangju National University of Education, the Gwangju Office of Education plans to operate the assistant teacher program with Chonnam National University and Chosun University in the second semester. Afterwards, satisfaction surveys will be conducted among participating teachers and university students to inform next year's plans. In addition, together with Gwangju National University of Education, they will systematically promote the development of learning and counseling programs, assignment and confirmation of assistant teacher activity hours, monitoring, and performance analysis.

Superintendent Lee Jungseon stated, "The university student assistant teacher program is a valuable initiative in which the Office of Education, universities, and schools work together to guarantee students' basic academic abilities," adding, "It will be an opportunity for prospective teachers to gain field experience."