"Ensuring Teacher Protection Systems Take Root in Schools"
"Addressing Excessive Private Education for Young Children and Digital Dependency"
On May 15, Teacher's Day, Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated, "I will ensure that systems to protect teachers' rights take root in schools," and added, "I will make it possible for teachers to devote themselves to education without worry."
On the 15th, Teacher's Day, teachers at Dongil Elementary School in Nowon-gu, Seoul, are holding carnations received from students and posing for a commemorative photo. Photo by Yonhap News
On this day, through social networking services (SNS), Lee said, "Teachers must be happy for children to be happy. We will reduce unnecessary administrative work and introduce 'mental wellness leave,'" as he posted his education policy statement.
Lee also pledged, "I will ensure that teachers, as members of a democratic society, are treated with due respect," and added, "Outside of working hours, I will guarantee the freedom to engage in political activities unrelated to their duties, thereby restoring the rights guaranteed by the Constitution."
Regarding students, he said, "We will strengthen civic education in elementary, middle, and high schools," and emphasized, "We will promote education in democracy, human rights, environment, and history so that young people can take charge of their own lives. We will help them develop the ability to think and act independently, as well as to understand their communities."
Regarding early childhood education, he stated, "Through the National Education Commission, we will help develop effective solutions to the problem of excessive private education for young children," and added, "We will gradually expand support for early childhood education and childcare expenses starting from age five, and gradually lower the teacher-to-child ratio to the OECD standard, thereby strengthening the state's responsibility for early childhood and elementary education." He also said, "We will provide customized support for students struggling with emotional and behavioral issues, from assessment to counseling and treatment," and added, "We will also operate support programs for young people who are excessively dependent on digital technology."
Regarding higher education, he reiterated his previous general election pledge to 'create 10 Seoul National University-level institutions.' Lee said, "We will strategically foster regional flagship national universities to reduce university hierarchy and achieve balanced national development," and added, "We will develop these national universities into world-class research universities, and, in cooperation with regional private universities, make universities the centers of regional innovation and growth."
He continued, "We will strengthen vocational education and expand lifelong learning," and added, "We will enhance the quality of vocational education by strengthening connections between vocational high schools, junior colleges, and universities. We will expand support for the 'National Scholarship for Post-High School Learners' and reinforce transition education to support adults and middle-aged individuals in pursuing second careers."
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