Gimpo City Leads Practical Shift in Public Education Through Collaboration
Gimpo City and Gimpo Office of Education Hold Working Council for Education Development Special Zone
Gimpo City in Gyeonggi Province, which rapidly emerged last year as a key driver in transforming the local educational landscape through major developments such as its designation as an Education Development Special Zone, selection as an autonomous public high school, and educational cooperation with Yonsei University, is now leading a practical shift in public education through working-level consultations with the Gimpo Office of Education.
Gimpo City held a "Working Council for the Successful Promotion of the Gimpo Education Development Special Zone" on the 25th at the Gimpo City Hall video conference room in collaboration with the Gimpo Office of Education. Provided by Gimpo City
On the 25th, Gimpo City (Mayor Kim Byungsoo) held a "Working Council for the Successful Promotion of the Gimpo Education Development Special Zone" in the video conference room at Gimpo City Hall in collaboration with the Gimpo Office of Education. The meeting brought together team leaders from six education-related departments at Gimpo City Hall and supervisors from the Gimpo Office of Education. They discussed the progress of key projects, cooperation matters, and engaged in substantive discussions on shaping the future of education in Gimpo together.
In particular, the two parties concretized their educational cooperation by discussing the application of high-quality specialized care, global competency enhancement, STEM education such as AI and software, and autonomous public high schools?initiatives actively promoted by Gimpo City?alongside efforts by the Gimpo Office of Education to strengthen the connection between care and classes and provide practical support to enhance teachers' expertise.
With the formation of this working-level council, where the local government and educational authorities go beyond simple financial support to jointly design and implement a city's educational vision, there is growing anticipation that this will directly lead to faster and more effective policy implementation.
Since being designated as an Education Development Special Zone, Gimpo City has pursued policies that expand the foundation for children and youth growth by reflecting local characteristics and future educational needs. These include: implementing specialized care and safe accompaniment programs; expanding foreign language and global citizenship education; and supporting inclusive education for youth with migrant backgrounds. Through these efforts, the city is taking the lead in creating an educational environment where everyone can receive care safely while fostering diversity and global competencies.
Additionally, Gimpo City is building a Gimpo-style future education model linked to local resources, including: AI and software education in partnership with Yonsei University; media education; specialized programs connected to the reading festival; ice sports education; and support for autonomous public high schools. The city views education as a core urban competitiveness factor and is expanding a public education system where administration and policy work organically together.
The Gimpo Office of Education is working to realize future-oriented education centered on schools by supporting the Neulbom Classroom program and environmental improvements, as well as offering professional development for teachers. In particular, by focusing on strengthening the connection between care and classes and providing practical support to enhance teachers' expertise, the office is solidifying the substance of education.
Furthermore, the office is responding to diverse educational needs by promoting the designation of autonomous public high schools, expanding the IB (International Baccalaureate) program, and developing Gimpo-style integrated early childhood education programs. It is also concretizing a connected public education system tailored to local conditions, spanning from early childhood to high school.
Mayor Kim Byungsoo stated, "Gimpo City is designing the direction of education together with the local community, based on the belief that good education creates a good city and forms the foundation for Gimpo to become a place where citizens want to stay. We are building a practical educational environment for future generations. Gimpo's education is changing more than ever before. Soon, Gimpo will become a city known for its prestigious schools and will rapidly transform into a city that attracts future talent who want to come here for education."
Meanwhile, since the launch of the 8th popularly elected administration, Gimpo City has moved beyond the limitations of local governments merely supporting educational funding, expressing its commitment to jointly fostering local talent. Following this, the city has achieved numerous milestones?such as designation as an Education Development Special Zone, selection of a locally specialized autonomous public high school, signing a business agreement with Seoul City for the Seoul Learn program, and educational cooperation with Yonsei University?thereby reshaping Gimpo's educational landscape. At the same time, the city is developing a future education roadmap for Gimpo in collaboration with various local stakeholders and experts, taking into account overall urban changes and development. As a result, Gimpo is gaining attention as a premium educational city leading innovation and nurturing future talent.
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