"Look at the Children, Not the Numbers"... Jeonnam Office of Education Launches Petition to Halt Teacher Reductions

Solidarity with the Educational Community
Calling for the Protection of Students' Right to Learn

The Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education has launched a petition campaign opposing the government's teacher reduction policy, calling for the suspension of teacher quota reductions and improvements in teacher policies for the future of students.

On October 1, the Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education announced in a press release, "Since September 30, we have been conducting a broad-based petition campaign involving staff, parents, students, civic groups, and teacher organizations." The office added, "This petition will be delivered directly to the government so that the urgent demands of the educational field can be reflected in policy."

The Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education has launched a petition campaign calling for the suspension of teacher quota reductions and improvements in teacher policies for the future of students. Provided by Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education

The Office pointed out that the government's recent plan to reduce the number of teachers is based solely on the decrease in the number of students, without adequately considering the actual number of classes or the educational conditions in each region.

Concerns were also raised that, in Jeonnam-which has many rural and island areas-the uniform application of this policy could further burden the educational field, as each teacher is already responsible for a relatively heavy workload and greater educational responsibilities.

An official from the Office said, "The current reduction trend makes it difficult to operate the curriculum properly and hinders the realization of student-centered education. Reducing the number of teachers will inevitably lead to a decline in the quality of education."

Starting with this petition campaign, the Office plans to strengthen collaboration with teacher organizations and the local community, and to continue a variety of activities calling for comprehensive improvements in teacher policies.

Superintendent Kim Daejung emphasized, "Teacher reductions are not just a matter of numbers-they threaten each child's right to learn and grow. The Office will do its utmost to ensure that students can prepare for their futures in a stable educational environment."