Inhong Park of Sangju Hamchang Jungang Elementary Honored with "Science Teacher of the Year Award" ... "Science Is a Window to a New World"

The Gyeongbuk Office of Education (Superintendent Lim Jong-sik) announced on December 5 that Inhong Park, a teacher at Sangju Hamchang Jungang Elementary School, has been selected as the recipient of the "2025 Science Teacher of the Year Award," hosted by the Ministry of Science and ICT and organized by the Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity.

The "Science Teacher of the Year Award" is presented annually since 2003 to science teachers who have contributed to the revitalization of science education and the spread of scientific culture. The award includes a commendation from the Minister of Science and ICT and a prize of 5 million won.

Teacher Inhong Park, Sangju Hamchang Jungang Elementary School

This year's awardee, Teacher Inhong Park, was recognized for strengthening students' self-directed inquiry skills by guiding various science competitions such as the Student Science Invention Contest, implementing integrated gifted education programs to foster future talent, and developing and applying STEAM leading school programs, thereby contributing significantly to the advancement of science education.

In addition, Teacher Park has been actively involved in educational outreach, participating in the KAIST Gifted Nurturing Project to support underprivileged students in the region, engaging in STEMPLE activities with the Science Teacher Research Association, and contributing to the Gyeongbuk Office of Education’s Creative Convergence Talent Support Group.

At the award ceremony held at the National Gwacheon Science Museum on December 3, Teacher Inhong Park remarked, "Science is a window that allows us to see a new world and a force that makes challenges possible. I will strive even harder to convey the value of living knowledge and inquiry to students who will live in the age of artificial intelligence."

Ryu Sikyung, Director of the Creative Talent Division at the Gyeongbuk Office of Education, stated, "The passionate dedication of teachers in the field of science education is brightening the future of education," adding, "We will continue to provide multifaceted support to ensure that innovative practices in science education can spread further."