Eungseok Lee of Bongseong Elementary in Bonghwa Wins 'Korea Mathematics Education Award'

The Gyeongbuk Provincial Office of Education (Superintendent Lim Jong-sik) announced on January 2 that Eungseok Lee, a teacher at Bongseong Elementary School in Bonghwa, has been selected as the recipient of the '2025 Korea Mathematics Education Award', organized by the Ministry of Education and the Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity.

The 'Korea Mathematics Education Award' is the highest honor in the field of mathematics education, established to discover and reward outstanding teachers who have contributed to the advancement of mathematics education. The award aims to enhance the pride of mathematics teachers and strengthen public education by spreading exemplary teaching practices.

Eungseok Lee, Teacher at Bongseong Elementary School, Bonghwa

Eungseok Lee was recognized for his contributions in establishing innovative mathematics lesson models suited to the era of digital transformation, advancing the national curriculum, and leading a qualitative leap in mathematics education in Korea.

He developed and disseminated play-based lesson models, such as the 'Digital Dice Multiplication Journey' linked with AI digital textbooks, presenting a new direction for mathematics instruction. Through these efforts, he transformed mathematics from a 'difficult and rigid subject' into an 'enjoyable field of exploration,' and was credited with boosting students' learning motivation and affective achievement.

He also participated in writing the mathematics textbooks and field-use books for grades 1 and 2 under the '2022 Revised Curriculum,' contributing to the enhancement of mathematics education at the national level. He was recognized for his expertise by building future-oriented mathematics education models that incorporate the latest edtech, as evidenced by achievements such as winning second place at the 15th National Digital Education Research Competition.

In addition, he has taken the lead in sharing mathematics education with underserved groups by running leading classes such as 'Smart! Math Explorers' and 'Hope Ladder Classroom,' providing customized mathematics clinics for students with basic academic difficulties. He has also contributed to the spread of experiential mathematics education content by serving as an instructor at the Andong Mathematics Experience Center and as a member of the exhibit development support team.

Eungseok Lee stated, "It is a great honor to receive an award given to teachers dedicated to the advancement of mathematics education, and I feel a deep sense of pride as an elementary school teacher. I will continue to strive to help all students build a strong mathematical foundation by delivering lessons that convey the joy of mathematics."

Lim Jong-sik, Superintendent of Education for Gyeongbuk, commented, "This award is a meaningful achievement that demonstrates the excellence of Gyeongbuk's mathematics education at the national level. It is the result of the quiet dedication of teachers who have worked for classroom innovation. We will continue to support teachers so they can take pride in their educational activities, and work to ensure that Gyeongbuk's exemplary cases become a solid foundation for the advancement of mathematics education in Korea."