Lee Jun-seok, the Reform Party presidential candidate, visited the education sector on the 15th, Teacher’s Day, to appeal for support. The candidate promised to protect teachers' rights and alleviate administrative burdens during a meeting with current and former teachers. The aim is to create an environment where teachers can focus on improving academic achievement.
On that day, Lee Jun-seok visited Seoul National University of Education in Seocho District, where he shared a meal with students. One student noted, "When listening to the words of veteran teachers, they say that while teaching is important, the burden of administrative work is significant."
The candidate stated, "I want to prioritize reducing the number of students assigned to each teacher as much as possible," adding, "In a situation where complaints from parents are increasing, it is difficult for one teacher to handle dozens of students like in the past." He continued, "With the boundaries between childcare and education breaking down, the political sphere is constantly adding childcare functions to schools, which is also a significant burden on teachers," and concluded, "I believe it is necessary to alleviate excessive workloads."
In response to the criticism that individuals from other fields have served as Minister of Education, the candidate remarked, "I believe that teachers should lead education policies," and emphasized, "It is natural for someone with an understanding of primary and secondary education to work in the Ministry of Education."
The candidate attended a meeting organized by the Korea Association of Elementary School Teachers at the Hanil Building in Junggu, Seoul. He listened to the stories of teachers who have taken leave due to stress from malicious complaints by parents and others who faced allegations of negligence related to accidents that occurred among students during physical education classes. Some of these stories involved teachers whose educational activities were halted due to police reports from parents who regarded general guidance as child abuse.
The candidate mentioned, "Some parents defame teachers online and offline when things do not go their way," and emphasized the need for parents to recognize that they can be held accountable for malicious complaints. He further stated, "Investigative agencies should be more sensitive in assessing teachers' reputation," adding, "If teachers face issues, it can disrupt the continuity of students' education."
The candidate continued, saying, "I will establish a system that prevents teachers from receiving complaints directly by appointing separate counselors," and noted that if disputes with parents are not resolved, he would ensure that there are no situations where individual teachers have to take legal action by appointing lawyers to the education office and district education offices.
The candidate promised to guarantee the political participation rights of teachers. He stated, "Teachers should be able to propose policies to specific political parties or support politicians who protect educational rights," adding, "Such activities by teachers can lead to improvements in education."
The candidate had previously announced a pledge to strengthen teachers' rights, stipulating that the education office would directly represent teachers in civil and criminal lawsuits arising from proper job performance, and that false reporters would be punished for defamation and could also face claims for damages. He also promised to strengthen the detention system that isolates problematic students in classrooms instead of using corporal punishment.
Earlier this month, the candidate proposed a policy to expand public education in mathematics for elementary and middle school levels, titled "National Education Responsibility System for Mathematics." This includes annual nationwide mathematics achievement evaluations for grades 4 through 9, classes divided based on evaluation results, and the placement of specialist assistant teachers to maintain a teacher-to-student ratio of 1 to 5. This proposal arises from the ongoing decline in mathematics achievement compared to other countries.