“We will realize a 'public education chance' that transcends the 'parental chance' reliant on economic power and information.”
Kim Seok-jun, the first four-term superintendent of education in Busan, outlined the core direction of his fourth term in a recent interview. After overcoming legal challenges, he emphasized, “We will break the structural inequality where a child's future is determined by their parents' background and ensure that public education serves as a reliable ladder for children.”
Based on this awareness, the Busan Metropolitan Office of Education has introduced key policies focused on institutionalizing teacher rights protection and expanding AI-based future education. Recognizing that the decline of teacher rights could ultimately harm students, the office has completely overhauled the response system to malicious complaints, which teachers previously had to endure alone. Additionally, the rollout of smart devices will be complemented by generative AI education and the expansion of a 12-year integrated learning management system to elementary and middle schools.
Education Office to Directly Address Malicious Complaints with Legal Support
Kim defined the core of the teacher rights protection policy as 'proactive intervention' and 'institutional response.' While the existing teacher healing center focused on post-incident psychological support, the newly established 'Education Activity Protection Center' at five education support offices will allow the education office to intervene directly at the initial stages of malicious complaints.
Each center will operate as a team led by an education director, comprising lawyers, educational consultants, and administrative staff. This team will be supported by a pool of over 60 advisory lawyers, providing multifaceted legal and administrative assistance. By sharing the burden of malicious complaints between school principals and the education office, the aim is to create an environment where teachers can focus on their educational activities without fear.
At the same time, the balance with student rights will not be overlooked. Kim emphasized that teacher rights and student rights should not be in opposition but rather mutually respected values. He plans to continuously revise school rules that may infringe on rights and to foster a healthy school culture through a living agreement co-created by students, teachers, and parents.
Expanding AI 'BeAT' to Elementary and Middle Schools; Emphasizing Preparedness Over Speed in Integration
With the distribution of smart devices completed, Busan's education system is now focusing on improving teaching methods using digital tools. Following a pilot program last year, the education office plans to gradually expand the generative AI 'BeAT' from high schools to elementary and middle schools.
The teaching approach will shift to a question-and-exploration model, where students independently identify problems and engage in discussions to find solutions, using AI as a supportive tool. The role of teachers will also transform from being mere transmitters of knowledge to coaches who assist students in their activities. Accordingly, the evaluation system will be reformed to reflect not just correct answers but also the depth of questions posed by students and the collaborative problem-solving process.
The recently introduced integrated login system 'PENZ' will support this future-oriented teaching model. With a single account, students can access various educational platforms, accumulating 12 years of learning records, assignments, and portfolios from elementary school through high school, ensuring continuity even when transferring schools or advancing to higher education.
Regarding the integration of early childhood education, Kim reaffirmed a cautious stance, stating, “Preparation is more important than speed.” He aims to establish a systematic approach to prevent increased workloads for staff due to the transfer of childcare responsibilities and to avoid gaps in care. Initiatives like 'Saturday Care Centers' and pilot projects connecting kindergartens and daycare centers will enhance the system's effectiveness.
To address disparities in student populations across regions, tailored solutions have been proposed. For small schools in declining urban areas, support teams for administrative tasks and transportation services will be enhanced, while new schools will be rapidly established in newly developed areas experiencing population growth.
Innovations in vocational education connecting local industries and schools are also gaining momentum. Specialized high schools, such as Busan Electronics High School designated as a semiconductor meister school, and Gyeongnam Technical High School in the shipbuilding and marine plant sector, will be developed to meet regional industrial needs. The goal is to create a virtuous cycle where locally educated talent settles in Busan through collaboration with the city and local communities.
Having shed legal challenges, Kim Seok-jun has embarked on his journey. Facing significant tasks such as blocking malicious complaints, establishing AI education in elementary and middle schools, and integrating early childhood education, the true test of his four-term superintendency has begun. Whether he can prove a 'public education chance' that surpasses 'parental chance' in Busan's classrooms remains to be seen.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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