Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education's Teachers' Rights Protection Task Force Proposes Amendments to 'Three Teachers' Rights Protection Laws' to National Assembly

The Teachers' Rights Protection Task Force of the Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education announced on October 22 that it held a press conference to mark 60 days since the launch of the Teachers' Rights Protection Officers and proposed amendments to the "Three Teachers' Rights Protection Laws" to the National Assembly.

Attorney An Min-seok, deputy head of the provincial office's task force, stated during a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Hall this morning, "Over the past 60 days, the task force has worked alongside teachers to find solutions, but we have also confirmed limits to what can be resolved solely through the education office's support.

Now, laws and systems must protect teachers," he added.

The provincial education office designated the Child Welfare Act, the Act on the Punishment of Child Abuse Crimes, and the Act on the Status of Teachers as the "Three Teachers' Rights Protection Laws" and presented specific directions for their amendment.

Attorney An emphasized, "We must clarify the criteria for determining emotional child abuse to prevent legitimate educational activities and guidance from being mistaken for child abuse, and allow unfounded cases to be closed at the police investigation stage."

He further explained, "We must clarify the legal basis for education authorities to file complaints against malicious false reports and strengthen support for legal counsel and litigation costs related to legitimate educational activities."

In addition, he urged the National Assembly to elevate the "Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education Teachers' Rights Protection Officer Operation Ordinance" into national law to establish a solid legal basis.

Superintendent An Min-seok, who heads the provincial office's task force, stated, "To keep our promise that 'Teachers need only teach; we will protect you,' the education office will act first. We ask the National Assembly to respond with legislation and the government to make greater efforts to restore teachers' rights."

The provincial education office plans to hold a legislative debate on the amendment of the "Three Teachers' Rights Protection Laws" at the National Assembly on November 6.

Meanwhile, the provincial education office launched and has been operating 300 Teachers' Rights Protection Officers on August 22 to provide one-stop support for teachers who have suffered violations of their educational activities.

As of October 8, a total of 170 reports of victimized teachers had been filed.

By category, there were 81 cases of educational activity violations, 39 reports of alleged child abuse, and 50 cases of malicious complaints.

Among them, 149 cases are currently being processed, while 21 cases have been closed or are in the ongoing management stage.

(Photo provided by Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.