National Teachers and Educational Workers Union Losing Support, Korea Principals Association Losing Dignity

Two parents` groups in Korea, the `National Parents Association for Real Education` (NPARE) and the `Parents Federation for Humane Education Accomplishment` (PFHEA) published a joint-statement on May 7 urging the settlement of current problems in education.

The two groups criticized the Education Authority, the National Teachers and Educational Workers` Union (NTEWU), the Korean Federation of Teachers` Association (KFTA), and Korea Principals` Association (KPA) in separate statements for their dealing with conflicts between teachers` groups. The parents` groups asked them work on solutions to problems in the form of resolutions.

The NPARE has usually agreed with the NTEWU on most issues however, it is currently criticizing the manner in which the union is handling some issues of late.

The two groups mostly blame the Education Authority for recent conflicts among teachers` groups. “The Education Authority did not put forth proper measures to control conflicts that are deeply rooted in our society,” they argue. “The death of Principal Seo Seong-mok was an example of the Authority not being able to arbitrate conflicts effectively.”

They urged the Education Authority to more firmly deal with temporary problems and correct policies that are the cause of conflicts.

The two groups told the NTEWU that the "Korean Teachers and Educational Workers Union is responsible for the conflict and breakup. And when they took too firm a stance without national consent, with the excuse that they were in the right, they lost national support.”

They also asked the union for a more flexible approach to educational matters and expressed concern over protection and genuine educational practices for students.

The two groups also told the Korea Principals Association that “it was not a good idea for the KPA to conclude the case unilaterally even before Principal Seo`s case was resolved, as well as not mentioning anything about their own responsibilities.”

The parent`s groups also asked the KPA to create an atmosphere of compromise as one of the teachers groups has had a long history. They also requested that they work together to resolve conflicts and restore positive working relationships in the educational field.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education and Human Resources Development, Yoon Deok-hong requested that the KPA show self-restraint at the Assembly on May 11, and suggested talks with the association in the future.

Seong-Chul Hong sungchul@donga.com