President Lee Orders Review of Teachers' Burdens in Field Trip Safety Issues

President Lee Jae-myung's administration is taking a proactive stance on the crucial issue of educational field trips, recognizing their importance for student development. The recent directive to review the legal burdens placed on teachers reflects a commitment to finding practical solutions rather than simply canceling valuable learning experiences.

This move comes in response to widespread concerns from educators and parents alike. The current system, where teachers face potentially overwhelming personal legal responsibility for any accidents, creates an untenable situation. The President's analogy of not removing a "jangdok" (fermentation jar) for fear of maggots highlights the need to address problems constructively rather than resorting to outright prohibition.

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If there are problems, they should be corrected, and students should be able to participate through cost support, reinforcement of safety personnel, and additional staffing.

As reported by Hankyoreh, the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union has voiced strong opinions, emphasizing that the normalization of field trips is impossible without reforming the structure that places all legal responsibility on individual teachers. The administration's focus on providing support, such as enhanced safety personnel and additional staffing, signals a clear intention to alleviate these burdens and ensure the continuation of these vital educational activities.

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If the structure where all legal responsibility must be borne by the teacher individually in case of an accident does not change, the normalization of field trips is bound to be distant.