Korean teachers showed the most regret among their peers at 20.1 percent, two times higher than the OECD average of 9.5 percent. (image: Kobiz Media / Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, Feb. 12 (Korea Bizwire) – Korean teachers are most likely to regret their career choice among other OECD peers, as almost 20 percent regret becoming teachers.
According to Yang Jung-ho, a professor of education at Sungkyunkwan University, who analyzed 105,000 middle school teachers based on the OECD report “Teaching and Learning International Survey 2013”, Korean teachers showed the most regret among their peers at 20.1 percent, two times higher than the OECD average of 9.5 percent.
In addition, 36.6 percent of Korean teachers replied that they would not be teachers if they could choose their career again, which was also higher than the OECD average of 22.4 percent. As teachers with one year of experience (18%) and two years of experience (41%) expressed regret, it appears as though even Korean teachers who are new to the profession have negative feelings about their vocation.
Korean teachers are burdened with many administrative tasks along with their classes. They especially find it difficult to provide guidance to students.
Meanwhile, the wages for Korean teachers were higher than the OECD average. As their wages increase annually, experienced teachers in Korea receive the highest wages among their OECD peers, along with guaranteed wages during vacations which other teachers in advanced countries like the U.S. are not entitled to.
Based on the social treatment of the teachers, some worry that Korean teachers are in a collective depression.
Professor Yang said, “The education ministry and the education offices should prepare countermeasures to raise teachers’ spirits. As teachers who are not satisfied with their jobs but remain in schools until their retirement can have a negative impact on students, they should be screened by renewing their certificates every 3 to 10 years.”
“Along with this, a system incentivizing teachers who show excellence work performance should also be implemented,” he added.
By M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
