[Editorial] If Teachers Kick the Door and Leave the Classrooms

There probably aren`t that many countries where every education policy starts a fight. Every time a new policy comes out, the government and teachers, government and schools clash head on and disturb the students` education.

This time, the Korean Teachers & Educational Worker`s Union (TEWU) member teachers are opposing the 7th state of education teacher performance bonus regulation, privatized high school regulations, and other policies and are planning to put on a strike. The teachers gathered at Seoul Yeouido Park last night and held an all-night sit-in. They held a collective strike today and have decided to call a nationwide teachers assembly. The education human resources department announced that it will take strong measures against participating teachers, indicating that the situation is likely to become serious.

Last year`s general strike, the recent conflict over leaving classes early, and now the TEWU is putting on another general strike. The TEWU`s decision disregards the obligations of being a teacher. Whatever the circumstances, a teacher cannot be permitted to leave the classroom. Those involved will not be able to evade the criticism that they are using the students as pawns for their battle.

Although the TEWU announced that it will make up for lost classroom time, missing classes will certainly harm the students and create confusion. To hold meetings on Saturday which is designated for classes or collectively leaving school violates the principles of their job.

What kind of example are the teachers setting when they collectively walk out of school after telling their students not to miss class? They could send the message to students that one must use whatever means necessary to attain one`s goal.

Furthermore, the teachers` collective action on Saturday violates the law. Union regulations forbid activities such as strikes and walkouts that will disrupt the regular operation of the workplace. The teachers argue that this is not a problem because they have submitted their notice, but for the most part, the schools are not likely to accept the notices.

Of course, under the present administration, many education policies that are actually being implemented or proposed have not reflected the actual opinions of the educators and often have been imposed from above. This, too, should bear the burden of blame. A teacher has the right to criticize such things.

However, the criticism and working to correct the situation must be done in a teacher-like fashion. Such a one-sided stance only makes the situation worse. Educators have more responsibility to address problems cooperatively and rationally than anyone else and must not try to resolve a problem by force.