Hamchangjin, Hampyeong Middle School Teacher, Awarded 'Science Teacher of the Year'

Teacher Ham Chang-jin of Hampyeong Elementary School, who won the '2021 Science Teacher of the Year Award.' Photo by Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Jun-kyung] One teacher from the Jeonnam region was selected for the ‘2021 Science Teacher of the Year Award’ hosted by the Ministry of Science and ICT and organized by the Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity.

According to the Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education on the 17th, the recipient of this year’s Science Teacher of the Year Award is Teacher Ham Chang-jin of Hampyeong Elementary School.

The ‘Science Teacher of the Year Award,’ known as the Nobel Prize for teachers, is an event hosted by the Ministry of Science and ICT and organized by the Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity. Since 2003, it has selected and honored teachers who have contributed to the revitalization of science education and the spread of science culture to boost the morale and pride of science teachers.

The organizers receive nominations from 17 city and provincial offices of education, science-related institutions, academic societies, and organizations, and select winners through sectional review, public verification of achievements, and comprehensive evaluation. This year, 30 teachers nationwide were selected (14 elementary, 16 secondary).

Teacher Ham has operated programs such as the Intelligent Inquiry Nurturing Center, Talent Development Gifted Education Leading School, and SW Education Leading School to spread science education inside and outside the school. He has achieved results such as being selected as the Best School for Nurturing Information Science Talent and winning an Excellence Award at the National Science Exhibition.

In particular, amid difficulties in face-to-face education due to COVID-19, he ran the ‘Online Talent Nurturing Class’ every weekend, which met online and received positive responses. He also built the Jeonnam Classroom ON site, a Jeonnam-type remote learning platform, and developed class content, providing great help to schools in the early stages of remote learning.

Teacher Ham Chang-jin expressed, “I am grateful to the school that supported various research activities,” and added, “I want to be a teacher who is not afraid of change and challenge.”

The ‘2021 Science Teacher of the Year Award’ ceremony is scheduled to be held at the National Gwacheon Science Museum on the 8th of next month, and the winners will receive the Minister of Science and ICT Award and a prize of 5 million won.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.