Seoul Education Office Launches Customized Growth Projects for New Teachers

Step-by-Step Support for New Teachers
From Adaptation to Professional Growth
with Gangnam Seocho's "Growth Together" and
Gangseo Yangcheon's "Nudge" Initiatives

The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education will officially launch a customized support project for new teachers starting in the second semester of this year. The initiative aims to strengthen the support system so that new teachers can overcome practical challenges they face early in their careers, such as excessive workloads, handling civil complaints, and disruptions to educational activities, and focus on their teaching duties in a stable environment.

According to the Office of Education on August 25, the Gangnam Seocho District Office of Education will implement the "New Teacher Growth Together Project" from August 29 to November 19. The project is characterized by a combination of mentoring and training for new elementary and secondary school teachers to help them adapt to the field.

The Gangnam Seocho District Office of Education plans to operate programs such as "Infinite Growth Companion," which provides group mentoring (two to three times a year) and special mentoring for emergency situations to help new elementary school teachers adapt smoothly, and "Infinite Growth Learning," a training course held twice each semester. For new secondary school teachers, a two-day, one-night mentoring camp will be held from August 29 to 30. The camp will feature practical activities for emotional support, strengthening classroom management and counseling skills, and sharing experiences with senior teachers. Essential topics such as parent counseling, responding to civil complaints, and collaborating with fellow teachers will also be covered to help new teachers overcome difficulties they may encounter in the field.

Ryu Jangkyung, head of the Gangnam Seocho District Office of Education, stated, "Early adaptation and capacity building for new teachers directly lead to student learning and school growth," adding, "We will continue to pay close attention to the voices of new teachers and further strengthen tailored support at the field level."

The Gangseo Yangcheon District Office of Education is promoting the "New Teacher Growth N.U.D.G.E. Project." Nudge, a concept from behavioral economics, refers to "gentle intervention" that encourages voluntary choices. The district office has adopted this concept to design a project that encourages the voluntary growth and collaborative communication of new teachers.

First, the "Tuesday Gathering for New Teachers in Gangseo Yangcheon (First Cohort of Gangyangshinhwa)" will be held. Regular meetings will take place on the third Tuesday of each month, providing training sessions on topics requested by new teachers, such as classroom management, student guidance, and AI/digital-based lessons.

The "New Teacher Growth Challenge Certification Program" will also be implemented. New teachers will record and submit portfolios of their participation in job training, mentoring, and open classes. The district office will certify these achievements and offer priority access to training and additional benefits to outstanding participants. This is intended to encourage voluntary participation and enhance the professionalism of new teachers.

Lee Uiran, head of the Gangseo Yangcheon District Office of Education, said, "The Nudge Project serves as a stepping stone for growth by providing the necessary stimulus and opportunities for new teachers," and added, "We aim to expand its impact to mid-career teachers, thereby enhancing the overall capacity of the teaching community."

The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education stated, "These two projects are not only designed to help new teachers adapt to the field, but are also expected to contribute to the long-term growth of the teaching community as a whole."

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