From Embracing 'Out-of-School Youth' to Bringing in Cutting-Edge Robots... Five 'True Teachers' Shining a Light on Education's Blind Spots

[Financial News] Five educators who have embraced marginalized groups on the front lines of education and built innovative learning environments have been named this year's true teachers.
Daekyo Cultural Foundation said on the 18th that it had made the final selection of Jung Young-sook, principal of Nazareth Saekkum School; Lim Cheol-soo, principal of Sangju Huimang School; Kim Hyuk, a teacher at Yeongdong Mirae High School; Kang Jung-woon, a teacher at Cheonan Guseong Elementary School; and Yang Seung-ji, director of Hyewon Kindergarten, as recipients of the 35th Noonnoppi Education Award.
Established in 1992 and now in its 35th year, the Noonnoppi Education Award is one of South Korea's leading education awards programs. It identifies educators who have quietly devoted themselves to advancing education through on-site inspections, public verification of their achievements, and judging committee deliberations. This year, educators who have filled gaps in public education for students with disabilities, out-of-school youth, and vocational high school students stood out in particular.
In special education, Principal Jung Young-sook led efforts to safeguard the educational rights of students with severe and multiple disabilities by establishing customized education programs and an in-school medical support system. She also introduced a walking-assistance robot ahead of the curve and expanded student self-governance activities, creating a student-centered special education model that combines advanced technology with welfare support.
In lifelong education, Principal Lim Cheol-soo was recognized for his dedication to adult literacy education and education for out-of-school youth. He supported adults who had missed opportunities to learn and at-risk youth, while also broadening the horizons of Hangeul education by developing teaching materials based on learning Hangeul through sound.
Efforts to develop talent tailored to students' needs and promote a culture of safety in schools also received high praise. For more than 20 years, teacher Kim Hyuk has guided vocational high school students in their career paths, strengthening the foundation for certification and employment by operating the Mirae Garam class and securing external scholarships. Teacher Kang Jung-woon established a culture of safety at school through a student safety club and cardiopulmonary resuscitation training, while leading environmental and global citizenship education.
In early childhood education, Director Yang Seung-ji devoted 35 years to child- and play-centered education. She helped promote children's holistic development by creating original discussion programs such as Atti Hyeyum and Tteuran-ae.
Business and education circles have assessed the award as a practical pillar supporting the safety net in the education field. They say it represents a flagship, long-term corporate social responsibility initiative that has continued for 35 years.
The awards ceremony for the 35th Noonnoppi Education Award will be held in late November. Each recipient will receive KRW 15 million, while the schools and institutions where the recipients work will receive educational equipment worth KRW 5 million.

[email protected] Kim Man-gi Reporter