Jo Geum-se, head of the National Alliance for Restoring Schools, receives KFTA Special Merit Award

[Financial News] The National Alliance for Restoring Schools announced on the 2nd that its president, Jo Geum-se, received the KFTA Special Merit Award at KFTA headquarters in Seoul’s Seocho District on the 28th of last month.
The award recognized Jo’s efforts to improve teachers’ professional, social and economic standing while serving as head of the National Alliance for Restoring Schools, an organization formed around the heads of KFTA associations in cities and provinces nationwide.
The award was also given for contributions to advancing educational rights and teachers’ rights, and to the development of teachers’ organizations.
Over the past three decades or so, Jo has held a range of positions, including KFTA vice president, president of the National Council of KFTA, KFTA director, negotiating representative for KFTA and the Ministry of Education, and member of the Korea Education News steering committee. Jo has played a pivotal role in laying the foundations for teachers’ organizations in Korea and representing teachers’ rights and interests.
A KFTA official explained the reasons for the award, saying, “Jo Geum-se is a role model in the education community who has served tirelessly for decades to advance education in the field, protect teachers’ rights and interests, and establish teachers’ authority.” The official added, “Jo’s contributions are substantial: even after retiring, Jo has led efforts to put school education back on track and raise the standing of teachers’ organizations.”
Jo said in his remarks, “As someone who has devoted a lifetime to education, I only did what I ought to do, so I’m honored to receive such a meaningful award. I will continue to do my part to create a school environment where teachers’ rights are respected and both students and teachers are happy.”
[email protected] Byun Ok-hwan Reporter