학교안전 강화를 위한 교원 정신건강 관리의 문제점과 개선방향

Students’ right to learn is guaranteed in a safe school environment. However, a tragic incident occurred recently in which an elementary school teacher, who returned to work early while his mental diseases was not completely cured, killed a student at the school. The incident was even more shocking because it was an incident at a school where teachers who were supposed to protect students were considered the safest place. On the other hand, according to recent research results, the risk of occupational mental diseases among educational officials such as teachers is more than twice as high as other general public officials. As a result, there was a strong need to discuss the reality and problems of mental health management for teaching staff. Accordingly, in relation to the solution, there is a conflict between the position of advocating active improvement measures and the position of advocating a careful approach. On the other hand, prior studies that directly consider the overall mental health management of teaching staff are very scarce. Therefore, this study recognized the necessity of research and sought improvement directions that could strengthen school safety. In addition, this study tried to have a balanced discussion between ‘guaranteeing students’ right to learn’, ‘securing school safety’, and ‘protecting teaching staff’ rights and interests’. In this study, the murder of elementary school teacher was first examined, and then the mental diseases and the job suitability of teaching staff were reviewed. And this study suggested a desirable improvement direction by analyzing the current status and problems of teaching staff mental health management. Through this study, I would like to provide follow-up academic discussions on the Educational Officials Act in the future and basic data for amendments.