INCA Education around the world

Korea : Initial Teacher Training


Last updated: 16-Aug-2007

7.5 Initial training of teachers working with students with special educational needs in publicly funded mainstream or special schools
7.5.1 Control
7.5.2 Types of training institutions and courses
7.5.2.1 Admissions
7.5.3 Trainers
7.5.4 Curriculum for initial teacher training
7.5.5 Qualifications and standards
7.5.5.1 Qualifications and entitlement
7.5.5.2 Probationary periods
7.5.6 Post-qualification induction periods
7.5.7 Key priorities, innovative practices and research in initial teacher training
7.5.7.1 Current key priorities for initial teacher training for teachers of students with special educational needs
7.5.7.2 Innovative practice in initial teacher training for teachers of children with special educational needs
7.5.7.3 Strategies supporting the use of research and evidence in informing policy and practice
7.5.7.4 Current priorities for research into initial teacher training for teachers of children with special educational needs
7.5.7.5 Research influencing programmes of initial teacher training for teachers of children with special educational needs
7.5.7.6 Recruitment incentives to encourage individuals to train as teachers of children with special educational needs


This section of the INCA website describes initial teacher training for teachers of students with special educational needs.  For information on initial teacher training for teachers in pre-compulsory, primary, lower secondary and upper secondary mainstream education, see sections 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 and 7.4 of the mainstream country archive respectively.

7.5 Initial training of teachers working with students with special educational needs in publicly funded mainstream or special schools

Children with special educational needs in Korea may be taught in special schools, in special classes in mainstream schools or receive integrated education in normal school classes.  There is a move towards unified education, that is, educating children with special needs in general/mainstream schools.

7.5.1 Control

The Special Education Promotion Law (amended 1997) allows for the pre-service training of special school teachers.  See section 7.2.1. for further details of the control of initial teacher training.   10

7.5.2 Types of training institutions and courses

Special school teachers are trained in colleges of education, on teacher training courses in comprehensive universities, and in graduate schools of education.  26

Special education departments are established in two national universities and six private universities.10

Teachers responsible for the education of children with special educational needs are trained to the level of education which they are expecting to teach.  That is, those wishing to teach children with special educational needs in elementary school education take courses suitable for elementary education and those who want to be secondary school special needs teachers pursue courses qualifying them to teach at that level. 28

7.5.2.1 Admissions

Special school teachers are recruited through a qualifying exam for special education or through supplementary in-service training for teachers.   See section 7.2.2.1. of the mainstream archive in addition.  10

7.5.3  Trainers

See section 7.2.3. of the mainstream archive.

7.5.4  Curriculum for initial teacher training

See sections 7.2.4. and 7.3.4. of the mainstream archive.

7.5.5 Qualifications and standards

7.5.5.1 Qualifications and entitlement

University graduates and graduate school graduates who major in special education qualify as special school teachers.  See section 7.2.5.1. or 7.3.5.1. of the mainstream archive in addition.  10

7.5.5.2 Probationary periods

There are no probationary periods for teachers in Korean schools.

7.5.6  Post-qualification induction periods

See sections 7.2.6. and 7.3.6. of the mainstream archive.

7.5.7  Key priorities, innovative practices and research in initial teacher training

The Report on Major Special Education Tasks” includes as one of its aims to ‘raise the sense of professionalism among special education teachers’.27

The report states that this will be done by:

  • Expanding the assignment of special education teachers and enhancing their level of professional capability
  • The consolidation of occupational education for students with special educational needs. 27

7.5.7.1 Current key priorities for initial teacher training for teachers of students with special educational needs

No information available at present.

7.5.7.2 Examples of innovative practice in initial teacher training for teachers of children with special educational needs

No information available at present.

7.5.7.3 Strategies to support the use of research and evidence in informing policy and practice

No information available at present.

7.5.7.4 Current priorities for research into initial teacher training for teachers of children with special educational needs

No information available at present.

7.5.7.5 Research that has had major influences on programmes of initial teacher training for teachers of children with special educational needs

No information available at present.

7.5.7.6 Recruitment incentives paid to encourage individuals to train as teachers of children with special educational needs

No information available at present.

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