Overcoming the Existential Crisis of Modern Teacher through Formation of Dialogical Relationship: Focusing on Martin Buber’s Perspective of Sacred Vocation of Teachers

[Objective] The purpose of this study is to increase understanding of the crisis of teachers’ authority in light of Buber’s view of sacred profession of teachers. [Contents] The crisis of teachers’ authority is not just a problem in Korean society, but is a common phenomenon in modern world. In order to educate, it is necessary for students to recognize the teacher as a person who helps their growth and thus enter into educational relationship. However, in the modern context where the traditional social atmosphere that highly recognized the authority of teachers has disappeared, it is difficult to expect students to recognize the authority of teachers. According to Buber, the crisis of teachers’ authority cannot be solved by reviving the authority of teachers in the past. We must accept that we have entered an era where teachers must shoulder the full responsibility for education, as we have moved away from the era when the community shared educational responsibility. [Conclusions] In order to overcome the crisis of teachers’ authority, it is necessary to keep in mind that teaching is not only a professional job but also a sacred vocation. In modern times, it is essential for teachers to existentially transform themselves, inviting students into a dialogue relationship through the act of inclusion.