TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Private schools across Taiwan are grappling with mounting operational pressures due to the island's plummeting birth rates, forcing teachers to balance their educational responsibilities with recruitment efforts. This growing trend has ignited widespread concern about excessive workloads among educators. Lin Li (林立), principal of Er Xin High School (基隆私立二信中學), acknowledges these dual responsibilities, noting that teachers must mentally prepare for involvement in student recruitment activities.
Er Xin High School, established in 1960 with an enrollment of approximately 3,000 students, has implemented multiple strategies to address demographic challenges. The institution has enhanced teaching resources, diversified its curriculum offerings, and invited middle school students to participate in exploratory activities.
Huang Yao-nan (黃耀南), director of the National Federation of Education Unions (全國教育產業總工會), points out that declining student populations have significantly worsened working conditions and compensation for private school teachers. These educators now shoulder additional recruitment and administrative responsibilities beyond their teaching duties.
Parents' escalating expectations for educational quality have intensified pressure on teachers throughout the system. While some institutions provide stipends for exam-related responsibilities, education experts argue that substantial improvements in teachers' work environments remain necessary.
Peng Shu-yen (彭淑燕), a director of the National Alliance of Parents Organization (全國家長團體聯盟), acknowledges that teacher involvement in recruitment activities is common practice but cautions against making it routine. She emphasizes the critical importance of rational communication and mutual respect within educational communities.
As Taiwan's declining birth rates continue, private educational institutions face increasingly severe operational challenges. Addressing the dual imperatives of maintaining educational excellence while improving teachers' working conditions has become an urgent priority for the island's education system.
