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Taiwan faces urgent teacher shortage in schools
Taiwan faces a critical teacher shortage in primary and secondary schools, with potential gaps in chemistry, physics, and biology by 2025-2028. Lawmakers urge action.
2024/10/07 15:28
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Transgender teacher wins national award in Taiwan
Transgender teacher Huang Ming-chen wins National Excellent Teacher Award, inspiring educators by overcoming societal challenges. Learn about her journey and advocacy.
2024/09/26 12:00
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Taiwan high schools to offer mental health leave this year
Discover Taiwan’s new initiative allowing students three days of mental health leave per semester, starting this academic year, amid concerns from the National Federation of Teachers Unions about potential school disruptions.
2024/08/27 16:22
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MOE aims to ensure quality education with new hires
Discover how Taiwan’s Ministry of Education is addressing the teacher shortage with a talent pool platform and other measures as the new academic year begins.
2024/08/26 16:02
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Retired educators to fill Taipei’s teacher gap
Discover how Taipei tackles its middle school teacher shortage by rehiring retired educators, amid a surge in enrollments. Learn about the city’s plan ahead of the new school year.
2024/08/20 16:23
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Taiwan legislator seeks to boost kindergarten reading
Legislator Chen Pei-yu is pushing for amendments to the Early Childhood Education and Care Act to enhance reading environments in kindergartens, including budget allocations for books and reading promotion teachers.
2024/07/03 15:28
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Taiwan debates the merit of a four-day workweek
Explore the ongoing debate in Taiwan over the adoption of a four-day workweek, featuring insights from workers, industry spokespersons, and teachers on its potential impacts.
2024/05/09 17:55
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Suspected food poisoning hits students, teachers on trip
Discover the details of a suspected food poisoning incident at Yuteh Private International School in New Taipei City, affecting over 250 students and teachers after a field trip. Learn about the ongoing investigation and the community’s response.
2024/05/09 10:42
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Premier considers national Labor Day holiday amendment
Premier Chen Chien-Jen addresses inquiries on the possibility of a unified Labor Day holiday on May 1 in Taiwan, pending a meeting with the Ministry of the Interior. Legislation amendments may be considered if a decision is reached before May 20, as discussed in response to concerns raised by KMT legislator Wang Hung-wei and the National Federation of Teachers Unions.
2024/03/15 17:52
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Global young minds unite in Taiwan Int’l Science Fair
The 22nd annual Taiwan International Science Fair opened at the National Taiwan Science Education Center, featuring 630 teachers and students from 27 countries presenting 211 top projects. The fair focuses on international exchange and sharing, with extended event duration to accommodate foreign participants. Activities include expert talks, workshops, a science tour, and a cultural night. Minister of Education Pan Wen-chung praised Taiwan’s young scientists and highlighted the fair’s growing influence as one of Asia’s top science fairs. The event saw a record number of participating nations, demonstrating the ministry’s mission to educate students globally.
2024/01/29 14:37
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KMT Hou Yu-ih advocates for enhanced school safety
Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih emphasizes the need for greater school safety and government attention to adolescent crime. Responding to his running mate Jaw Shaw-kong’s comments on a talk show, Hou proposes amendments to the juvenile incident handling law, taking inspiration from Japanese laws. He vows to prevent gang incursion into schools and increase criminal responsibility for those involved in crimes. Hou also advocates for supporting teachers and implementing guidance mechanisms. His zero-tolerance policy towards school safety issues reflects his commitment to preventing similar events in the future.
2024/01/03 18:34
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Taiwan bolsters school safety after New Taipei tragedy
The Minister of Education, Pan Wen-chung, has announced measures to ensure school safety following a brutal throat-slitting incident at a New Taipei City school. Premier Chen Chien-jen has directed the education ministry to provide psychological aid for students and staff, as well as enhance personnel and funding. Representatives from the Judicial Yuan, six municipalities, civil organizations, teachers, and parents will collaborate to prevent future tragedies. The government plans to reevaluate counseling and assessment mechanisms in intermediary education. Additionally, the potential addition of security staff in schools is being discussed. The assailant student has been detained, and the investigation will proceed according to the Juvenile Justice Act.
2023/12/28 18:10
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NEU calls on Taiwan’s MOE to remedy school safety measures
The National Federation of Education Unions (NEU) has called on Taiwan’s Ministry of Education (MOE) to take full responsibility for incidents like the recent student stabbing in New Taipei City. The NEU insists on changes to improve the current situation and prevent students from bringing prohibited items to school. The NEU believes that amendments made by the MOE have unfairly disempowered teachers, as many schools struggle to address students who bring banned items due to fear of backlash or being accused of bullying. NEU President Lin Shuo-chieh pointed out that teachers are hesitant to correct and punish behavior out of fear of being accused of "targeting" students or being reported for bullying. In 2022, the MOE amended regulations on the management of dangerous items carried by students. According to Article 28, unless explicitly stated by law or sufficient evidence suggests the student is involved in criminal activity or carries banned items, their bodies and belongings are not to be searched. Article 29 states that for high school inspections, two or more representatives of parents, student council members, or teachers must be present to examine students’ belongings or spaces. Lin claimed that the MOE’s rules are difficult for grassroots teachers to implement and can easily be twisted into accusations of bullying. He urged the MOE and local education departments to redefine regulations for handling protected students in order to prevent further deterioration of campus safety and safeguard the rights of other students.
2023/12/27 16:34
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Education Dept. confirms death of stabbed student
A junior high school student in New Taipei City has tragically died after being stabbed by another student. The victim suffered five knife wounds to his neck and lungs, despite receiving emergency treatment at the hospital. The incident occurred after a female student, who felt rebuked by the victim, recruited a male student to retaliate. The victim was stabbed twice in the lungs and neck, resulting in significant blood loss. Speculation of his death was confirmed by the Education Department. Following this incident, the department has pledged to strengthen measures to ensure student safety, including dispatching counselors and social workers for follow-up guidance and collaboration with police agencies. The Education Department is also providing support to the victim’s family through legal consultation and coordination with relevant departments. Additionally, efforts will be made to enhance teachers’ campus security capabilities.
2023/12/27 10:45
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NTNU to halt industrial education enrollments from 2025
The National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) has decided to stop accepting students into its Industrial Education department starting from the 2025 academic term, but will retain its master’s and doctoral programs. The Office of Academic Affairs at NTNU has proposed three solutions to protect students’ educational rights, including offering guidance for transfers, continuing to offer courses, and extending the limit on student enrollments. The department will also continue to offer three specialized courses to cultivate future educators. The rights of the department’s teachers and assistants will not be affected, and existing teachers can continue teaching in the master’s and doctoral programs. Administrative Deputy Minister Lin Teng-chiao of Taiwan’s Ministry of Education (MOE) hopes that the department can collaborate with other departments to cultivate industrial education teachers in the future, despite the department’s transformation into research-oriented programs.
2023/12/21 14:58
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Ukrainian students at TCU volunteer to teach in Taiwan
Ukrainian students at Tzu Chi University have formed a volunteer team to teach English and music as a way to give back to Taiwan for its support during the Russia-Ukraine War. The group, consisting of nine Master’s students studying media and communications, will be conducting classes at a local elementary school two to three times per week. The initiative was prompted by a desire expressed by several students last semester, and TCU facilitated school partnerships to make it happen. The Ukrainian student-teachers offer a fresh perspective that inspires their pupils and makes learning a language more dynamic and engaging.
2023/12/19 22:18
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Taiwan MOE to review special ed teacher pay amid exodus
The Ministry of Education in Taiwan is reviewing whether to increase the allowance for special education teachers due to a significant attrition rate in the field. Special education teachers are leaving the profession due to increased administrative duties and stagnant wages. The special allowance for these teachers has remained unchanged for 32 years. Concerns have been raised about the heavy workload and lack of compensation for summer and winter breaks. The Taiwan Special Education Professional Personnel Association has proposed raising the allowance to incentivize teachers to stay. The Ministry of Education has acknowledged the need to enhance special education services and is considering adjusting the compensation scheme. They are also exploring the possibility of allowing administrative supervisors to receive full extra-duty pay despite a reduction in teaching hours. The ministry aims to ensure fair treatment and reflect the realities of the educational environment.
2023/12/12 17:32
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Hou slams Lai for neglecting academia in ’108 Curriculum’
Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih criticizes Democratic Progressive Party candidate Lai Ching-te for disregarding the concerns of industry and academia amid controversies surrounding the 108 curriculum. Hou accuses Lai of prioritizing electoral politics over addressing the weakening of basic subjects in schools and the pressure of academic advancement, which he believes will harm Taiwan’s industries. Hou expresses concern over the decline in academic performance of basic subjects among university students and highlights the dissatisfaction of high school teachers regarding the removal of classical Chinese literature from the curriculum. Hou pledges to reconvene the National Education Conference to address the issues arising from the 108 curriculum if elected and calls on Lai to engage with the controversy rather than avoiding it or exploiting generational divides for political gain.
2023/12/11 20:05
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KMT’s Hou Yu-ih vows to overhaul ’108 Curriculum’ if elected
KMT presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih has promised to review the controversial 108 curriculum if elected, in response to concerns from parents, students, and educators. He plans to reinstate the National Conference on Education, which has not been held in 13 years, to reassess the curriculum. The curriculum has been criticized as "shameless" by a teacher at Taipei First Girls High School, sparking societal debate. Former President Ma Ying-jeou has supported the criticism, urging the Ministry of Education to urgently review and improve the curriculum. DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te has a different perspective, arguing that textbook publishers consider teachers’ opinions and that this should not be equated with curriculum issues. TPP presidential candidate Ko Wen-je has stated his opposition to de-Sinicization in education and believes in recognizing the cultural continuum. The approaches of each candidate on educational reform will be important considerations for voters in the upcoming election.
2023/12/09 15:58
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Education head backs bilingual policy despite union concerns
Taipei’s Education Minister, Pan Wen-chung, responded to concerns raised by the National Federation of Teachers Unions (NFTU) about the 2030 Bilingual Nation policy. Pan emphasized the importance of English proficiency as a crucial competitive skill for students. He emphasized the need for a balanced approach in teaching methods and strategies to ensure that students’ foundational academic abilities are not neglected. The NFTU expressed apprehension that excessive emphasis on English in the bilingual policy could undermine national competitiveness and called for a thorough reassessment of language policies post-election. Pan highlighted the importance of English and digital literacy as vital competencies for students and stressed the necessity of the bilingual policy for English language education. He mentioned that the implementation of the policy allows schools to join gradually and includes plans for teacher training enhancements and the inclusion of foreign instructors. Pan also mentioned that Mandarin courses would be available alongside university courses conducted entirely in English to give students the freedom of choice. He noted that some locales have been overly emphasizing English expertise during teacher recruitment and that the Ministry of Education will issue reminders for a more balanced evaluation. Rolling revisions will be made based on the progress of the bilingual initiative.
2023/12/07 21:17
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Taiwan private universities cut admissions on low birthrate
Explore how Taiwan’s higher education system is adapting to challenges such as declining birthrates, admission cuts, and stagnant wages for educators. Discover the insights from experts and the Taiwan Higher Education Union.
2023/11/24 12:22
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MOE admits teacher bonus not part of salary raise
The Ministry of Education (MOE) clarified that school teacher bonuses are not part of salary raises, in response to the National Federation of Teachers Unions (NFTU) advocating for improved benefits for elementary and secondary school teachers. The MOE stated that homeroom teacher bonuses reached NT$3,000 before 2017, while the hourly wage for substitute teachers has increased. However, the bonuses for special education teachers still require approval from the Executive Yuan. The NFTU held a press conference to propose better conditions for kindergarten, elementary, and secondary school teachers, highlighting the government’s focus on universities and neglecting the needs of these teachers. With 250,000 out of the total 300,000 teachers in Taiwan working in elementary and secondary schools, the NFTU emphasized the significant remuneration gap, unadjusted overall salaries, and the lack of increase in special education teacher bonuses that need consideration. The NFTU chairman, Hou Chun-liang, emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue, as homeroom teacher and special education teacher bonuses have remained unchanged for 10 and 31 years, respectively. The NFTU’s publicity director, Luo Te-shui, urged that anything beneficial to education should not be delayed until the elections.
2023/11/22 19:48
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Bahwan Tribe demands NTU return ancestral remains
The Bahwan Tribe of Taiwan’s Bunun people are demanding that National Taiwan University (NTU) return ancestral remains taken without permission from a Bahwan public cemetery 63 years ago. NTU has been accused of shirking its historical responsibilities, leading to disagreements with the tribe. The issue dates back to the 1960s when the NTU College of Medicine Physical Anthropology Research Team took remains from the Bahwan Tribe’s cemetery, ’Lilieq,’ for academic research. The ’Return Bahwan Bunun Ancestors’ Remains Committee’ has approached the Executive Yuan, urging the government and NTU to return the remains and cease depriving indigenous people. NTU claims to have 43 boxes of the remains stored in its research room and has been participating in discussions with the government and legislature since the tribe’s request in 2017. However, indigenous legislator candidate Savungaz Valincinan expressed disappointment with NTU’s lack of effort to establish a relationship with the tribe and refusal to cover transportation and accommodation costs for their trips to Taipei. NTU has recently expressed willingness to return the remains, erect a memorial, honor the deceased as "Great Body Teachers," and provide medical, educational, and sanitary services to the tribe. However, as a public school, NTU argues that it cannot establish a foundation or provide compensation of NT$1.49 billion, citing Ministry of Education regulations. This issue has sparked discussion in Taiwan about addressing historical wounds and the journey toward transitional justice for indigenous tribes, who constitute 2.5% of the population and have historically faced exploitation and discrimination.
2023/11/19 16:15
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Ko Wen-je proposes maternity leave ext., pregnancy subsidies
Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je has proposed several policies to address Taiwan’s low birth rate. These policies include extending maternity leave, offering a "pregnancy subsidy" of NT$50,000 to expectant mothers, and providing an additional subsidy of NT$100,000 to families after the child is born. Ko also plans to establish a "Population Development Committee" within the Executive Yuan to coordinate efforts between various governmental departments and address the issue of low birth rates. He advocates for increasing public childcare facilities and raising salaries for public preschool teachers and personnel to improve the employment environment for childcare workers. The National Development Council predicts that Taiwan’s population could be halved by 2070 due to low birth rates and an aging population, which would further burden society and younger generations. Ko sees the low birth rate as a security issue for Taiwan, causing labor shortages and challenges in school recruitment.
2023/11/07 15:58
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MOE to raise university professor academic research grants
The Ministry of Education (MOE) in Taiwan will increase monthly academic research grants for professors, associate professors, and assistant professors at public universities starting next year. This move aims to address low wages for academic talent in Taiwan. The Executive Yuan has committed to investing NT$33.29 billion over the next five years to support this initiative. The research grants for teaching staff at public universities will increase by NT$6,000 to NT$9,000 per month. Additionally, the Ministry will invest an additional NT$860 million to encourage private universities to raise their faculty salaries, bridging the salary gap between public and private institutions. The efforts also include the introduction of new doctoral scholarships and subsidies for part-time teaching assistant positions for doctorate students. The MOE’s Department of Higher Education Director-General, Chu Chun-chang, stated that if private universities can increase academic research funding by 15%, the MOE will cover 70% of the cost. Furthermore, starting next year, the "flexible pay" system for outstanding teachers will be expanded, with increased subsidies.
2023/11/06 16:20