TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Prospective teachers protested administrative burdens and frivolous lawsuits Thursday (Sept. 25), citing concerns that drain educators' enthusiasm and drive students toward other careers. The demonstration highlighted growing frustrations within Taiwan's education system. Student teachers warned that current conditions threaten the profession's future.
The National Federation of Teachers' Unions (全國教師工會總聯合會) and 22 local teachers' unions gathered at the Ministry of Education (教育部) to present demands. Chang Yu-chen (張語宸), head of the National Taiwan Normal University (台灣師範大學) Student Teachers' Association (師資生聯會), voiced concerns about the unfavorable educational environment. Chang stated he worries about the teaching profession's future.
Chang described unreasonable administrative duties as causing an "administrative exodus" (行政大逃亡), forcing inexperienced or substitute teachers into important roles. He argued that insufficient teacher incentives drive students toward other careers. The situation creates a cycle where qualified educators avoid administrative responsibilities.
Lu Shao-yu (呂紹瑜), another student teacher, criticized the government's "flexible hiring" policy that allows industry professionals with six years of experience to become teachers after earning eight credits. Lu argued this policy reduces traditional teachers to "backups" and undermines their professional training. He advocates for a healthier educational environment focused on teaching ideals.