Ministry of Education Expands Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Programs to Address Shortages

(Central News Agency reporter Chen Zhizhong, Taipei, 4th) Affected by declining birth rates and changes in industrial structure, some counties and cities are experiencing teacher shortages. To encourage members of the public to transition into teaching, the Ministry of Education (MOE) will continue to expand the scale of its "Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Education Program" this year, targeting remote schools and subjects with scarce talent.

The MOE stated in a press release today that the "Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Education Program for Remote Area Schools" will continue to expand in the 2026 academic year. The number of classes for elementary and secondary school teachers will increase to 18 (up from 14 last year), with an expected enrollment of 636 slots.

Some universities will give priority to recruiting substitute teachers from outlying islands and will provide dormitories to reduce transportation burdens. Due to the small-class, small-school characteristics of rural schools, the program will strengthen training in multi-grade teaching, differentiated instruction, cooperative learning, family education, and student counseling to better meet the needs of the teaching environment.

The "Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Education Program for Secondary School Subjects" will focus on subjects currently facing talent shortages, including mathematics, science, information technology, health and physical education, arts, and vocational high school clusters. In the 2026 academic year, it is expected that 6 schools will offer the program, recruiting 270 slots.

The MOE stated that it will continue to stabilize the source of teachers for remote area schools and scarce secondary school subjects through diversified training channels, system adjustments, and resource investment, ensuring that every child receives stable and high-quality learning support. (Editor: Li Xizhang) 1150604