New Taipei City mayoral candidate's teacher retention plan sparks debate

A proposal aimed at retaining teachers in New Taipei City has sparked a debate, with a mayoral candidate's plan drawing both praise and criticism.

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The government must support teachers who are willing to dedicate themselves to children. If we can do it according to the law and with practical planning, we will do it immediately. If we need central government assistance, we will seek it. If [current mayor] Kao Hung-an is unwilling to find ways to care for teachers, then let Chuang become mayor.

Chuang Ching-cheng, a candidate for mayor, unveiled a four-point policy designed to address the national teacher shortage. The plan includes housing allowances for new teachers, long-term service bonuses, and additional stipends for administrative and mentoring roles. Chuang's office stated that the government must support teachers and that if the current mayor is unwilling to implement such measures, they should be replaced.

However, the proposal quickly faced scrutiny from a city councilor who questioned its financial feasibility. The councilor suggested the plan could strain the city's budget. This concern was promptly challenged by Huang Hsiang-hsien, chairwoman of the National Union of Substitute and Part-Time Teachers. Huang argued that the city's finances have recently improved, and prioritizing teacher retention is crucial given the shortage.

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Many teachers are saying, 'I want to go to New Taipei City.' How can it be manipulated by councilors into making teachers anxious?

Huang further stated that many teachers are enthusiastic about Chuang's proposals, with some expressing a desire to relocate to New Taipei City. She criticized the councilor's questioning of the funding, suggesting it reflects a misplaced focus on construction projects over educational needs. The union chair also highlighted that some aspects of the proposal, like guaranteed full-year contracts for substitute teachers and seniority adjustments, are initiatives the union has long advocated for.

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We are advocating for policies that we ourselves are now refuting, which shows that Kao Hung-an is anxious about Chuang Ching-cheng's four-point plan for teacher retention.