Teacher's Act Amendment Passed: Compensation for Wrongfully Accused Teachers, Minister Cheng Ying-yao Says Teachers Can Be More Assured
Taiwan's Legislative Yuan today passed amendments to the Teacher's Act, establishing a compensation clause for teachers cleared of false accusations by school affairs councils. This ensures that teachers reinstated after investigation will receive full back pay, including basic salary and academic research allowances. Minister of Education Cheng Ying-yao stated that the amendment will allow teachers to focus more confidently on their teaching duties.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 17, 2026 at 16:50
- 🔍 Collected: April 17, 2026 at 17:01 (11 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 17, 2026 at 18:07 (1h 5m after Collected)
TAIPEI (Central News Agency reporter Chen Chih-chung) -- The Legislative Yuan today passed amendments to the Teacher's Act on its third reading, establishing a compensation clause for wrongful accusations. Teachers who are cleared after investigation by a school affairs council will have their basic salary and academic research allowance retroactively paid. Minister of Education Cheng Ying-yao stated that the amendment will allow teachers to be more assured in their teaching.
Previously, if a teacher was reinstated after an investigation without being dismissed or permanently suspended, they would only receive their basic salary, which is about half of their total remuneration. Education groups and legislators argued that this practice constituted an unfavorable treatment for teachers in a situation of "involuntary suspension from work," as they only received a partial salary.
The Legislative Yuan today passed amendments to Articles 25 and 53 of the Teacher's Act, stipulating that teachers who are temporarily suspended for investigation and subsequently reinstated will be retroactively paid their basic salary and academic research allowance (instead of just the basic salary), effective from the date of promulgation of the amendment.
Cheng Ying-yao attended the "Hsin-Yi Children's Literature Award" ceremony and, before the event, told media that teachers who dedicate themselves to teaching might face false accusations or misunderstandings, leading to suspension for investigation. Under the old system, even if they were eventually cleared, compensation was limited to the basic salary, which was insufficient to protect teachers' rights.
Cheng Ying-yao emphasized that the academic research allowance is inherently part of a teacher's salary structure, and this amendment explicitly includes it in the scope of retroactive payment, making the restoration of rights more complete. Future related sub-laws and administrative measures will ensure the smooth implementation of the system, which will not only help enhance teachers' workplace protection, allowing them to teach with greater peace of mind and uphold their educational responsibilities, but also protect students' right to education. (Editor: Kuan Chung-wei) 1150417
Previously, if a teacher was reinstated after an investigation without being dismissed or permanently suspended, they would only receive their basic salary, which is about half of their total remuneration. Education groups and legislators argued that this practice constituted an unfavorable treatment for teachers in a situation of "involuntary suspension from work," as they only received a partial salary.
The Legislative Yuan today passed amendments to Articles 25 and 53 of the Teacher's Act, stipulating that teachers who are temporarily suspended for investigation and subsequently reinstated will be retroactively paid their basic salary and academic research allowance (instead of just the basic salary), effective from the date of promulgation of the amendment.
Cheng Ying-yao attended the "Hsin-Yi Children's Literature Award" ceremony and, before the event, told media that teachers who dedicate themselves to teaching might face false accusations or misunderstandings, leading to suspension for investigation. Under the old system, even if they were eventually cleared, compensation was limited to the basic salary, which was insufficient to protect teachers' rights.
Cheng Ying-yao emphasized that the academic research allowance is inherently part of a teacher's salary structure, and this amendment explicitly includes it in the scope of retroactive payment, making the restoration of rights more complete. Future related sub-laws and administrative measures will ensure the smooth implementation of the system, which will not only help enhance teachers' workplace protection, allowing them to teach with greater peace of mind and uphold their educational responsibilities, but also protect students' right to education. (Editor: Kuan Chung-wei) 1150417
FAQ
What is the main purpose of the amendment to the Teacher's Act?
The main purpose is to strengthen the protection of teachers' rights by ensuring that teachers cleared of false accusations receive full compensation, including basic salary and academic research allowances, for their suspension period, allowing them to focus on teaching with greater peace of mind.
How has the compensation for teachers proven innocent changed before and after the amendment?
Before the amendment, teachers proven innocent and reinstated only received their basic salary as compensation. After the amendment, they will receive both their basic salary and academic research allowance for the suspension period.