Cultivating STEM Teachers: Public-Funded Master's Program to Enroll First Class in 2027

(Central News Agency reporter Chen Chih-chung, Taipei, 7th) Affected by the declining birthrate and competition for talent from the technology industry, it has become increasingly difficult for elementary and secondary schools to find STEM teachers in recent years. The Ministry of Education plans to cultivate 60 STEM teachers through a public-funded master's program for teacher training, starting in 2027 (Min-guo 116), with a two-year training period and subsequent assignment.

The Ministry of Education today issued a press release stating that in response to the teacher needs of different educational stages, fields, and regions, it will pilot a public-funded master's program for STEM teacher training (hereinafter referred to as the 'special program') for the first time next year (2027). Public-funded special programs for vocational and indigenous teachers will also continue, and post-baccalaureate education credit programs will be added, among other diverse methods, to enrich the pool of reserve teachers.

STEM refers to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. According to the Ministry of Education's official document, the special program will recruit one class of 30 students each at National Taiwan Normal University and National Changhua University of Education, totaling 60 students. Students will receive public funding assistance and have an obligation to accept assignments after graduation.

Unlike general teacher training curriculum designs, the special program integrates 26 credits of professional courses with master's courses. Furthermore, because public-funded students will be required to serve in remote or special area schools in the future, special emphasis is placed on issues such as mixed-age teaching, differentiated instruction, family education, and student counseling.

The Ministry of Education hopes that the special program can address the current shortage of science and engineering teachers in elementary and secondary schools and attract diverse talents with scientific literacy and practical experience through innovative training models.

In addition, the Ministry of Education will continue to combine big data to accurately estimate teacher demand in various counties and cities, optimize the talent pool portal, integrate selection information, assist schools in finding talent, and allow prospective teachers to plan their teaching careers with greater peace of mind. (Edited by Lee Heng-shan) 1150507

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