A recent recommendation put forth by a subcommittee of the Central Council for Education in Japan aims to enhance the financial support for public school teachers by increasing the allowances paid to them in place of overtime pay. This proposal, if implemented, would elevate the current allowance rate from 4% to a minimum of 10% of the teachers' monthly salaries. The initiative seeks to address concerns regarding the recruitment and retention of qualified educators within the public school system.

In line with the effort to improve working conditions for teachers, the subcommittee has also recommended adjustments to the allowances for teachers with particularly demanding workloads, as well as for principals and vice principals. By devising a more tailored payroll system that aligns with the responsibilities and working environments of teachers, the aim is to create a fairer and more supportive framework for educators. Additionally, the proposal encompasses a plan to set limits on monthly overtime hours for public elementary and junior high school teachers, who are currently reported to be working around 41 and 58 hours of overtime per month, respectively.

The proposed reduction in monthly overtime hours to below 45 hours initially, and ultimately to around 20 hours, reflects a commitment to promoting a healthier work-life balance for teachers in public schools. This move is designed to mitigate the strain of excessive work hours and contribute to the overall well-being and job satisfaction of educators, ultimately benefiting both the teachers and the students they serve. The education ministry is expected to seek approval for these changes by introducing a bill to raise the allowances to the Diet early next year, with a focus on creating a more sustainable and supportive environment for public school teachers in Japan.