Teach in Germany

DC 7224 CARRUS BC, 07.05.2024 Düsseldorf - The City of R-Evolution

Germany Faces Growing Teacher Shortage:

A Challenge and an Opportunity

Germany's education system is facing a significant hurdle: a widening teacher deficit. While student enrollment is on the rise, the number of qualified teachers is declining. This trend threatens the quality of education for many students nationwide.

Surveys paint a concerning picture. Estimates suggest that between 30,000 and 40,000 teaching positions will remain unfilled in 2024 alone. The long-term prognosis is even bleaker, with projections indicating a deficit of around 68,000 teachers by 2030.

This shortage creates a complex challenge for families, schools, and policymakers. Filling the gap is proving difficult, leaving educators stretched thin and potentially hindering student achievement.

However, amidst this challenge lies a potential opportunity. This shortage could open doors for skilled teachers from other countries, particularly those with strong German language skills. By attracting qualified international educators, Germany could address the deficit while enriching its classrooms with diverse perspectives.

To capitalize on this opportunity, Germany would need to implement effective strategies for attracting and integrating foreign teachers. This might involve streamlining the visa process, providing language support, and offering competitive salaries and working conditions.

By acknowledging the teacher shortage and exploring innovative solutions, Germany can ensure a bright future for its education system.

Germany's Secondary Education System

Germany's secondary education system, while robust, can be initially confusing due to its variations across the 16 states. Here's a breakdown to help you understand its key features.

Two Stages, Multiple Paths:

Secondary education is divided into two phases: Sekundarstufe I (lower secondary) and Sekundarstufe II (upper secondary).

• Sekundarstufe I (ages 10-15/16, grades 5-9/10) is compulsory for all students. It focuses on building foundational skills and knowledge across various subjects.
• Sekundarstufe II (until age 18) is optional and caters to two main pathways: university preparation or vocational training.

Public School Options:

Public secondary schools in Germany are free to attend and offer diverse options tailored to individual student needs and abilities. Placement decisions are typically based on academic performance, teacher recommendations, and parental preferences. Importantly, students have the opportunity to transition between schools based on changing circumstances.

Here's a closer look at the public secondary school types:

• Gymnasium: Similar to a grammar school, this rigorous academic track prepares students for the Abitur exam, the key to university entrance in Germany. Students typically stay here until age 18.
• Realschule: Offering a more general education up to age 15/16, this option caters to students positioned between the Gymnasium and Hauptschule tracks. It culminates in a diploma that allows students to pursue vocational qualifications, apprenticeships, or even transfer to a Gymnasium for Sekundarstufe II.
• Hauptschule: Designed for students excelling less academically, this general secondary school leads to vocational training or further vocational qualifications upon graduation at age 15/16.
• Gesamtschule: This comprehensive school offers a mixed-level education until age 15/16, promoting inclusivity by catering to a wider range of academic abilities. These schools have become increasingly prevalent in recent years and may have different names depending on the state (e.g., Mittelschule, Regelschule, Regionalschule).
• Berufsschule: These vocational schools are primarily for Realschule and Hauptschule graduates who choose to continue their education during Sekundarstufe II, focusing on specific career paths.

Private Schools:

Approximately 9% of German secondary school students attend private institutions. These can be categorized as:

• Substitute Schools (Ersatzschulen): Offering an education equivalent to state schools with state-recognized qualifications, these include subsidized religious schools (Waldorf, Montessori), independent international schools, and bilingual schools.
• Supplementary Schools (Erg?nzungsschulen): These private vocational schools typically focus on specialized fields not covered in state education and offer alternative qualifications.

?f you are a teacher and you are planning to have a new career in Germany, contact us - CARRUS -to design your journey together;

[email protected]

Buelent Cakiroglu, 07 May 2099 Düsseldorf - The City of R-Evolution