Education debate in Barnim: FDP calls for investments and solutions!

Education debate in Barnim: FDP calls for investments and solutions!

On July 18, 2025, the FDP Barnim and the FDP Uckermark hosted a summer reception in Brandenburg under the motto "Secure education, shape the future. Education needs smart minds - not cuts." took place. Around 50 guests gathered in beautiful weather to discuss the current challenges of education policy in a relaxed atmosphere. The event, which was opened by Martin Hoeck and Ivo Smolak, not only offered a buffet and musical performances by the saxophone-guitar duo Willy & Walter, but also a panel discussion as the highlight.

The focus of the discussion was on essential topics such as the shortage of teachers, inclusion and the announced cuts in the state budget. Discussants included Ulrike Mauersberger (CDU), Kurt Fischer (SPD) and Zyon Braun (FDP), while Wenke Surauf and Thomas Pfeffer moderated. There was agreement among the participants that urgent investments in education are necessary in order to enable the appropriate implementation of educational requirements. The district association of the FDP Barnim concluded that an open, solution-oriented educational debate is required. There was also plenty of opportunity for personal conversations and exchanges between citizens, party members and other interested parties.

Current challenges in the education system

The educational situation in Brandenburg remains tense. As current information from rbb shows, around 152,000 teaching hours were canceled without replacement in the first half of the current school year, which corresponds to 2.23 percent of the planned lessons. This is 18,000 hours fewer than the previous year, where the outage was 2.5 percent. However, the cancellation of lessons is still above the pre-Corona level of 1.8 percent in the first half of 2019/2020. The Ministry of Education in Potsdam is trying to defuse the situation, but admits that the quality of teaching cannot be guaranteed in all schools.

Long-term illnesses in particular and the resulting increased need for representation at individual schools cause difficulties. The Education Ministry noted that despite a decline in hours taught by regular teachers, about 929,200 hours could be lost due to teacher shortages in the current school year. Of these, 774,300 hours were covered by substitute staff, but these are often career changers without comparable pedagogical training. This leads to concerns from the student body. The State Student Council is vocal about the fact that the planned cuts will not only unsettle teachers, but will also endanger solid teaching provision.

Future of education in Brandenburg

Brandenburg's education policy is facing major challenges. The planned reduction in the number of teachers from around 20,800 to 20,542 in the 2025/2026 school year further aggravates the situation. A short-term hiring freeze was lifted after criticism, but it remains to be seen how the state government can address the shortage of trained educators in the long term. In the context of this discussion, it is essential to hear the voices of those who are directly affected - students are demanding more transparency and support while drawing attention to the conditions in their schools. Ultimately, education should not remain just a slogan, but should be put into practice.