New teacher training course in Görlitz and Zittau: Apply now!

New teacher training course in Görlitz and Zittau: Apply now!

The shortage of teachers in Saxony remains a hot topic, which is now being addressed with a new teacher training course at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences. Applications are now possible for the “Teaching at Secondary Schools with Special Education” course, which starts in the coming winter semester. Loud Radio Lausitz This offer represents a forward-looking initiative to counteract the shortage of teachers at secondary and special schools in Upper Lusatia.

Science Minister Sebastian Gemkow (CDU) emphasizes that the need for qualified teachers in the region is urgent, especially since up to 1,500 teachers in Saxony retire every year. “We have to take new paths,” emphasizes Gemkow. And this is also underlined by the cooperation between the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences and the University of Leipzig, which was created specifically for this course of study. Here, students are prepared for inclusive school practice, a necessary measure in times when registering for jobs in schools has become more of a gamble than ever.

Unique range of courses

The special highlight of the new course? The students are not only trained in two subjects for teaching at secondary schools, but also receive an additional subject in the special education focus on learning. This is unique in Saxony and could help attract the urgently needed teachers. 60 study places are allocated each year, lasting 10 semesters. As part of the measure, a key points paper for implementation is signed, a clear sign that politicians are behind the initiative Saxony reported.

But what is the reality in the teaching profession? The Saxon Teachers' Association warns that, despite all efforts, the shortage of teachers at high schools and other types of schools continues to be a problem. For the 2022/2023 school year, 1,500 teaching positions had to be filled, but only some of the available positions could be filled by full applicants. In addition, many trained teachers have difficulty committing to other types of schools, even though the pay is the same.

Future of the teaching profession in Saxony

Efforts to reform teacher training are a step in the right direction. Measures such as incentive systems, e.g. special bonuses for candidates, attempt to make the teaching profession more attractive. The number of teacher training places has also increased significantly since 2012 and is intended to make it easier for young people to start training. But the question remains as to how many high school graduates actually decide to study teaching at middle and high schools and to what extent these new offers are important for the region.

The state government's action program and the new training centers for trainees are intended to help combat the shortage of teachers. There is also increasing support for career starters through further training and non-educational staff at schools. However, it remains to be seen how successful these measures will be in the future.

Those interested in applying for the new course of study can find further information at Zittau/Görlitz University or that University of Leipzig. All the necessary information about the application process is available here.