A shortage of teachers hits Schmalkalden-Meiningen: 60 positions remain unfilled!

A shortage of teachers hits Schmalkalden-Meiningen: 60 positions remain unfilled!

With the start of the new school year after the Thuringian summer holidays, around 14,670 students in Schmalkalden-Meiningen are ready to start their school career. But the start of school is overshadowed by an unsolved problem: the shortage of teachers. This year, 60 teaching positions remain unfilled in the district alone, which puts a considerable strain on the beginning of the school season insuedthueringen.de reported.

The Henneberg gymnasium was festively decorated to properly welcome the new students. On this special day, garlands, balloons and sugar cones decorate the walls, while the school choir, led by Jutta Beßler, has prepared a cheerful program of songs and lectures. Together with their parents, 23 boys and girls sat on the front benches and brought their bulging sugar cones with them. Emotions are running high because for the children this day marks the beginning of an important chapter in their lives: “Hurray, hurray, school is starting now” is heard at the top of their lungs in the festive hall.

A shortage of teachers is a constant issue

The challenges in teaching are enormous. There is a shortage of over 1,200 teachers in the entire state of Thuringia, particularly in the subjects of mathematics, computer science, languages, natural sciences and technology. Even if Education Minister Christian Tischner talks about an education booster to reduce the number of lessons canceled, the reality is different: according to estimates, one in ten lessons will not take place by the end of 2024 mdr.de highlights.

To counteract this situation, the ministry is relying on hiring lateral entrants. But a high dropout rate of between 10 and 20 percent raises questions. The ministry is also planning mandatory three-month preparation seminars for these new teachers. The Thuringian Teachers' Association supports this initiative to improve didactics and methodology in the classrooms.

Class cancellations on the agenda

However, an effective solution to the ongoing cancellation of classes still seems a long way off. According to figures, the situation in schools is... schulstatistics-thueringen.de unsatisfactory. The default rate has shown a worrying increase since 2008/09. What is particularly depressing is the fact that lessons are often canceled without replacement, especially in general schools. Hardly a school year goes by without schools facing new challenges.

Overall, the lack of education is an ongoing issue that not only affects students and teachers, but also poses major challenges for society as a whole. It remains to be seen whether the announced measures will take effect in time to eliminate the grievances and enable students to learn without any worries.