- Approximately 400 new students commence their education in the southwestern region, overlapping with existing student body.
This new academic year in the Southwest, untrained teachers are being employed at various schools to address the teacher shortage issue. As per the Education Department's declaration, around 400 such teachers are joining the so-called direct entry program at schools in Baden-Württemberg.
These teachers hail from diverse professional backgrounds and are initiating their teaching careers directly in the classroom. Simultaneously, they will undergo a pedagogical training for two years and have to clear the same test as future teachers with a teaching degree. If they perform well, they can be permanently hired, as per the department.
Direct entry program is also being implemented at high schools and SBBZ (special education centers).
The Southwest government is employing entry-level teachers to combat the teacher shortage. During the previous school year, there were 890 vacant teacher positions, and at the start of the last school year, it was 565. Last school year, direct entry was implemented at primary schools and lower secondary schools. This year, it's being implemented at high schools and SBBZ.
Most of the entry-level teachers are joining vocational schools, with 236 teachers starting this school year. At SBBZ, the state is hiring 59 subject teachers and technical teachers, along with 15 scientific teachers for special education. There are 46 entry-level teachers starting at comprehensive schools, 30 at primary schools, and 12 at high schools.
"Crucial tool for staffing teachers"
"Direct entry is not just a crucial tool for staffing teachers," said State Secretary Volker Schebesta (CDU). "The backgrounds of entry-level teachers demonstrate various opportunities for professional growth." His Green Party colleague Sandra Boser highlighted: "Direct entry is an essential support for our schools. The varied experiences of the new teachers add vibrancy to school life and provide fresh perspectives for everyone involved."
According to the ministry, entry-level teachers are particularly important at SBBZ. "Direct entry is an indispensable measure at these schools to ensure that teaching and thus education for children and young people with special educational needs is maintained," it said.
The direct entry program, a crucial tool for staffing teachers, follows cross-compliance requirements to ensure that these untrained individuals undergo pedagogical training and clear the same tests as future teachers with a teaching degree. The Southwest government acknowledges that direct entry is not only beneficial for addressing the teacher shortage but also provides varied experiences and fresh perspectives, contributing positively to school life.
