- Commencement of academic year in Bavaria triggers calls for intervention from associations
The upcoming academic year in Bavaria poses numerous obstacles and a persistent lack of educators persists. The Bavarian Teachers' Union (BLLV) advocates that the discussion on enhancing educational standards in Bavaria should not be disregarded. Other educator organizations identify hurdles in educational equality, digitalization, and the professional allure.
On September 10, schools in Bavaria will resume following the summer break. Approximately 134,000 pupils are predicted to enroll in initial grade at primary and special schools. Around 125,000 students are anticipated to join grade 5.
The offices are strained
"The teacher scarcity is no longer a matter of debate," stated BLLV President Simone Fleischmann. There are indeed shortages everywhere. The Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs did not supply clear figures and suggested a press conference on the school year commencement this coming Friday. Prior to the vacation, a forecast by the ministry had indicated a plethora of scarcities in the future, particularly at secondary schools, intermediate schools, and grammar schools.
The predicament at intermediate schools has not manifested as badly as was apprehended during the 2024/25 academic year, as per the Bavarian Association of Intermediate School Teachers. Grammar schools and vocational higher secondary schools remain in a relatively favorable position, according to the Philologists' Association. However, grammar schools may become the school type with the most significant educator scarcity in the upcoming academic year if no countermeasures are implemented.
The associations believe that minimizing workloads and motivating educators to work extra hours can be achieved by abolishing planned restrictions on part-time options. Instead, appealing career paths, flexible working time models, and evident promotion opportunities should be created, said the Association of Intermediate School Teachers.
The new academic year presents numerous challenges for schools. The Pisa offensive will have a considerable impact on primary schools. As a result of poor Pisa results, mathematics and German will take up more time on the schedule, whereas English, music, art, craft, and design (WG) will have to be scaled down.
The BLLV criticized this decision once more: Instead of eliminating hours, there should be more lessons in primary school, said BLLV expert Antje Radetzky. Specifically in English, Bavaria is already trailing behind other federal states in primary school, she emphasized.
The aforementioned "Constitutional Quarter Hour" is a new addition this year, initially launching in certain grade levels. This should be integrated regularly once a week within the regular lesson time and alternatively in various subjects. Schools and educators should fashion the units flexibly and can incorporate current events.
At grammar schools, significant changes will occur in the upper secondary level due to the transition to the Abitur after nine years (G9) rather than eight years (G8). This academic year, the first 12th grade will commence in the new G9, according to the Philologists' Association. Therefore, there will be no Abitur exams at the end of the academic year – except for repeaters in the 12th grade of the old G8.
Info on the Pisa Offensive Info on the Constitutional Quarter Hour Info on the Grammar School Upper Secondary Level
In light of the teacher shortage, Bavaria's primary and special schools might face challenges during September's resumption, with approximately 134,000 pupils joining initial grade. Despite the improved situation at intermediate schools compared to the previous academic year, grammar schools might experience the most significant educator scarcity in the upcoming year unless countermeasures are implemented.
