- Easing the transition into educational instruction for scholars is promoted
Hessen is strengthening the prerequisites for individuals transitioning into the teaching profession from different academic backgrounds. Soon, individuals with degrees such as a Master's, Diplom, or Magister will be permitted to instruct in their specific field of study and, following a successful reference period, consistently in a single subject within a single school.
Cabinet Minister Armin Schwarz (CDU) reported at the commencement of the new academic year that a corresponding bill will be tabled in the state legislature this year. Typically, teachers instruct in at least two subjects.
Regarding the initiative, the Ministry of Culture clarified, "This job opportunity is open to those who envision themselves in an educational setting but may not have fulfilled the prerequisites with the required two subjects." Additionally, it will make it simpler to hire foreign teachers specializing in only one subject.
Approximately 810,000 students are projected to return to schools in Hessen after the summer break on Monday. The number of first-graders is projected to rise to 60,400 (compared to 58,800 in 2023), while 65,000 teachers will work in the 1,810 Hessian schools - 1,000 more than in the previous academic year, as suggested by the ministry.
In the upcoming academic year, Schwarz highlighted, the emphasis on promoting values, civic education, and violence prevention will be heightened in classrooms. It is vital, according to the minister, for all students to engage in respectful interactions with one another, foster democratic values, and recognize the significance of free speech, which he expressed in Wiesbaden.
Respectful interactions begin with "please" and "thank you."
Schwarz stated, "For our inherent values, we must consistently defend them, live them in our daily interactions, in both big and small moments. It begins with 'please' and 'thank you' and does not cease when debating right and freedom." He continued to discuss ongoing initiatives focused on these topics, with plans for new teaching materials and training for educators.
Furthermore, in addition to German promotion, the over 36,500 refugee and migrant children and young people enrolled in remedial classes will now receive two hours per week dedicated to promoting shared values and civic education.
Given the escalating polarization, misinformation, and alarming trends on social media, promoting values, cultivating democracy, and preventing violence hold particular significance, the minister emphasized. Right-wing hate, anti-Semitism, and extremism, for example, from the Islamist sphere, must also be confronted in educational institutions.
As previously announced, German lessons in elementary schools will be expanded. All second-graders will receive an additional hour of German, as Schwarz explained. "Language unites, language integrates, language empowers," he added.
Simultaneously, the pilot project for an additional German lesson in the third and fourth grades instead of one of the two English lessons will persist at 15 elementary schools. To prepare the next generation of skilled workers, the craft talents of children will be cultivated in elementary schools, such as through the statewide initiative "Elementary School meets Vocational School and Crafts."
The Green opposition criticizes teacher shortages.
The education policy spokesman for the Hessian state parliament's Greens, Daniel May, accused the state government of falling short in addressing the teacher shortage. According to a response from the Ministry of Culture to a legislative inquiry, at least 830 openings in public schools remained vacant as of October 1, 2023. If overlaps in some school district offices were not considered, the shortage throughout Hesse would total around 950 unoccupied positions, May explained.
The initiative to allow individuals with diverse academic backgrounds to teach in their specific field will benefit many, including future first-graders who will greatly benefit from well-educated teachers. With the number of first-graders projected to increase, it's crucial to have a sufficient number of qualified teachers to ensure each student receives a quality education.
