Teaching and Learning Processes - School Leaders Advocate for Preparing Future Principals
In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the Education Minister Simone Oldenburg (Left Party) is making sure there's a smooth shift when seasoned school principals call it quits. From now on, their replacements can be hired three months before they take over. This update applies to both general and vocational schools and includes both principals and their deputies.
Oldenburg believes that when senior members of school management teams leave, it's not just saying goodbye to colleagues, but also to their invaluable practical knowledge acquired throughout their careers. She emphasizes the importance of passing this valuable experience on during the transition process, making it easier for new school leaders to take the helm effectively.
"It's not enough to lead a school with just theoretical knowledge of education law. You also need a lot of hands-on experience," Oldenburg stated.
Usually, functional positions in the public education system can only be filled when they become vacant. But with this new decree, an exception has been made for the years 2024 and 2025.
In the past, Oldenburg, an opposition politician before she took office, described the responsibility of filling school leadership positions as being underrated and a less-than-appealing prospect. The previous SPD-led Ministry of Education admitted there were issues finding candidates for these roles, with a staggering 10% only temporarily filling them. However, up-to-date figures have not been shared.
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In the Government of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, led by Education Minister Simone Oldenburg, a new decree has been implemented, allowing the hiring of school leaders three months prior to their tenure, starting from 2024. This policy applies to both general and vocational schools in Schwerin, ensuring a smoother transition process for inclusion and education. Simone Oldenburg, previously an opposition politician, now emphasizes the importance of experienced hands-on leadership in schools, as she recognizes the underrated role of filling school leadership positions.
