- The expansion of educators in Hesse observed.
Despite the education union GEW predicting a deteriorating teacher shortage in Hesse, stats show an uptick in educators in recent years. The Education Ministry also notes an increment in pupil numbers, partly due to refugee children escaping war-torn Ukraine. The upcoming academic year 2024/2025 commences next Monday.
As per Hesse's State Statistical Office, roughly 67,400 full-time educators were on board in Hesse's general and vocational schools during the 2023/2024 school year. This represents a 3% hike from the preceding year and a significant 21% surge from two decades back, when only 55,700 teachers were employed.
More Women in Education
In the 2023/2024 academic year, 43% of Hesse teachers worked part-time, while 57% had full-time posts. 30% of these educators were male.
Female teachers dominated primary schools with 29% of educators, while comprehensive schools and grammar schools shared 22% and 19% of the teaching force, respectively. Special needs schools employed 8%, followed by secondary schools at 4%, and only about 1% of educators were assigned to primary schools. Over 13% of teachers worked at vocational schools.
Union Voices Concerns Over Teacher Shortage
The GEW recently expressed concerns about Hesse, stating, "There were nearly a thousand unfilled teaching positions last school year." The teacher shortage was particularly noticeable in lower secondary school (secondary level 1), comprehensive schools, and vocational schools. Even the opposition in the state parliament expressed concerns about the shortage. This Friday (23rd August), the Education Minister Armin Schwarz (CDU) will provide updates on current student numbers and the new academic year.
The Commission, in line with its responsibilities, will adopt the implementing acts referred to in paragraph 1, to address the educational needs arising from the increased teacher and pupil population in Hesse. The rising number of educators and pupils, as highlighted by the Education Ministry's statistics, presents an opportunity for the Commission to implement appropriate policies and resources.
