Revolution in Bavaria's teacher training: Experts call for radical reforms!

Revolution in Bavaria's teacher training: Experts call for radical reforms!

On May 7, 2025, the report “Teacher training for the 21st century” was published, which was prepared by a 13-member commission of experts on behalf of the Bavarian State Government. This commission worked from summer 2023 to December 2024 and consisted of a student representative, six representatives from teaching associations and six scientists from Bavarian universities. The chair was Prof. Dr. Anita Schilcher, Chair of Didactics of German Language and Literature at the University of Regensburg, emphasized the need for a gradual implementation of the recommendations.

Last week a discussion event took place at the Regensburg University Center for Teacher Training (RUL) under the title “Impulses for teacher training in Bavaria”. Around 70 participants, including scientists, teachers and representatives of the school supervision, discussed the main theses of the new report. The welcome was given by Prof. Dr. Astrid Rank, deputy RUL chairwoman. Prof. Dr. Nikolaus Korber, Vice President for Studies, Teaching and Continuing Education, emphasized the relevance of the report for Bavarian universities.

Content of the report

The report is divided into four chapters: First, existing problem areas are analyzed, followed by solution lines and key points for further development. Finally, it provides concrete implementation recommendations. In total, the document contains 13 recommendations for action that address the challenges of teacher training. It is emphasized that the qualification of teachers should be based on solid, research-based knowledge.

• Analyse bestehender Probleme
• Lösungslinien
• Eckpunkte für Weiterentwicklung
• Umsetzungsempfehlungen

A central concern of the report is the clear definition of qualification and career paths, which is intended to ensure the systematic acquisition of the necessary skills. During the discussion, Susanne Pröls expressed concerns about the planned expansion of the teacher training course to 300 ECTS points. Nikolaus Kühnhackl criticized a possible standardization of the preparatory service, which could lead to further diversification of teacher training.

Professional requirements for teachers

The demands on teachers have increased significantly in recent years. They not only have to teach, but also educate, advise and develop schools. Professional teachers should have differentiated subject knowledge, subject-didactic knowledge, pedagogical-psychological knowledge and reflected practical experience. Their ability to continually reflect on their own actions is crucial for the school's development and the support of their students.

The report recommends a learning-effective interlinking of theory and practical phases, which is necessary for cumulative competence development. In addition, the importance of core practices, especially the practice of explaining, is discussed. There is agreement about the need for a stronger professional focus and a competency orientation in the state examination.

In order to further improve teacher training in Germany, the federal government, together with the states, initiated the “Teacher Training Quality Offensive”. This program, which ran from 2015 to 2023, aimed to optimize structures at universities and increase the attractiveness of the teaching profession. Within this framework, 500 million euros were invested to create 1,470 positions at universities and establish new professorships.

The challenges facing teacher training also include the integration of digital technologies into teaching. Teachers not only have to prepare their specialist knowledge didactically, but also prepare them for social challenges such as climate change and democracy education.

The discussion ends with the outstanding consensus among participants that political support is necessary for the implementation of the recommendations. The discussions in smaller groups after the event led to further in-depth discussions about the challenges and opportunities arising from the new report.