Berlin universities react: New ways to combat the shortage of teachers!

Berlin universities react: New ways to combat the shortage of teachers!

An acute shortage of teachers can currently be felt throughout Germany, including in schools in Berlin. This situation has prompted the Humboldt University of Berlin (HU) to launch new single-subject lateral entry master's degree programs for the 2025/26 winter semester. This innovative educational offer is aimed specifically at graduates of non-teaching-related courses who are aiming for a career in teaching.

The newly introduced single-subject master's degree in teaching is intended to serve as an answer to the existing shortage of teachers. The HU is taking on a pioneering role in Berlin by implementing the recommendations of the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK). The aim is to meet the need for qualified teachers, particularly in the areas of mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and business education (MINT subjects). Applications for the program are possible until August 31, 2025.

Course content and range of subjects

The new courses are offered in seven disciplines: biology, chemistry, French, computer science, mathematics, physics and business education. The course content was developed in close collaboration with the faculties' departments. The program includes specialist sciences, specialist didactics and educational sciences, as well as practical school internships that cover topics such as inclusion, media education and democracy education.

The course is intended to prepare prospective teachers for the challenges of everyday school life and enable a seamless transition into the Berlin preparatory service. Students from other federal states also have the opportunity to apply for the new programs, which further increases the reach of the initiative.

Political support and future prospects

The need for such programs is also supported by politicians, including the announcement by Christine Streichert-Clivot, President of the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs, to open up new paths into teaching. These are intended to attract teachers with different biographies to the teaching profession and to make lateral entry easier. In Saxony-Anhalt, for example, a dual teacher training program is being introduced that promotes practical experience.

Improving teacher training is essential in order to meet the increasingly complex requirements of schools, especially in view of increasing student numbers and the expansion of all-day schools. According to a Forsa survey, 60% of school principals report an increase in teachers with long-term illnesses, which further exacerbates the problem of teacher shortages.

The new single-subject Q-Masters are part of a comprehensive strategy to increase the number of graduates in teaching and are intended to sustainably improve both the quality and quantity of teachers. Nevertheless, there is criticism of the new dual study programs and the introduction of single-subject teachers. The Association for Education and Upbringing (VBE) sees risks in this. However, Education Minister Karin Prien emphasizes that these approaches create additional opportunities without neglecting basic teacher training.

With these new master's degree programs, the HU's Professional School of Education (PSE) has developed a future-oriented model that has a significant influence on modern teacher training in Berlin. Questions about the degree programs can be directed to Ann-Cathrine Liebsch and Magnus John.