Thuringia creates 20 new places in the dual teacher training course!

Thuringia creates 20 new places in the dual teacher training course!

Thuringia's Education and Science Minister Christian Tischner today announced a significant expansion of the dual teacher training program at the University of Erfurt. Up to 20 new study places are available within the state budget, increasing the total number of places in the dual study program to 70. This initiative aims to attract urgently needed young talent for mainstream and community schools and to counteract the teacher shortage in Thuringia that has been ongoing for years. That's what she reports University of Erfurt.

The new state government, consisting of the CDU, BSW and SPD, sees the expansion of dual studies as a central approach to combating the shortage of teachers, especially in mainstream schools. Loud n-tv Students in the dual program receive a contract and a monthly salary of 1,550 euros for the bachelor's degree and 1,800 euros for the master's degree. This remuneration has been adjusted based on the tariff increases of the collective bargaining community of the states.

Dual study program and course content

The dual study program at the University of Erfurt, which was launched last year, will start with the second year in the winter semester of 2025/26. Students can choose between various subjects, including German, mathematics, English, economics/technology and, now, sport. The focus in the first year of study is on the first subject, while from the third semester onwards the subject-specific portion of the second subject is increased. In addition, the practical school training begins two days a week.

Another advantage of the program is that graduates are required to work in the Thuringian school service for five years after graduation. The preparatory service was shortened to twelve months, which accelerated entry into the teaching profession. Those interested can apply for the Free State of Thuringia via the career portal; The application period runs until April 30, 2025. The selection processes are coordinated by the state education authorities, and interviews are scheduled to take place in May and June 2025.

Teacher shortage as a national problem

The shortage of teachers in Thuringia is part of a larger nationwide problem. Loud deutsches-schulportal.de Over 36 percent of teachers in Germany are older than 50 years, and the proportion of teachers under 35 is only 21.1 percent. These demographic challenges are increasing pressure on education policy and teacher training.

Statistics show that in the 2022/23 school year, around 9.8 percent of teachers were in front of a class without a recognized teaching qualification. In addition, the proportion of lateral and lateral entrants has almost doubled in the last ten years. The Education Council has already taken measures to temporarily reduce timetables and reform teacher training in order to combat the ongoing shortage of teachers.

An information stand about the teacher recruitment campaign will be available on April 26, 2025 during the University Information Day at the University of Erfurt. This could be an excellent opportunity for those interested to learn more about the possibilities of dual teacher training and the challenges in the education sector.