Dispute over the removal of allowances for trainee teachers

As announced, Saxony's Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs is cutting the so-called state bonus for almost all trainee teachers, causing displeasure among those affected. While the Education and Science Trade Union (GEW) considers the cancellation to be "bordering on fraud", the Ministry of Education points out that the decision was announced in good time.

Premium for work in rural regions

Teachers in preparatory service in Saxony receive a basic amount of 1,795.10 euros per month (gross). Those who started their traineeship outside of Dresden and Leipzig received a special supplement of 1,250 euros gross per month. The GEW is now accusing the ministry of unexpectedly announcing during the ongoing application process that the supplement for primary school teachers will be discontinued with immediate effect - the state bonus will only continue to be paid in the Bautzen region.

Aspiring teachers see trust abused

The cancellation of the allowance comes despite the fact that many aspiring teachers had made their decisions about school locations, places of residence and family arrangements in reliance on this financial benefit, according to an open letter from those affected to Minister of Culture Conrad Clemens (CDU) and the head of the State Office for Schools and Education, Patrick Schreiber.

Ministry of Education sees measure as successful

The Ministry of Education claimed to have openly communicated the decision at the end of October 2025. "Any candidate who wanted to change their position as a result was able to do so," Minister of Education Clemens told the German Press Agency. The measure was successful. The number of trainee teachers in the regions where they are needed has doubled.

Directing teachers to where they are needed

"The number of graduates in primary school teaching is consistently high. At the same time, fewer and fewer primary school pupils are starting school. It is already becoming apparent that the recruitment requirements at elementary school will fall considerably in the coming years. That is why we need to direct teachers to where we urgently need them: in the regions of Bautzen and Görlitz," Clemens clarified.

GEW boss: Those affected are being let down

GEW chairman Burkhard Naumann saw those affected as being let down and cheated. "The prospective primary school teachers are receiving 40 percent less money than they were promised at the time of application. That borders on fraud." Instead of wooing urgently needed young teachers, the ministry is throwing them under the bus before they even start their careers. The supplement is urgently needed to finance long commutes or a move.