Trade union warns of double crisis in the education system

Teacher shortage and no money: The Education and Science Union (GEW) warns of the consequences of a double crisis in the Saxon education system. Teacher shortages have been a problem for years, said GEW head Burkhard Naumann. "What is new is that now there is also no money (...) This is a dangerous course at the expense of the educational opportunities of young people in Saxony. Many schools are struggling to cope with everyday life."

According to GEW estimates, more than 4,000 additional teachers would have to be hired in order to fully cover teaching, including supplementary teaching. This would also include replacements for teachers who left in the previous school year. The increasing number of pupils in the new school year alone would require 770 additional teachers. According to the Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs, there are now 438 more people in the teaching profession than in the previous school year.

Criticism of hasty secondment of teachers

The union listed a whole range of effects as a result of financial cuts. Individual support is being massively restricted and the promised expansion of school assistance is not taking place. In order to better distribute the shortage, teachers are being seconded to other types of schools and for other subjects. The criticism is not that there are secondments. However, they are being carried out hastily instead of proceeding in a planned manner.

According to GEW, the Ministry of Education is focusing on the quantity of teaching instead of the quality of education. Without sufficient staff and money for promotion, substitution or support, the system is "running on wear and tear". A reorientation of education policy is needed. "The crisis can only be overcome together," said Naumann. The ministry, trade union, parents and pupils need to come together.

Permanent stress and resignation among teaching staff

GEW Vice President Claudia Maaß commented on the Ministry of Education's package of measures to minimize absenteeism. There is unrest and uncertainty at many schools. "Teachers who are already working to the limit are being asked to shoulder even more." There is no end, no improvement in sight. The result is constant stress and resignation. There are constantly new and short-term measures that are not agreed with those affected.

On Wednesday, the Ministry of Education presented its plans for the school year starting next Monday. Minister of Education Conrad Clemens (CDU) was optimistic that the current shortfall of around nine percent of all lessons could be reduced.

Teachers' association points to uncertainty, frustration and resentment

The Saxon Teachers' Association (SLV) - the second largest representation of teachers' interests alongside the GEW - warned against false optimism. "Instead of a spirit of optimism, there is uncertainty, frustration and resentment in many places. The package of measures has met with widespread rejection and the situation at schools is more tense than ever," emphasized SLV state head René Michel.

"With a radical secondment strategy, teachers are currently being moved back and forth like pawns on a chessboard with the aim of distributing the loss of teaching evenly - but not preventing it," said Michel. This is tearing apart functioning teams, disrupting processes and unsettling entire teaching staff.

The SLV urgently advises all teachers to take care to maintain their health and to carefully examine labor law requirements. Anyone who feels overwhelmed or unlawfully treated by official instructions should contact the staff councils or the SLV's legal department. Those who are overburdened must defend themselves, it said.