Acute teacher shortage, lack of appreciation, overworked staff. Education Minister Martin Polaschek at the center of criticism: Experts and educators are sounding the alarm.
Interviews with Education Minister Martin Polaschek (ÖVP), as recently in the “ZiB 2”, leave a taste like warm beer. Currently, his tasteless standing sentences are causing outrage. Especially in the teaching profession, which has long complained of a lack of staff – 33,300 of the 123,000 teachers are over 55, 20,000 are due to retire soon.
The teachers on the counteroffensive
Polaschek’s strategies for luring career changers and high school graduates into schools with charm offensives and shortening studies to three years are well-intentioned. “But the picture he painted does not correspond to reality. And the measures are not suitable for the acute emergency,” said Styrian educator Hannes Grünbichler, a senior representative of the teachers’ union. It is about more attractive salaries and working hours, administrative burden reduction. “None of that is in the minister’s ‘Great Job’ initiative.”
But teachers make mobile with “crass job”. There should be demos along with “School is Burning”. Despite the high level of stress, teachers are generally very happy in their profession, reports educational psychologist Julia Holzer of the University of Vienna. “Teachers used to be highly regarded, but that is no longer the case. One reason for this is that the education system is often at the mercy of politics, such as the recent call to make German compulsory during breaks. This is a requirement without added value for teachers and students.”
Lack of appreciation for work
One problem is the lack of participation in reforms. “Many feel like a passenger, just watch them get by.” Above all, there is a lack of appreciation. “Teachers are left alone with their concerns. That is why young people do not want to do that to themselves.” Julia Holzer and Christiane Spiel recently conducted research into the German support model on behalf of the Ministry. Hundreds of surveys resulted in recommendations. “Almost nothing happened. This is just one example of how politicians are handling education. It’s frustrating. We need bold solutions.”
The big question: is the minister brave enough?
Is Minister Polaschek brave enough? He again refers to measures that have already been taken, but which are only part of a longer-term solution. “There are also plans to improve human resource management,” he said. The teaching staff will soon take his word for it.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
