The teaching profession must become more attractive to combat the impending teacher shortage. This should be made possible by an amendment to the service law tabled by Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler and Education Minister Martin Polaschek on Wednesday morning. Lateral entrants should be “equal to teachers who have followed the classical learning path,” the vice chancellor explained. The legal framework is also being created for the summer school, which started during the pandemic, so that it can become a fixed point during the long holidays.
“A look into today’s classroom is a look into tomorrow’s future,” explains Kogler, lamenting the “big gaps” in the workforce. These should be eliminated with a change of service law by facilitating side access. Until now, teachers without a diploma have only been able to work in schools for a limited time. “But it is very useful if other biographies are placed in the schools,” emphasizes Polaschek.
Side entry: Unlimited and with credit of previous service periods
They wanted to “bring the best people into the profession”, Polaschek explained that a new image of the teacher was needed. The simplifications for career changers who do not have teacher training but who do have the appropriate qualifications are an important milestone. Suitable candidates must also be able to enter the teaching profession for an indefinite period after an assessment. Past service periods are also taken into account – this is how they want to offer long-term prospects, explains Polaschek.
Summer school for Kogler “smart and social purpose”
Daily school life has had little to do with the normal course of business in recent months, the vice chancellor lamented. “The students have shown tremendous perseverance,” says Kogler, but many of the learning gaps that have arisen have to be overcome over the holidays. “Summer school can do that – it’s a smart and above all a social thing,” Kogler said happily. This is certainly a good offer for families with a low income and a low education level.
In order to attract sufficient staff during the holidays for the new standard offer, according to the Minister of Education, trainee teachers are used for a fee. Employed teachers can choose between a permanent contract for the summer offer or a prorated credit for their teaching duties.
Source: Krone
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