Minister of Education Martin Polaschek explains in an interview with the “Krone” his failed performance in the ORF “ZiB 2”, how he wants to solve the teacher shortage and why CO2 measuring devices could still be introduced.
„krone“: In a much-criticized “ZiB 2” interview last week, you replied nine times with the phrase “We need to look at that.” Does such rhetoric inspire confidence?
Martin Polaschek: I made a rhetorical mistake there. I’m from science, so if I get suggestions, I’ll take them. That’s what I wanted to say with “look”. To me, serious politics is if you don’t say “no” or “yes, we definitely do it” right away.
It is well known that fresh air reduces the risk of corona infection. Yet you said you should see if the CO2 meters make sense…
CO2 meters can have a reminder function, but do not solve the problem. Regular airing helps. Now there was again a need for measuring equipment as support. That is why I said I would reconsider the necessity.
In the secondary schools in Vienna, the teacher shortage is so precarious that English teachers have to teach English, for example, to physics and mathematics teachers. Action should really be taken quickly rather than being watched. How will you fill the gap?
It shouldn’t be. But it is a big challenge that teachers are not used in another subject – especially in small schools. The teacher shortage was not expected to become so acute. The pandemic has made the situation even worse. That is why I want to make it easier for career changers to come to school as a teacher. Lateral entrants no longer receive temporary special contracts. In the future there will be a very clear anchoring in services law. The amendment is already in parliament. We also try to get students who are about to graduate to the school. In addition, efforts are being made to convince part-time teachers to teach full-time.
What do you hope for from the measure for career changers?
That 200 to 300 new teachers are added every year. But we are also trying to make teacher training more attractive. An evaluation is currently taking place here.
If the teacher shortage is so dire, why do we stick to 21 subjects when teaching is no longer feasible?
I think it makes sense in the medium term to consider how the topics can be classified. But now we have an intense period due to the pandemic. And we need to integrate Ukrainian refugee children. It would definitely be the wrong time to start such a discussion now.
On to Corona: will there be extensive tests for students again when school starts?
I cannot answer that today. That would be too early.
They want to inform the schools about the measures a week before school starts. Isn’t that too short?
Conversely, if I were to announce the measures three weeks before school starts, the criticism would be: that is too early. The preparation will start earlier, only the final decision will be made later.
What was the biggest difficulty for you as a career changer? Dealing with the media?
Yes, that’s a big change. I was known as rector for sharp statements. This is no longer possible because it is quickly interpreted negatively. But you quickly learn to deal with it.
Source: Krone
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