Difficult situation – When school starts, teachers are still being sought

A total of 8,600 teaching positions have been advertised in the schools this year. Most were in Vienna (2,400), followed by Lower Austria (1,400) and Upper Austria (1,300). While in Vienna the 55 missing teachers in primary schools were filled on Friday, 247 more vacancies were advertised in Upper Austria in the middle of the week. According to the Ministry of Education, 200 people have already registered. In Vorarlberg, where school starts in about a week, there are still 28 vacancies, as in Upper Austria, 12 of which are in primary schools alone.

Science courses difficult to fill
There are differences not only per region, but also per subject. The science subjects of physics and chemistry are the most difficult to complete, as are computer science, mathematics, physical activity and sports, as well as German and English. In terms of school types, secondary schools and leading teaching posts in primary schools are particularly affected.

Overtime should solve it
“Some horror scenarios have been predicted and outlined for the school year just beginning,” said Education Minister Martin Polaschek (ÖVP). The lessons could all be given. The Ministry of Education encourages existing staff to work overtime and increases the number of part-time workers. “But it was and is a huge challenge for education management,” objected the Minister of Education.

The teacher shortage also raises the question of how to improve teacher education. There will be talks with universities and teacher training colleges next week.