Staff shortages, “crowded” classes, a lack of planning certainty for the next school year: desperate parents and teachers describe the tense situation in the compulsory schools in Vienna on the “Krone”.
Parents of the “Beter School Nu” initiative sound the alarm! A few weeks before the end of school, many Viennese compulsory schools do not know how the next school year should go. This means uncertainty as to whether all teachers at the sites can remain employed or whether pedagogical concepts that have been tried and tested for years can be continued because it is not clear how many hours and thus how many teachers will be available in the schools.
Especially multi-level and integration classes are affected. Where there used to be a maximum of 21 children in the class, there are now at least 25. “I consciously chose to go to this school,” says Irene M., mother of an eight-year-old. But from school year to school year, the resources decreased. “Working fewer hours means there are fewer financing options for next year,” she says.
Corona has already caused enormous damage to the children and there is a lot to catch up on. The teachers would do their best, but with 25 or more children per class, it was impossible to respond to every child. The Department of Education explains it this way: “It is clear that the capping of special educational needs by the federal government does not cover the real needs in this area.”
Another point of criticism on the initiative’s agenda concerns the teacher shortage. Educators have fewer and fewer resources for qualitative pedagogical work, at the same time more and more administrative tasks and too little support from (eg) school psychologists. That is why there is another demonstration on 21 June.
Two teachers: ‘Everything is getting worse and worse’
We also spoke to two educators who wish to remain anonymous. Both chose this profession out of conviction. But now they too are frustrated. No staff, larger classes and more demanding children. Both have often thought about quitting. “I like my job, but if there are further cutbacks, the psychological burden becomes too great,” says a former special education teacher.
ÖVP education spokesman Harald Zierfuss also criticizes: “It is incomprehensible why there are three more children per class in Vienna than in Lower Austria.” The answer is simple: there are no teachers.
The “Krone” asked Thomas Krebs (FCG) to the representative of the staff of the senior compulsory school:
„krone“: Is the staff shortage really that bad?
Thomas Krebs: Not infrequently, recreational educators have to take up hours. Even schoolmasters sometimes have to intervene and supervise the class.
Is there an improvement in sight for the fall?
The application period ended at the end of May. A few have applied, but only a quarter are eligible.
What do you mean qualified?
Few applicants can demonstrate that they have completed teacher training, many are still studying or have followed another training course. There are also some special contracts in Vienna, even a high school diploma is enough.
Why is it so hard to find teachers?
We have been scolding the teachers for years, showing no appreciation, now we are presented with the bill. And all states are looking for teachers, but in Vienna there are also larger classes, some of which are more demanding. And don’t forget the parking sticker.
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.
