Become a teacher with a secondary school certificate - project in Freiberg

In order to attract secondary school students to the teaching profession, Freiberg is offering a shortened training path from the coming school year. With the new subject-related university entrance qualification at the vocational school center (BSZ) for technology and business "Julius Weisbach" in Freiberg and subsequent studies at the TU Bergakademie Freiberg, graduates of a secondary school could become a teacher in five years, said Minister of Education Conrad Clemens (CDU). This would be possible up to two and a half years faster than before.

The focus of the school trial is on STEM subjects (mathematics, IT, natural sciences and technology). According to Clemens, the demand for teachers in this area is above average.

New educational pathway in Freiberg

The two-year course at the "Julius Weisbach" Vocational School Center (BSZ) for Technology and Business in Freiberg enables students to obtain a subject-specific higher education entrance qualification for a STEM bachelor's degree.

The pupils are introduced to the course through practical units at the TU Bergakademie Freiberg. This allows them to get to know life at university and possibly get a taste for it, added principal Frank Wehrmeister.

Teaching-optimized degree courses at the Bergakademie

The Bergakademie offers degree courses that are optimized for this switch to teaching. The academic training for the teaching subjects of mathematics/computer science or physics/chemistry is then completed with the degree. It is then possible to enter the teaching profession for secondary schools, where the teaching skills are learned on the job.

With the school trial, Clemens also wants to counteract the shortage of teachers outside the big cities. "Our aim is to ensure that people who would like to stay here after their schooling can also stay here and complete their teacher training here," said the minister.

Applications open until the beginning of May

The program is set to begin in the 2025/2026 school year with a maximum of 28 students. Applications are still possible until May 7. A secondary school leaving certificate is required. There is no age limit; anyone with professional experience can also take part. So far, a single-digit number of interested parties have submitted their documents, but in order for the program to start as planned, there would have to be significantly more, according to principal Wehrmeister.