Saxony lacks over 3,300 teachers - GEW demands measures

In view of the continuing shortage of teachers in Saxony, the Education and Science Union (GEW) has once again called on the Ministry of Education to negotiate a new education package. "The vicious circle of overwork and teacher shortages continues," said state chairman Burkhard Naumann. In addition, schools are under increasing pressure to deal with social problems - such as the rising number of right-wing extremist incidents.

According to the education union, more than 3,300 teachers are missing at the end of the school semester in Saxony in order to fully cover lessons, including substitutes. Planned and unplanned teaching absences continue to reach record levels. To counteract this problem, the GEW proposes "cuts in the timetable, combined with a revision of the curriculum and attractive offers for older teachers to keep them in the profession for longer". In addition, the number of school assistants and school social work should be further expanded so that every school can benefit.

"In view of the worrying developments, GEW Saxony is calling on the state government to sit down together at a table," emphasized Naumann. The aim must be to develop viable solutions to break out of the spiral of stress and ensure the quality of education in the long term.