Saxony hires additional teachers for Ukrainian pupils

Almost two years after the start of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine, 653 additional teachers and assistants for Ukrainian and other immigrant pupils have been hired in Saxony. Of these, 121 teachers are already permanently employed, the Saxon State Ministry of Culture announced on Monday. A further 122 are being prepared for permanent employment in the teaching profession. Most of them are Ukrainian nationals.

"I am very pleased that we have managed to retain so many specialists. They are an enrichment for our schools," said Saxony's Minister of Education Christian Piwarz (CDU) according to the press release. "But they also deserve respect for the courage and effort they have put in to gain a foothold in an unfamiliar school environment and learn the German language at the same time."

There is a lot of fluctuation among the teachers, as well as the pupils, from Ukraine, said a ministry spokesperson. One reason for this is that - unlike refugees from other countries - they are free to choose their place of residence in Germany. According to the information, there were 727 employees at the end of the 2022/2023 school year and only 495 at the start of the new 2023/2024 school year. Until the autumn, all contracts were temporary, but in November, the first contracts were converted into permanent positions.

According to the announcement, teachers who have already proven themselves in the classroom and are suitable for working in regular lessons in other subjects are offered this position. German language skills are also required. Depending on their training, the teachers can work in subject teaching or in the area of German as a second language. According to the information, more than 9700 Ukrainian pupils are currently being taught at schools in Saxony.