Brandenburg's Parent Council Advocates for Immediate Teacher Hiring

The Parent Council of Brandenburg has expressed urgent concerns regarding significant classroom disruptions due to a shortage of teachers. The council is advocating for the immediate hiring of educators, opposing a temporary hiring freeze that has sparked debate within the coalition government.

According to council spokesperson Ulrike Mauersberger, the situation in Brandenburg's schools has reached a critical point, necessitating prompt action to fill teaching positions. The current freeze on hiring comes alongside plans to forgo additional teaching positions in the upcoming budget, which has left parents and educators alarmed.

While officials from the SPD-led Ministry of Education have clarified that there is no absolute hiring moratorium for teachers or those entering the profession from other fields, a temporary halt to filling vacancies is in place. The ministry is currently working closely with local educational authorities to assess the existing staffing levels and determine the necessary new hires.

In response to these challenges, the BSW party has stated there is no justification for a hiring freeze, labeling it an exaggerated response. They have emphasized that there are no legal barriers to appointing candidates for the approximately 220 vacant teaching positions across Brandenburg. Preparations for the replacement of teachers who will vacate positions at the end of the 2024/25 school year can also proceed.

The Parent Council has proposed that teachers be assigned an additional class hour to help mitigate the impact of the teacher shortage while also advocating for a reduction in bureaucratic burdens that would prevent an increase in their overall workload. The council has raised alarms about the educational progress of students, noting that some fifth graders are struggling with basic reading skills, and there are instances where certain subjects have gone untaught for extended periods.

The ongoing discussion reflects broader concerns about educational quality in Brandenburg, as parents demand more effective solutions to ensure that their children receive the education they need and deserve.