Teacher Shortages and Policy Reforms Deepen Education Crisis in Germany

Saxony and Brandenburg face backlash over controversial measures to address staffing gaps and workload concerns as unions and educators warn of worsening conditions.

Saxony's 21-measure education package, led by Kultusminister Conrad Clemens, aims to cut lesson cancellations but faces widespread criticism for potentially increasing teacher attrition.
Key proposals in Saxony include delaying age-related workload reductions and reallocating teachers across school types, which unions argue may exacerbate overwork and early retirements.
Brandenburg's government reversed a hastily imposed teacher hiring freeze after criticism of its lack of transparency and potential harm to recruitment efforts.
A proposed increase in weekly teaching hours in Brandenburg, intended to align with Berlin's standards, has drawn concerns over its potential to drive teachers out of the profession and overcrowd classrooms.
Brandenburg faces a projected annual shortfall of 550 teachers, with retirements far outpacing new graduates, highlighting systemic recruitment and retention challenges.