Germany instituted a national standard for teacher training in 2004. Training is rigorous and standards are high. German teachers must have earned an abitur to be trained as a teacher. Teacher training takes between 5.5 - 6.5 years and is comprised of two stages
- Undergraduate work (3-5 years). The length of the undergraduate portion of teacher training varies based on the subject. Vocational teachers must complete one year of “practical activity related to the vocational subject area” and other teachers need to complete school placements. Coursework includes a study of at least two subjects and educational studies. 30% of this stage consists of education-specific studies and school placements, so teachers have ample time to master their subjects. Students will then take the First State Examination, which involves a thesis and a written and oral assessment of coursework; some subjects may also include an assessment of practical skills. Teachers must also write a paper that demonstrates the ability for independent scientific work.
- Preparatory Service (1-2 years). Teachers must complete a practicum and graduate-level studies in a teacher training institute to earn their master’s degree. This stage is similar to an apprenticeship. Teachers have on-the-job training; this training includes a mentorship by experienced teachers and instruction in institutions called Seminars. Teachers earn a reduced salary during this portion of their training. Once complete, they take the Second State Teaching Examination, which includes a written thesis, an oral assessment, and an evaluation of teaching skills. Most teachers pass this examination.
The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research has created an initiative called “The Quality Offensive for Teacher Training.” This initiative aims to increase the quality and attractiveness of teacher training. $546 million has been provided from 2014 to 2024 to allow higher education institutions to “develop innovative concepts in teacher training courses and improve their quality.” The initiative also aims to increase the clinical portion of training and prepare teachers to serve diverse learners.
Funding to create equal opportunities and education - the Refugee crisis.
Over one million refugees have been admitted to Germany since 2015. ⅓ of refugees in Germany between 2015 and 2016 were under the age of 18. Most refugee students take classes that focus on the German language before participating in regular classes. Germany also has programs that give adults the opportunity to participate in German classes and earn a basic German secondary school diploma, allowing them to enter vocational programs. Refugee education is complicated by teacher shortages, as well as their varied ages and academic backgrounds. Only 5 % of refugee children were not attending school in 2016, indicating that refugee children have generally been successfully integrated into the school systems. Despite this success, some students are too old for their grades, and most are enrolled in lower level schools. Migrant children are also underrepresented in university preparatory schools and upper secondary vocational schools. There is also the risk of segregated and inferior education for refugee children since many are unable to speak German.
Source: Stefan Trines, World Education Services
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