German states launch teacher bonuses and face trainee protests over unpaid summer breaks

Thuringia has introduced a high‑pay supplement for trainee teachers who work in shortage subjects and rural schools. Starting February 2026, apprentices receive a 70 percent increase of their base salary – about €1,220 to €1,250 per month – for the duration of their training in designated regions. In the first recruitment round, 45 out of 124 candidates applied for the allowance, 19 submitted requests and 15 were granted the bonus.

In Baden‑Württemberg, the teachers’ union GEW is protesting that approximately 4,000 trainee teachers are left without pay during the six‑week summer holidays. The union calls the practice “unworthy” and urges the state government to fund teachers over the break, arguing that the unpaid period harms recruitment and creates a regional disadvantage.

Both measures reflect ongoing attempts by German state governments to address chronic teacher shortages and improve the attractiveness of the teaching profession.