Teacher shortages impact rural schools in Schleswig-Holstein and Baden-Württemberg

German states Schleswig-Holstein and Baden-Württemberg are facing significant challenges regarding teacher shortages, particularly in rural areas and specialized education sectors.

In Schleswig-Holstein, Malte Krüger of the Green Party highlighted that the shortage is unevenly distributed, with higher demand on the West Coast. To address this, the state is utilizing 'Abordnung Plus' to temporarily fill positions and offering special supplements for trainee teachers in primary and special education centers in high-need districts. Data indicates that over 90 percent of trainee teachers are being absorbed into the state school service, with a turnover rate below 10 percent.

In Baden-Württemberg, the Ministry of Education reports 426 vacant teaching positions across all school types, with a notable shortage in special education and musical-technical subjects. The Education and Science Workers' Union (GEW) notes that schools outside major university cities like Heidelberg, Mannheim, and Freiburg struggle most to attract applicants. Factors contributing to the shortage include geographic location and salary disparities, such as the difference in pay scales between primary school teachers and those at secondary schools.