Teacher Shortage: Situation Eases According to Education Directorates

The application situation for the coming school year is good or at least better than in previous years, according to the consensus of the education directorates to the APA. Comparatively difficult, just over a month before the start of school, is still the situation in some federal states at primary schools.

In total, there are 125,000 teachers in Austria, among other things, the ongoing wave of retirements has recently caused more bottlenecks. In the main recruitment in April, 6,100 positions with around 89,000 hours were to be filled, the most by far were in Vienna (almost 2,000). Due to the personnel shortage in some areas, a new model for career changers in secondary education (middle school, AHS, BMHS) was introduced two years ago, and Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr (NEOS) wants to extend this to primary schools in the future. In addition, teacher training is being reformed.

The personnel situation is still "tense", especially regionally there are large differences, according to the Ministry of Education in response to an APA inquiry. However, the application phase has so far been "very successful" with a 17 percent increase in applicants compared to the previous year. "This will also make it possible this year for all teaching hours in the new school year to be held."

Still 240 Compulsory School Teacher Positions Advertised in Vienna

At federal schools (AHS, vocational middle and higher schools/BMHS) in Vienna, Burgenland, Carinthia, and Tyrol, according to the education directorates, all positions are already filled. At compulsory schools (especially primary, middle, and special schools), personnel is still being sought in these federal states.

In Vienna, with its approximately 16,000 teachers, about 240 positions will be advertised next week, two-thirds at primary schools. In 22 cases, a class-leading teacher is still being sought, and teachers for German as a foreign or second language as well as team teachers are also needed. At special schools, 48 positions are still to be filled. Overall, the open demand in the compulsory school sector is also declining, mainly because in recent years "many young colleagues have been brought into the system long-term," it was said to the APA. In any case, every child and every young person in Vienna will be taught from the first day.

Shortages from Croatian to Religion

In Burgenland, more applicants are needed in special education and inclusion, Croatian, and the creative-musical subjects. As in previous years, filling positions at middle schools in the districts of Neusiedl, Güssing, and Jennersdorf is comparatively difficult. According to the education directorate, there is an increased need to rely on additional services, teaching students, and special contracts for people without full teaching qualifications.

In Carinthia's compulsory schools, nearly 100 positions are still being advertised in a third round of job postings, many in Upper Carinthia, especially in the natural sciences or at primary schools. Overall, all positions can be well filled with teaching staff, and compared to the previous year, there are more applications per position.

In Tyrol, only 35 hours are open in the compulsory school sector at two primary schools. However, these will "undoubtedly" be filled by the start of the school year, according to the education directorate.

In Lower Austria, it is assumed that, as in previous years, all open positions can be filled. This year, there have been twice as many applications as advertised positions, with "pressure points" in religion and creative subjects.

In Upper Austria, it was merely stated that the applicant situation is "currently very pleasing." The education directorate expects that, as in previous years, all open hours can be covered by teachers.

Teacher Shortage: Students and Overtime to Help with Gaps

The application situation is "significantly better than in previous years" according to the education directorate in Styria. It is already ensured that all hours can be held from the first day of classes. At the end of August, there will be another job posting to cover short-term needs. In case of unexpected shortages, additional services or personnel from the education directorate's student pool will be used.

In Salzburg, the situation is "somewhat better" compared to the previous year, according to the education directorate, but recruitment is "sometimes challenging" depending on the location and district, especially at primary schools. Overall, teaching at all locations is "highly likely secured." At federal schools, two positions are still vacant, and at compulsory schools, there are still job postings at a "larger number" of locations due to leaves, maternity leave, or sick leave reported during the school year. The biggest gaps are still in primary and special education teaching staff and in the districts of Zell am See, and partly in Salzburg city and surroundings. Where resources are lacking, overtime, student teachers, and career changers are used.

"A slight relaxation compared to previous years" is reported from Vorarlberg. There, 45 positions are still advertised across all school types, mainly part-time positions with often only a few hours. Over the summer, there will be another job posting, alternatively, coverage through overtime at the location is being considered.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.