Educational staffing crisis: Saxony-Anhalt considers utilizing teaching aides as a solution
Spotty Teacher Scene in Saxony-Anhalt: State Introduces Relief with "Pedagogical Assistants"
Saxony-Anhalt is finding it tough to find enough educators, particularly in high schools where the shortage is severe. To ease this burden, the state plans to bring in temporary staff to fill classrooms. A new job category, "pedagogical assistants," will be created for this purpose.
Our Source, SACHSEN-ANHALT | June 4, 2025, 3:12 PM
Saxony-Anhalt is devising an intermediate staff class between teachers and pedagogical workers to enhance teaching coverage, which is low, especially at high schools across the state. These new assistants will be deployed in classrooms and other school areas.
Newblood for High Schools in Crisis
Saxony-Anhalt will hire 200 extra staff for schools facing the hardest hits, including high schools, comprehensive schools, and advanced comprehensive schools. This move aims to cut down on class cancellations.
The Rundown on Pedagogical Assistants
The alliance has set a target of 1.03 times the current level to enable room for sick leave, parental leave, and further training.
An amendment to the School Act, which is set for approval from the state parliament soon, will make the new staff category a reality. These pedagogical assistants will be organizationally and legally equivalent to teachers.
Options Galore for Deployment
Pedagogical assistants could be put to work in the classroom, especially for supervision matters like when teachers delegate tasks for substitute teaching and supervision is necessary. The Education Minister, Eva Feußner, indicated that the specific role of the teaching assistance would depend on the competencies they can offer.
"But it's not our intention to all of a sudden say, 'You're now teaching math,'" she stated.
Deployment Starting in the New School Year
According to Feußner, these assistants will be deployed at a ratio of 60% in classrooms and 40% in supporting areas. Each school will have at least one such staff member. Job postings will launch soon, and the first staff members could kick off in the new school year, which starts in August.
Additional Insights:
Teaching assistants may perform various roles, like individual support for students or classroom management. Common requirements for qualifying as a teaching assistant include an education background, teaching experience, and strong communication skills. Pedagogical assistants may support teachers with specific duties, such as supervising students during substitute teaching, depending on their competencies.
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Teaching coverage at high schools in particular is lower compared to other types of schools, like primary schools and grammar schools, according to the Ministry of Education. As of February, teaching coverage was 87.6% at high schools, while the overall average for all school types was 94.5%.
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Teachers should concentrate on mandatory instruction, emphasized Feußner, as they should be relieved of other tasks to minimize absences. In the first year, one day of teaching per week is planned for qualification. There will be a two-week preliminary course beforehand. After a one-year trial period, permanent employment may be possible.
Requirements for Pedagogical Assistants
Only externally employed staff who are not yet securely in the state school system can apply. Social workers, social pedagogues, educators, and therapeutic educators are being sought. A minimum of three years of professional pedagogical experience with children is required.
The positions are funded from funds that aren't required due to unfilled teaching positions, as per the Minister.
Additional Insights:
'Pedagogical teaching assistants' might be qualified, certified educators or those with teaching experience who provide support to teachers in the classroom and other school-related areas. They may assist with lesson planning, workplace preparation, student support, and attendee and conduct management to create a more favorable learning environment.
- To ensure comprehensive education and self-development for students, Saxony-Anhalt is planning to introduce pedagogical assistants, organizationally and legally equivalent to teachers, to support teachers in classrooms and other school areas, particularly at high schools with a lower teaching coverage.
- As part of their personal growth and learning, these pedagogical assistants may perform various roles such as individual student support or classroom management, and they can offer specific duties like supervising students during substitute teaching, depending on their competencies.
