For more than 20,000 children it is the very first day of school
“I wish all students in Vienna a good start to school and a successful school year. A nice first day of school, especially to all those who are going to school for the first time today, because a new and exciting phase of their lives is beginning,” says Arno Langmeier, interim education director for Vienna.
An information brochure has been created again this year for new teachers in the Viennese school system, which contains the most important information about starting out: from employment law to decrees and school autonomy. The brochure is also available digitally on www.bildung-wien.gv.at 1,600 new teachers are starting a school year for the first time in their careers. They are all invited to the welcome party at Vienna City Hall on September 23rd, together with their school principals.
Vice Mayor Christoph Wiederkehr said: “I am very pleased that over 1,600 new teachers are starting their service in Viennese schools today. I wish all Viennese students a nice and successful start to school!”
City Councillor for Education and Vice Mayor Christoph Wiederkehr, interim Director of Education Arno Langmeier and, representing the District Mayor, Councillor Pia Wieninger, wished the children and parents of class 1c at the Alte Donau elementary school, as well as the class teacher Nina Havenga and all teachers at the site and headmistress Birgit Supper a great start to the school year.
Focus on financial education
An important aspect of a self-determined life is being competent in financial matters. This is the best protection against money worries and brings with it greater decision-making ability. In cooperation with the Vienna Debt Counseling Service and the Chamber of Labor, young people can take the financial driver’s license. This gives them more knowledge about topics such as online shopping and installment payments and teaches them how to manage well with the money they have available.
The Vienna University of Economics and Business also supports the financial education initiative of the Education Directorate with a lot of knowledge, commitment and financial education coaches. If a teacher wants support for a class – whether in the lower or upper grades – on certain financial education topics, they can invite a financial education coach who will develop and implement a lesson plan tailored to the class and quality-tested.
Reading sponsors welcome
For more than ten years, the volunteer reading mentors in Vienna have been visiting primary and secondary schools and supporting young people in reading in small groups. The children receive direct feedback, praise and recognition and look forward to the time spent reading together every week. There are currently 1,000 reading mentors supporting Viennese children. New supporters, especially native speakers, are very welcome. In addition to well-known foreign languages such as English, French or Spanish, we are also looking for people whose native language is Arabic, Dari, Farsi, Turkish or Ukrainian.
Free class trips
From the new school year, trips for students and their accompanying persons as part of class trips, including trips as part of school day care, will be free of charge. This applies to all public and private Viennese compulsory schools with public law status.
In addition to climate protection, this is a sign of appreciation for Vienna’s state teachers and an incentive to recruit new teachers and retain existing teachers in Vienna.
Job ticket for Viennese teachers
In addition to the free class trips, the job ticket for Viennese state teachers will also be introduced in the 2024/2025 school year, with teachers being reimbursed for the job ticket or the Viennese share of the climate ticket. From September 2, 2024, the job ticket for all state teachers in compulsory schools and vocational schools can be applied for using a form.
Vienna Schools Day on 9 October 2024
On Vienna Schools Day, more than 700 schools in Vienna are open to visitors. This year, it is taking place for the thirteenth time. “Vienna Schools Day offers future students, parents, grandparents and anyone interested in Vienna’s schools an excellent opportunity to get a personal impression,” says Arno Langmeier, interim Director of Education. All of Vienna’s approximately 700 schools can be visited during school hours.
Many schools also use the day as an “open day” and present their priorities and activities. The teachers are happy to talk to their students about their school in personal conversations and answer questions.
Anyone who would like to take a virtual tour of a school can do so at around 360 schools through the “Vienna digital open school doors”. In short videos, the schools provide an insight into school life and offer support in the decision-making process regarding further education. The videos are available on the Education Directorate’s platform to find.
Information about the job ticket can be found at
Information on the main topics can be found at https://bildungshub.wien
All information about school can be found at
Press photos will be available shortly at available.
