The latest figures for the BMBWF’s “Class Job” initiative and the increase in student teachers in the first semester make the student union positive for the future
Vienna (OTS) – As announced today by the BMBWF, 653 new career changers started in the classrooms in the 2023/24 school year. That is more than twice as many as in the previous year. In addition, more than 6,000 people began studying to become teachers in Austria at the beginning of the academic year. These developments make the Austrian Student Union and the federal school spokesman positive. Only recently did the student union draw attention to itself and the issue of the teacher shortage with its demand for a shortening of the teacher training course.
“We are very pleased that the BMBWF’s initiatives and advertising campaigns are having an impact. Through these important steps we can sustainably counteract the shortage of teachers in Austria. The fact that almost 1,000 more people have now started studying to become a teacher than in the previous year shows very clearly that “The profession has not lost its appeal. However, we continue to see our clear mission as reforming the course of study in order to sustainably encourage students in their choice,” says Charlotte Stütz, Federal Chairwoman of the Student Union.
The 6,000 career changers who found their way into the classroom through the “Class Job” initiative are qualified people who have a subject-relevant degree and who have to complete additional pedagogical-didactic qualifications during their first time in the classroom. These access restrictions and measures ensure that the quality of teaching in Austria continues to be maintained.
“The use of career changers compensates for the deficit in teaching staff in some areas, but the education system cannot be maintained in the long term through this measure. Especially from the students’ perspective, educationally valuable lessons that meet current quality standards are non-negotiable. As federal school spokesman, I am very pleased that we have already found medium and long-term solutions to the teacher shortage, but are also discussing further steps,” said federal school spokesman Marius Hladik.
With over 30,000 members, the student union is the largest student organization in Austria in which the members volunteer. Thanks to its wide range of services, such as the school legal emergency hotline and various further training courses, it is considered an important contact point for students. In addition, she brings her demands to the Federal Student Representative Council (BSV), in which she holds 27 of 29 mandates in the 2023/24 school year. The incumbent federal school spokesman, Marius Hladik, also comes from the student union.
Questions & Contact:
David Herzleier
Press spokesman for the student union
david.herzleier@schuelerunion.at
+43 660 6819812
