What Vorarlberg is doing about the teacher shortage

Heiko Richter, former vice rector at the Vorarlberg University of Education and now head of the newly established “School Workplace” project office in the Education Directorate, is the state’s expert on the subject of career changers in the teaching profession. The much-cited shortage of teachers is not only an issue in Vorarlberg, the Federal Ministry is also giving priority to this problem with the “Class Job” campaign. How Richter in Vorarlberg wants to win career changers for the teaching profession and what challenges there are was the subject of a conversation with Marc Springer on “Vorarlberg LIVE”.

You are a great hope in the fight against the teacher shortage. We’re talking about career changers. Heiko Richter, former vice rector of the Vorarlberg University of Education (PH), is an expert on this topic. He is the head of the new project office “School as a Workplace” in the local education department.

Both high school graduates, career changers and pensioners are target groups to cushion the shortage of teachers, as Richter explained in an interview with Marc Springer on Friday in the “Vorarlberg LIVE” program. According to Richter, 152 career changers were found among the 301 new hires in the current school year.

Since last year there has been the possibility of qualifying for the teaching profession and obtaining a regular contract with a “subject-relevant” or “subject-specifically suitable” degree and professional experience. The starting salary is between 3160 and 3950 euros – depending on professional experience. There are also subject allowances. The next positions will be advertised from April 25th.

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The broadcast “Vorarlberg LIVE” is a cooperation between VOL.AT, VN.at, Ländle TV and VOL.AT TV and is broadcast from Monday to Friday from 5 p.m. There’s more here.