NRW Ministry Proposes Comprehensive Teacher Training Reforms to Combat Shortages

North Rhine-Westphalia's Ministry of Education, led by Dorothee Feller (CDU), has announced significant reforms to teacher training aiming to address the region's persistent teacher shortages. The reform package includes extending the practical suitability and orientation internship from 25 to 30 days, ensuring prospective teachers gain deeper hands-on experience.

A notable change mandates that the Berufsfeldpraktikum must occur in school settings, enhancing alignment with real classroom demands. The reforms also introduce a new subject, German as a Second Language, in all secondary schools except Gymnasiums to better support approximately 100,000 students whose first language is not German.

In addition, the training for special education teachers will be enhanced by requiring proficiency in both language and mathematics to better assist children with special needs. To make the profession more accessible, career changers can now qualify by focusing on one subject instead of two.

However, the Verband Bildung und Erziehung Nordrhein-Westfalen (VBE NRW) expressed concern that these reforms may inadequately address teacher shortages in primary schools, citing high workloads and limited support for primary educators, especially in aiding students with limited German competency. The VBE also warned that extending practical training might financially strain students due to reduced opportunities for part-time work and could limit exposure to other relevant industries.

The NRW parliament plans to vote on the proposal before the summer break, aiming to implement the new law by October for the upcoming winter semester. The Ministry hopes these measures will attract more young people to teaching and meet the growing classroom demands.