Germany is grappling with a significant shortage of teachers, a situation projected to worsen by 2035 when the country will be short 68,000 teachers.
According to the Union of Founders of Science Development Funds in Germany, nearly 40 percent of students pursuing teaching degrees abandon their studies. On average, more than 47,000 students enroll in teacher training programs each year, but only about 28,000 complete their degrees, with many opting for careers in other sectors.
The challenge is particularly severe in Berlin, where 64 percent of prospective teachers drop out. North Rhine-Westphalia, in the western part of the country, also faces considerable difficulties, with around 50 percent of students not completing their programs.
To address this issue, the union advocates for making the teaching profession more appealing. This includes enhancing the quality of education and balancing theoretical and practical training. The union also recommends opening teacher training programs to individuals from other fields to broaden the recruitment pool.
