In view of the shortage of teachers, the State Parents’ Conference (LEK) NRW has proposed lowering the hurdles for access to studies under certain conditions. “An offer comparable to that used to remedy the shortage of rural doctors should also be considered for the teaching profession,” says a statement from the association. In addition, lateral entrants and educators from abroad should be made easier to get started. “In order to create equal opportunities in the worsening education crisis, new paths must be taken, some of them perhaps only for a limited period, but as quickly as possible.”
The teacher training course for primary schools is very popular, but access is blocked by a numerus clausus. “Those willing to study who are willing to teach for a limited time at disadvantaged locations could be given preferential treatment,” suggested the LEK. The country doctor quota works in a similar way: anyone who has contractually committed themselves to working as a family doctor in an underserved region for ten years in NRW has been able to apply for one of the country doctor study places independent of the NC since 2019.
Another suggestion from the LEK: dual teaching courses, in which the study would be combined with paid internships, as well as single-subject courses that could enable people with a technical diploma or professional qualifications to get started. In addition, there is a need for relief workers for administrative tasks, additional administration school management, social workers or medical specialists.