Teacher shortage criticsied by GEW in Hesse region - Teacher Shortage Criticized by GEW in Hessen
The new school year has begun in Hesse, but the education system faces several challenges. According to the Education and Science Union (GEW), the biggest problem is the continued severe shortage of teachers.
In a press conference on the start of the new school year on Monday, 18 August, the chairman of GEW Hesse, Thilo Hartmann, stated his demand for reliable long-term planning from the Ministry of Culture.
To address these issues, GEW demands a wealth tax that benefits education. They believe that additional revenue is needed to better equip Hesse's schools in the future. The union also points out an imbalance due to unequal investments in school buildings in different municipalities.
Mental health is another pressing concern for students in Hesse. One in five students experiences psychological problems, according to state school spokesman Laurenz Spies. He considers mental health as important as subjects like math and German.
The private use of smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches is generally prohibited in Hesse's schools, with exceptions at secondary schools. Starting from Monday, a ban on mobile phones and weapons will be enforced in Hesse's schools.
In typical approaches, the GEW often advocates for better hiring conditions and salaries, increased funding for schools, more support for teacher training, flexible working conditions, and attractive school environments. The Ministry of Culture in Hesse works on recruiting more teachers, increasing budget allocations to schools, implementing programs to support teacher education, and possibly utilizing digital tools to compensate for shortages.
However, the current search results do not provide direct or specific information regarding the solutions suggested by GEW and the Ministry of Culture in Hesse to address the teacher shortage issue or related funding measures for schools. For the latest and specific measures introduced in Hesse for 2025 by both GEW and the Ministry of Culture, official press releases from Hesse's Ministry of Culture or the GEW's regional office would be the most reliable sources.
The GEW, in their demand for reliable long-term planning from the Ministry of Culture, emphasizes the need for a wealth tax benefiting education to provide additional revenue for better-equipped schools in Hesse, as well as a focus on equal investments in school buildings across municipalities.
In the community policy discussions, the ongoing teacher shortage issue and funding measures for schools are key topics, with the GEW advocating for solutions such as improved hiring conditions, increased school funding, and enhanced vocational training opportunities for teachers.
