Before the week‑long conference of education ministers, Maike Finnern-chair of the Education and Science Union (GEW)-issued a warning about Saxony’s plan to end civil‑service appointments for teachers. She told the “Rheinische Post” that the minister’s proposal “aims to pit employment groups against each other and split the teaching community”. According to Finnern, the debate would be fought on teachers’ shoulders, inflaming fears and uncertainty.
She added that, in light of Germany’s acute teacher shortage, the initiative comes at the wrong time and sends the wrong message to students who are choosing careers or studying for teaching. “Civil‑service status remains an important attraction for the profession” she noted.
Saxony’s Minister of Education, Conrad Clemens (CDU), has previously called the teaching civil‑service status “out of date” and said he would propose at this week’s conference that no teachers be appointed to civil service from 2030 onwards.
