Minister President in an exchange of ideas with student teachers
Saxony-Anhalt is short of teachers. Especially at secondary schools. To counter this shortage of teachers, the state has launched a pilot project together with the university: a practice-integrated dual teaching degree course. The first students began their studies in the 2024/25 winter semester. Minister President Dr. Reiner Haseloff met with some of them at the end of January 2025 to talk about their experiences and impressions after four months of studying. Among those at the table in the large conference room of the Campus Welcome Center were Minister of Education Eva Feußner, the Rector of the University, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jens Strackeljan, representatives of the Center for Teacher Training and other chairs involved in the study programme.
The model project is characterized by the early integration of practical elements into the course. This means that close contact and practical work experience at the partner schools takes place during the course. The students, who were drawn to Magdeburg from all over Germany, sign a study contract with the state. In this contract, they undertake to work as teachers in Saxony-Anhalt for at least five years after completing their studies. In return, the state pays a training allowance of at least €1,400 for the Bachelor's degree. There are currently 28 students on the course.
It is a unique program in Germany, emphasized Minister President Haseloff, and made him proud that students from all parts of Germany were drawn to the state capital. The degree is recognized nationwide, but first the graduates should teach in Saxony-Anhalt's schools, emphasized Eva Feußner. She would like to expand the program even further and announced that there are already plans for the coming winter semester to admit Bachelor's graduates from universities of applied sciences - for example from engineering subjects - to the program as lateral entrants. They will add the pedagogical training and acquire a Master's degree that qualifies them to become teachers. This means that more young people will have the opportunity to work as teachers in the future.
Text: INES PERL