The authorities of Thuringia announced a significant increase in the number of new employees in the education system. In the first half of the school year, 652 teachers were hired, representing a ten percent increase compared to the same period last year. Despite these positive statistics, the local Ministry of Education warns that staff shortages remain a serious challenge for the state, especially in the face of an upcoming wave of retirements.

Ten percent increase

In the first half of the school year, Thuringia hired 652 teachers, representing a 10% year-on-year increase compared to the previous season.

Attrition in teaching staff

In the same period, 247 people left the profession, and the education ministry expects a larger number of departures for retirement at the end of the year.

Variable demand in schools

Despite general shortages, demand in primary schools shows a declining trend, while other institutions continue to intensively seek personnel.

The authorities of Thuringia have intensified efforts to strengthen the teaching staff in educational institutions. According to data published by the local Ministry of Education, 652 teachers started work in the first half of the current school year. This result is approximately 10 percent higher than last year, suggesting the effectiveness of recruitment campaigns. This state has long been struggling with a shortage of specialists, affecting many regions of the Federal Republic of Germany. The German education system has been grappling with a chronic shortage of teachers for over a decade, due to demographic processes and the increasing number of tasks imposed on public schools.Despite recruitment success, the employment balance remains under pressure due to natural staff attrition. Data shows that in the same period, 247 educators left active service. Ministry experts note that the second half of the school year is usually more difficult, as that is when most people decide to take retirement. Interestingly, the demand for staff shows some regional and structural variation – for example, in primary schools, the pressure for new positions is beginning to slightly weaken. 10% — the year-on-year increase in teacher employment The situation in Erfurt and its surroundings reflects a broader problem facing German education. Although it has been possible to attract a larger number of new employees, the system still has to fight for every person with appropriate qualifications. Stabilizing employment is crucial for maintaining teaching quality and preventing excessive workload for the current staff, who often work overtime. Staff balance in the first half-year: New teachers: approx. 593 → 652; Departures from the profession: no data → 247