Teachers demonstrate in Marburg against reform plans

In Marburg, around 300 preparatory teachers, trainers and supporters demonstrated against planned reforms in Hessian teacher training. According to the Education and Science Union (GEW) in Hesse, under the motto “Good schools need well-trained teachers,” they opposed a stop to hiring for study seminars, more work intensification and the planned shortening of the traineeship.

The background is the reform plans of the black-red state government. This wants to shorten the preparatory service for prospective teachers from 21 to 18 months.

“Stress already high today”

Thilo Hartmann, chairman of the GEW Hessen, criticized the state government's approach. “Good schools need well-trained teachers,” he said, according to the statement. This requires time, quality and reliable framework conditions instead of further cuts. “The burden in the preparatory service is already high today. Further work intensification and cuts endanger the quality of training.”

The GEW called for the increase in working hours to be reduced and for at least 21 months of preparatory service to be left. The union also demanded modern training conditions, more training and an end to the hiring freeze at study seminars. The demonstration was organized by the Alliance Pro Education and GEW Hessen.