The President of the German Teachers’ Association, Stefan Düll, has criticized the high demands and bureaucratic requirements for schools in light of the approximately 1,500 vacant head teacher positions in Germany. Düll told “Bild” that it has become increasingly complex, bureaucratic and responsible. He understands anyone who no longer wants to be in a leading position in the school service. There is a constant information overload from the authorities, Düll said. “Every day I receive information from the Ministry of Education that I have to pass on or even implement. That’s already insane” he told “Bild”. The number of passwords is increasing constantly. An example is the so-called risk assessment for school trips. Düll said that rectors and teachers have to make a risk assessment for every excursion and class trip, regardless of whether it is to the local library or a skiing trip abroad. The head teacher has to check if everything is in order: “Even for a visit to the local bookstore – a five-minute walk.” There are trips that take place every year with the same teachers. “But they have to submit a paper again and I have to sign it” Düll criticized. The issue of salary also deters teachers from taking the leap to become head teachers, according to Düll: “The salary of a head teacher is only slightly higher than that of their deputy: around 400-500 euros gross. Many are not willing to accept the net amount of 300 euros because the head teacher carries the most responsibility.
German Teachers Association President Blasts Bureaucracy and Vacant Principal Positions
