A leading figure in the German education sector has expressed concerns over a proposed plan to integrate civil servants into the country’s social security system. Stefan Düll, the president of the German Teachers’ Association, has described the proposal as a “false signal” that would further erode the attractiveness of the teaching profession.
Düll warned that the integration of civil servants into the social security system would exacerbate the shortage of qualified teachers, a pressing issue in the German education system. He emphasized that the current system, which provides a separate pension scheme for civil servants, is essential for retaining and motivating high-quality educators.
The president of the German Teachers’ Association also highlighted the need for a reserve of teachers at each school to ensure continuity of education in the event of absences, whether due to illness, further training, or other reasons. He argued that a reduction in the number of teachers, even in the face of declining student numbers, would not be a viable solution.
In a separate issue, Düll expressed opposition to a blanket ban on the use of mobile phones in schools. He argued that a complete prohibition would be impractical and unenforceable, as many parents would want their children to be contactable in emergency situations. Instead, the president advocated for the development of rules for the responsible use of digital devices, emphasizing the importance of media literacy and digital responsibility in the education system.