Germany Aims to Address Teacher Shortages with Migrant Teachers
Germany is implementing a comprehensive programme to address its deepening teacher shortage by reintegrating teachers with migrant and refugee backgrounds into the education system. The Lehrkräfte PLUS programme, launched in Cologne and now implemented in four additional cities, aims to support migrant teachers who previously worked in their home countries in adapting quickly to the German education system.
Under the programme, participants complete an accelerated training process within just 12 months to prepare for teaching in German schools. In addition to German language training, pedagogy and didactics, the programme includes practical placements, particularly in vocational schools, where participants gain hands-on experience. Teachers from countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine, Turkey, Syria and Brazil are actively taking part.
While tens of thousands of teaching vacancies are reported across Germany, many experienced migrant teachers have been forced to work in temporary jobs due to bureaucratic barriers. Semra Krieg and Ariane Elshof, members of the team behind the programme, emphasise that Germany cannot afford to overlook this potential. Officials note that migrant teachers demonstrate high levels of professional motivation and a strong teaching identity.