Germany’s teacher training reforms fall short despite new practical approaches
Teacher training in Germany continues to face challenges despite recent reforms. Shortages in staffing and persistent gaps in coordination have led to new approaches, including extended school placements and dual-degree programmes. Yet experts argue that simply adding practical phases is not enough to fix deeper issues in the system.
The German education sector has long debated the role of school-based placements in teacher training. In response to teacher shortages, authorities approved 'dual-degree teacher training programmes' with longer practical components. These changes aim to improve candidate assessments, teaching skills, and dropout rates while bridging theory and practice.
Research, such as the findings from the German Philologists’ Association, shows that longer placements alone do not guarantee success. Instead, they must be well-supported and integrated into the curriculum. Marcell Sass, a scholar in the field, suggests that future teachers should learn to balance subject expertise and classroom practice as part of their professional development. Academic discussions also highlight the value of edited volumes like Fragmentation in Teacher Education. Such works provide insights into structuring programmes more effectively. However, political priorities, poor coordination between training phases, and limited school resources continue to slow progress.
Reforms in teacher training now focus on better-supported placements and self-directed learning. The goal is to help students connect theory and practice independently. Without addressing resource shortages and coordination problems, though, lasting improvements may remain out of reach.
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