Choosing a Meaningful Study with a Good Outlook

Koen Becking (State Secretary for Basic Education and Emancipation): “There are positive signals regarding the influx of teacher training programs, and I am, of course, very happy about that. But I sincerely hope that many more young people choose to work in education, in whatever role. It is a fantastic profession. In few other places can you make such a difference in the lives of children and young people. You work on their development and on your own. Well-trained people in the classroom and at school are essential for good education.”

At the beginning of this year, the campaign Working with the Future started. Initially, it primarily targeted potential lateral entrants, resulting in a rising interest in the teaching profession. Now the goal is to make study choosers enthusiastic about a career in primary education, secondary education, or vocational education. From primary school teacher to teaching assistant and from supporter to university-educated German teacher. This is done through expressions on social media, TV, and posters in schools.

Both colleges and universities noted an increase in the number of new students in the PABO and university teacher training programs last academic year. It is now essential to maintain that positive trend. Because many teachers will be needed in primary, secondary, and vocational education in the coming years. The shortage of teachers in primary education is currently 8.1% (7700 FTE) and in secondary education 5.1% (3800 FTE). In the long term, this is expected to increase.

‘Working with the Future’ is the largest national campaign about working in education ever. It focuses on the significance of the work, development opportunities, and salary. Study choosers and potential lateral entrants find these the most important. With a positive and realistic image, the campaign also aims to dispel misconceptions about working in education. For example, the salary is underestimated, while PABO graduates earn more than other HBO graduates.

The multi-year campaign is a collaboration with all partners in education and with the education regions. In those education regions, school boards, teachers, teacher training programs, and partners such as municipalities and UWV work together to combat the teacher shortage. This is being fully pursued because better education is only possible with good and motivated people. Last year, more than 2200 lateral entrants applied for the lateral entry subsidy and more than 900 current educational supporters received financial support for a teacher training program. Additionally, the network of education regions has been nationally covered since this year. Furthermore, increasing the number of hours worked can significantly contribute to addressing the teacher shortage.