Bern Rejects Smaller Class Sizes, Universal Team Teaching Due to High Costs

Bern says no to smaller classes and team teaching due to high costs. The government warns of billions in extra expenses and potential staffing issues.

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2025 November 3 . 9:22 PM

1 min read

The image consists of few people sat on chairs in front of desk and staring, This seems to be a... — The image consists of few people sat on chairs in front of desk and staring, This seems to be a classroom. On the back wall there are windows with curtain.

Bern Rejects Smaller Class Sizes, Universal Team Teaching Due to High Costs

The Bern cantonal government has rejected a motion calling for smaller class sizes and universal team teaching. The proposal aimed to cap class sizes at 15 students but faced strong opposition due to high costs and staffing concerns. To implement the proposal, Bern would need an additional 1,763 classrooms. The government warned that this would incur billions in extra costs. Current average class sizes in Bern stand at 19.6 students, slightly above the national average, and have remained stable despite teacher shortages. The motion also suggested co-teaching in all classrooms, a move the government cautioned could worsen existing staffing shortages. The Bern cantonal government has decided against reducing the class size cap to 15 students and implementing universal team teaching. The high costs and potential impact on staffing shortages were cited as the main reasons for the rejection.