Saxony Teachers Overworked: 69% Put in Extra Hours, Calls for Urgent Action
In Saxony, teachers are working significantly beyond their contracted hours, with 69% of full-time teachers and 75% of part-time teachers putting in extra time during teaching weeks. This high workload, particularly for those teaching Mathematics, German, STEM subjects, and at gymnasiums, has raised concerns among educators and politicians.
A survey commissioned by the Saxon Ministry of Culture revealed that Mathematics teachers face the highest workload among full-time teachers. Luise Neuhaus-Wartenberg, an education expert, has called for additional staff for school and administrative assistants, as well as improved IT infrastructure to ease the burden.
Teachers feel more stressed by organizational requirements and lack of resources than actual teaching. Green party MP Christin Melcher has urged the minister to find ways to relieve leadership and break the 'overload spiral'. The Saxon Teachers' Association has commented that the system has been running in the 'red zone' for a long time.
Almost one in eight teachers exceeds their agreed weekly working hours by eight hours or more. School principals work consistently around 45 hours a week, with little reduction during school holidays, unlike full-time teachers. Part-time teachers also maintain their overtime during holidays.
The excessive workload on teachers in Saxony, particularly in specific subjects and roles, has highlighted the need for urgent action. Stakeholders call for additional support staff, improved resources, and better IT infrastructure to help alleviate the strain on educators.
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