Teacher Shortage in International Perspectives: Insights and Responses

What is it about?

Switzerland, as well as many other countries, is facing a teacher shortage. Due to the increasing number of students and the retirement of the baby-boomer-generation of teachers, there is a lack of teachers. The recruitment of teachers is challenging politics, Universities of Teacher Education and school administrations. This article focuses on the situation in Switzerland, contextualizing the situation within explanations on the education system and on teacher education. Switzerland offers eleven years of compulsory schooling; private schooling is very rare (less than 5%). Teacher education is offered at Universities of Teacher Education. Pre-primary and primary teachers (classes minus 2 to 6) are qualified with a Bachelor’s degree, lower secondary teachers (7–9) with a Masters’. After graduating beginning teachers seek an employment and secure a contract with school administration, with the possibility of terminating the contract mutually. As part of an induction program, beginning teachers can access counselling and further education. Universities of Teacher Education and mentors in local schools run this program.

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