By Michael Sauerbier
Most people can only dream of this offer: From the age of 63, Brandenburg’s teachers should only teach 15 instead of 25 hours a week – with full salary!
Three days after taking office, Potsdam’s new Minister of Education, Steffen Freiberg (41, SPD), surprised Brandenburg’s teachers with an irresistible offer: Anyone who works up to the standard retirement age only has to teach 60 percent of the time from the age of 63 for the same money – and collect a higher pension.
The reason: Only every fifth teacher lasts until the age of 66. Half of them are already in early retirement at the age of 63. The officials are willing to accept cuts in their pensions. Because that is 4000 to 5000 euros far above the pensions of workers and employees.
However, the teachers should not be lazy in the lesson time they have saved. Instead, support new colleagues and career changers, take on administrative tasks or prepare trips and events. Then younger teachers would have more time for the lessons.
The lure offer is already valid from the next school year (starts at the end of August). Because Brandenburg cannot find the 1,800 new teachers that will then be needed. The market is empty, the future is bleak: of around 1000 teaching positions at the University of Potsdam, only a good 700 are occupied.
But Freiberg knows his plan is risky. Because all teachers who teach full time up to the age of 66 can also take advantage of the offer. 40 percent of their hours are then lost. The minister admits: “If at least half of the over 63-year-olds don’t continue to work, we will end up having fewer classes.“
CDU education expert Gordon Hoffmann warns: “The minister must ensure that the gap does not get any bigger!”
SPD, Greens, Left and the teachers’ union GEW welcome the lure offer. They are happy that the minister canceled the job cuts planned by his predecessor Britta Ernst (63, SPD) “without any ifs or buts”.