A Teacher's Perspective: The Real Deal About Being a Civil Servant
Drawbacks of holding civil servant status? A teacher openly voice dissent (Strong and Resolute Expression) - Teacher Unloads Bags Contents.
Author: Lea FrankeReading Time: Approx. 4 mins
Lea Franke has been teaching at an urban school in North Rhine-Westphalia for four years. Before that, she did her teaching internship at a secondary school, worked as a substitute teacher at a primary school, and even taught at a German school abroad. This piece was first published in June 2024.
Civil Servant Stigma, Teaching's Harsh Reality
- Teacher Life
- Civil Service
- Education System
- Mental Health
Living the Civil Servant Dream, Not So Fast
More often than not, being a civil servant brings some significant challenges when it comes to the teaching profession. In this text, Lea shares her personal frustrations and experiences with us.
Striking Differences
One of the most disputable points is that German teachers, who are classified as civil servants, cannot strike - a significant restriction when trying to negotiate better work conditions or salaries. This limitation has been voicefully discussed in recent strikes, excluding civil servants from active participation [3]. Not only does this status obstruct career advancement and decision-making processes, but it also funnels teachers into a loop of red tape.
Weighty Steps to a Degree
Teacher education can be a complex process, incorporating mandatory in-school practical training and rigorous requirements [1]. Beginning teachers often struggle under this multi-layered demand, and it frequently leads to feelings of futility.
Burnout Burning Bright
Teachers everywhere, like our dear Lea, face a high workload and stress levels, potentially leading to burnout. From adorning their classroom walls with educational material to managing a diverse array of classroom dynamics, the pressure is immense. Adding to the turmoil, the limitations on negotiations for better working conditions due to civil servant status only worsens the situation.
A Shift in Spectrum: Public vs. Private
Public school teachers generally have set pay scales and better job security, while private schools tend to offer performance-based incentives [2]. This variance can create emotional disparities and work-related inequities among teachers.
The Social Spectacle
Throughout this profession, teachers may face socio-cultural challenges, such as catering to students from various backgrounds and navigating the needs of refugee children with limited educational histories [5]. These challenges sometimes demand even more resilience and empathy from educators like Lea.
Easing the Struggle: Solutions on the Horizon
In order to alleviate these difficulties, focus should be directed toward policy reforms, support systems, and inclusivity initiatives:
- Policy Makeovers: Enacting policies that encourage flexibility in teacher education, career progression, and strike rights could significantly boost job satisfaction levels.
- Boosting Morale: Providing psychiatric resources and resources to alleviate administrative burdens are powerful steps to combat burnout.
- United Front: Offering training sessions and resources to support teachers in managing diverse student populations will foster a more cohesive classroom dynamic.
All things considered, addressing these challenges requires a broad strategy that assimilates both systemic adjustments and individual support solutions.
[1] https://theteacher.de/praeparatio-exercitiorum/
[2] https://www.gplus.education/das-schulsystem/
[3] https://www.teachernet.de/lehrer/streichaktivitaeten/
[5] https://www.bmj.de/politik/gueckt-du-was-das-regierungspakt-IMKO-ist-16633793
- "The policy reforms suggested could help teachers, who are classified as civil servants, by providing them with flexibility in teacher education, career progression, and strike rights, potentially enhancing job satisfaction and reducing feelings of futility."
- "In the realm of education-and-self-development and career-development, vocational training programs could be implemented to support teachers in managing diverse student populations, fostering a more cohesive classroom dynamic and promoting resilience and empathy."
