Labour market

At which schools can I teach?

The teacher education programme for secondary school teachers (of general education) qualifies students to teach the chosen teaching subjects or specialisations at the following types of schools:

  • Academic Secondary Schools (AHS)
  • General Secondary Schools (MS)
  • Vocational upper secondary and higher-level secondary schools (BMHS): general education subjects
  • Pre-vocational schools (PTS): general education subjects
  • Special needs schools (ASO)

Need for teachers

The need for teachers is not the same in all teaching subjects. This is due to different types of schools, specialisations and the number of available lessons in the different teaching subjects according to the school curricula.

On this page, you can find an estimation of the need for teachers in the relevant teaching subjects in the coming years. This estimation refers to the period between 2021 and 2025.

It is based on data provided by the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research. If you have any questions regarding this needs assessment, please contact the SSC Lehrer*innenbildung.

Please note that your decision on a teaching subject should not be solely based on the probable need for teachers in the coming years. The needs mentioned below are an estimation and NOT a legally binding guarantee for a future position as a teacher. Therefore, your interests, skills and other aspects play a key role when you decide on a teaching subject. The following website provides further information and assistance in selecting a teaching subject:

Moreover, a teacher education programme does not only qualify students for a career as a teacher but also prepares them for a career in other occupational areas and for a wide range of activities.

Needs assessment for the period 2021-2025

In the following teaching subjects, the expected need for teachers is higher than the expected number of graduates. Therefore, we expect a high demand for graduates specialised in these subjects.

In the following teaching subjects, the expected need for teachers is lower than the expected number of graduates. Therefore, we suppose low demand for graduates specialised in these subjects.

In the following teaching subjects, we expect an even balance between the need for teachers and graduates.

Please note: The data and forecast provided above is based on data available in March 2021. As time elapses (from March 2021), the needs for and numbers of graduates may deviate more and more from the information provided above.

Inclusive education as occupational field

The occupational fields include coordination and support functions at schools and, primarily, professional activities (in particular teaching, counselling and pedagogical diagnostics) in integrative and inclusive learning groups and classes, in mobile and ambulant support systems and in specialised centres.

More information

More than a teacher

A teacher education programme does not only prepare you for a career as a teacher. Graduates of teacher education programmes can also pursue a career in other areas, such as in academic fields, educational counselling or subject-specific occupational fields.