Teacher Training Program in the Starting Blocks
Free State of Saxony responds to the shortage of teachers in Upper Lusatia with an innovative study program. Interested parties can register now.
New degree program, "Secondary School Teacher Training with Special Education," starting in the winter semester of 2025/26
Starting in the 2025–26 winter semester, the new degree programme “Secondary School Teacher Training with Special Needs Education” is set to launch in Eastern Saxony as a joint initiative between the University of Leipzig and Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences. With this collaboration, the University of Leipzig and Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences are setting new standards in teacher education.
In particular, it is planned that in-person classes will take place at both campuses of Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, and that teaching practicums will be completed in the East Saxony region—an important contribution to the regionalization of teacher education. Unique in Saxony, this program combines the study of two subjects for teacher training at upper secondary schools with the specialized focus on “Learning” within special needs education. This prepares future teachers in a unique way for the challenges of inclusive school practice.
Students can choose from the subjects of mathematics, biology, German, and economics/technology/home economics/social studies. These upper-secondary school subjects are combined with the specialization in learning-related special education. The duration of the planned degree programme, which concludes with the First State Examination, and the specialization is a total of ten semesters or 300 credits. The programme qualifies graduates for teacher training at high schools or special education schools.
Last week, the Senate of the University of Leipzig approved the establishment of the joint degree programme in secondary school teacher training with special needs education in a first reading, as did the Senate of the University of Applied Sciences Zittau/Görlitz.
Prospective students can now register on the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences’ degree programme website.
Comments on the New Degree Programme
The Free State of Saxony is responding to the teacher shortage in Upper Lusatia with this innovative degree programme. I am very pleased that the degree programme is scheduled to begin as early as the 2025–26 winter semester. Through this unique collaboration between the University of Leipzig and the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, we will bring the undergraduate teacher education program to eastern Saxony—a region where the need for teachers in high schools and special education schools is particularly great.
”Become a teacher and stay in Upper Lusatia. The new teacher training degree programme at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences is great news for Eastern Saxony and an important step toward addressing the teacher shortage. It’s an attractive option for young people to stay here after high school or move to the region—and then go on to become teachers themselves.
”The program offerings demonstrate what an innovative solution for society—particularly in rural areas—can look like. This will enable us to actively address the teacher shortage in schools across Lausitz. We are pleased to be taking the final steps, together with Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, toward launching the program in the winter semester of 2025/26. We would also like to thank the two ministries involved for their support during the planning phase and at the program’s launch.
”With this forward-looking educational model, we are sending a strong message about our children’s education, the strengthening of our schools, and the future of our region. It is a matter close to my heart to offer young people in Eastern Saxony a real opportunity: a vocational training program with prospects, right on their doorstep. I would like to thank the University of Leipzig and the participating ministries. Their support makes this shared success possible.
”Study program website with registration form
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