Interview with Dr. Rainer Schaffer
There are now several study models in Germany for recruiting teachers in the vocational-technical field. The IngPäd+ (formerly OptLA) study option was developed at TU Dresden with three Saxon universities of applied sciences from 2019 and has also been implemented at Mittweida University of Applied Sciences and the West Saxon University of Applied Sciences Zwickau since 2022.
Dr. Rainer Schaffer has been coordinator of the IngPäd+ (formerly OptLA) study option since August 2021. In the following interview, he answers some important questions.
"Entry into studies in Mittweida or Zwickau via the Bachelor's degree program in Engineering Education, joint cross-university digital and hybrid courses, after graduation transfer to the teacher training program at TU Dresden with credit for many of the Bachelor's degree program credits."
- More practice-oriented studies in the Departments
- Entry possible with entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences
"Three aspects led to the development of the course.
- The aim is to attract interested people in the region to study to become teachers. At the same time, we hope that graduates will stay in their region.
- By studying at a university of applied sciences, the academic training should be more practical.
- Students with a university of applied sciences entrance qualification will have the opportunity to study to become a teacher."
"As this study option begins with a Bachelor's degree at a university of applied sciences, only the entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences is required for the course. Vocational training or a one-year internship in the chosen Department is recommended, as this experience is helpful for the course and a prerequisite for the first state examination at the end of the subsequent teacher training course at TU Dresden."
"The Bachelor's degree in Engineering Education is an intermediate step. This offers alternative options if you are not sure whether teaching at a vocational school center is right for you. You can start the Bachelor's degree course with a Fachhochschulreife. The Bachelor's degree course may take place in or closer to home."
- Teaching at a vocational school center
- Pedagogical activities in a company or external environment
- Engineer in the private sector
- Start studying education in the region.
- Access university studies with the entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences.
- Bachelor's degree and later the state examination open up many future career options
