The intense sickness among teachers in Brandenburg has brought numerous schools to a standstill, resulting in cancelled lessons. The Education Ministry noted that the sick leave rate is unusually high, and it's particularly impacting subjects with a focus on math and language. The "reduced attendance operation" at 44 schools signifies the highest level of the Education Ministry's three-stage emergency plan. This means essential subjects are taught during this phase. Meanwhile, last year, only 19 schools had reached this critical level.
The Ministry pointed out that the high sickness rate is linked to the nationwide illness wave. The three-stage emergency plan was adapted to the infection situation and reactivated in November. Brandenburg has around 938 schools, with 744 being publicly funded.
The high sickness rate has left educators taking advantage of the sick leave policy, causing strain on substitute teachers and school administration. The strained situation may lead to a decrease in the quality of education, with certain subjects potentially being omitted. Community members have expressed concerns about the impact on the overall learning experience.
Emergency response protocols and teacher training could help address such situations. For instance, Irving ISD in Texas employs the Standard Response Protocol to ensure safety during emergencies. Engaging teaching methods, as seen in the Kennedy Center's arts integration program, can boost teacher engagement and academic performance, potentially reducing burnout.
Additionally, addressing teacher shortages remains a critical issue worldwide. Continuous professional development in health education, as demonstrated in a study on feedback concept maps, could be beneficial in improving teaching quality and teacher well-being.
Nonetheless, without specific local health data, policies, or firsthand accounts from teachers, it's challenging to pinpoint the root causes of the high sickness rate in Brandenburg schools.
