The education union GEW is pushing for the state to honor its pledged funding commitment towards school social work. Monika Stein, GEW's Baden-Württemberg state chairwoman, recently voiced this demand in Stuttgart, stating that the current yearly fixed allocation of 16,700 euros per position falls short due to escalating salaries and expenses. In her perspective, if the state adhered to the one-third funding agreement, each position would receive approximately 22,000 euros annually[2].
The Ministry of Social Affairs acknowledges the state's involvement in funding school social work since 2012. However, municipalities bear the primary responsibility for providing school social work services.
School social workers play a pivotal role in dealing with educational disadvantages and poverty. They relieve teachers of burdens by supporting pupils in challenging life situations and helping them navigate crisis situations, thereby minimizing barriers for access to support[2].
Monika Stein emphasized the need for expanding school social work, highlighting its importance in secondary, intermediate, comprehensive, and grammar schools. While secondary schools boast 95% coverage, elementary schools managing only about 55%, underscores the necessity for enhanced support. In 2022, there were around 1900 school social worker positions in the south-west, serving approximately 2800 individuals. This number represents a significant decrease from the 829 positions in 2012, indicating the urgent need for additional support[2].
Though not currently pursuing additional funding specifically for school social work, GEW's broader pre-election objectives include university construction and renovation funding, researcher contract reforms, and student aid[1]. Ultimately, ensuring educational institutions possess the resources and facilities to provide high-quality education and support is crucial for the union.
Implementing strategies such as policy advocacy for increased funding, targeted support programs, community involvement, resource provision, mentorship and support networks, addressing systemic issues, and utilizing existing financial support mechanisms can help meet the agreed one-third share for school social work funding[2][4].
[1] Source: GEW News Update [2] Source: Stein's Speech at GEW Meeting in Stuttgart [4] Source: BAföG Funding Information
