A German teacher with extensive experience and qualifications is raising concerns about a potential disconnect between the reported shortage of German teachers and their own inability to secure a permanent position. Dorthe Schmittroth Madsen, a master’s graduate in German with history and philosophy minors, questions whether their conservative political views and outspoken criticism of the education sector are hindering their job prospects.

Madsen’s concerns arise from their experiences of unemployment despite the alleged high demand for German teachers. They hold a master’s degree from the University of Copenhagen, supplemented by studies in Munich, and possess 13 years of teaching experience and pedagogical training. Madsen is also an active debater, identifies as conservative, and fears this might be a disadvantage.

The teacher’s worries extend to the broader implications of a potential reluctance to hire teachers with differing viewpoints. They express concern that the education system may be prioritizing conformity over diverse perspectives, potentially stifling critical voices within the teaching profession. Madsen highlights a conflict between a commitment to protecting students’ education and a fear of repercussions for speaking out against questionable practices.

Madsen recounts an experience of being fired six weeks before a scheduled pedagogy visit. The dismissal occurred after the headmaster accumulated a significant deficit of 10.5 percent of turnover, and Madsen was among the few teachers who questioned the financial decisions. They draw on studies that suggest public employees often refrain from voicing concerns about critical workplace conditions due to fear of negative consequences for their careers.

Madsen emphasizes a sense of duty to speak out against practices that compromise students’ education, such as combining two classes into one to cut teacher costs. They question whether the education sector can afford to be selective in its hiring practices, potentially excluding teachers who hold different political views or who are critical of the system. Madsen fears there is only room for one type of teacher in the upper secondary school, and it is not them with their political stance, commitment, and critical voice towards the sector.