Teacher Training in Schleswig-Holstein: Experiences
By Rachel · 5 min read
Automatically translated from German. · Read original
Teacher Training Programme in Schleswig-Holstein: Experience shows that the training programme is demanding, but offers good support and prospects.
Key facts at a glance
- An 18-month teacher training programme, starting on 1 February or 1 August each year.
- Trainee salaries range from €1,635 (A12) to €1,668 (A13) basic pay, plus family allowances of up to €310.
- Age limit for permanent appointment as a civil servant is 45; for those with a GdB of 50 or above, this is raised to between 48 and 50.
- Healthcare cover via a subsidy (50 per cent of costs) – choice between an individual subsidy + private health insurance or a flat-rate subsidy (statutory health insurance model).
- In the case of severe disability or caring for relatives, an application may be made for compensation for disadvantage, which makes the role easier to fulfil.
Key facts about the teacher training programme in Schleswig-Holstein
The preparatory service lasts a standard 18 months and is carried out at the Institute for Quality Development in Schools in Schleswig-Holstein (IQSH) as well as at a school placement. Following a short observation period, trainee teachers teach independently, usually for 10–12 hours per week. Remuneration is based on pay grade A12/A13, which corresponds to a basic monthly salary of €1,635–€1,668. Family-related allowances significantly increase the net income: single people receive the basic amount; married people receive approximately €158; and those with a child eligible for child benefit receive approximately €310.
The starting dates are 1 February and 1 August. For the 1 February start date, applications must be submitted by mid- to late September of the previous year; for the 1 August start date, they must usually be submitted by March. The age limit for appointment to the teaching profession is 45 years of age (LBG SH § 14). In the case of a severe disability with a GdB of 50 or above, the age limit is often raised to 48 or 50, and there are concessions regarding the compensation for disadvantages.
Health insurance during the teacher training period is provided through the state allowance. The state covers 50 per cent of medical costs; for the remaining 50 per cent, private health insurance for trainee teachers (PKV) is required. Alternatively, one may opt for the flat-rate allowance (Hamburg model) and remain in the statutory health insurance scheme; however, this choice is irrevocable for the entire civil service career.
Day-to-day life and challenges from personal accounts
Real-life accounts of the trainee teacher programme paint a mixed picture. A trainee teacher with a hearing impairment reported that she had downloaded a free 130-page guide from Fit4Ref months before the programme began and presented her severe disability card during the selection process.
“I’d known what I wanted to do for a long time. Even as a child, I used to write ‘teacher’ as my chosen career in my friendship books.” — ohrenseite.info
She was provided with technical aids (touchscreen microphone, handheld microphones) and hoped for a school nearby, small learning groups and good acoustic conditions. However, the reality turned out to be quite different: her mentor had less time available; she had to teach the subject in which she was being trained on her own; and requests for rules to facilitate communication with hearing impairment were rejected. Her self-confidence suffered, leading to a change of school placement and a six-month extension of her teacher training.
The lehrerforen.de forum contains numerous accounts of personal experiences, including ‘Honest accounts from the teaching traineeship’ (73 replies) and ‘Teaching traineeship – extremely unhappy’ (27 replies). The most common themes are feeling overwhelmed by the subject matter, a lack of support with lesson preparation, and the difficulty of striking a balance between family life and work. Many trainee teachers report that the bureaucratic burden – such as applications for compensation for disadvantages or extensions – takes up a great deal of time, but also that discussing matters with colleagues can be very helpful.
For trainee teachers with children or relatives in need of care, there is the option to extend the trainee teaching period and reduce the number of teaching hours. This option is explicitly mentioned in the Info-Beihilfe.de guide for the period from 2026 onwards. In addition, people with severe disabilities have the opportunity to receive compensation for disadvantages, which significantly improves their circumstances.
Salary, allowances and insurance – an overview
The following table shows the key financial figures for trainee teachers in Schleswig-Holstein in 2026.
| Component | Amount (monthly) | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Basic salary (A12/A13) | €1,635 – €1,668 | depending on pay grade |
| Family allowance, level 1 (married/in a registered civil partnership) | approx. €158 | without children |
| Family allowance, level 2 (married + eligible for child benefit) | approx. €310 | one or more children |
| Christmas bonus (special payment) | approx. €660 | paid with December’s salary |
| Health insurance allowance | 50 per cent of medical costs | Private health insurance required for the remaining 50% |
The allowance scheme offers flexibility but requires careful planning. Disability insurance with a genuine disability clause for civil servants is recommended from day one, as trainee teachers do not yet have any provision in the event that they are permanently unable to teach.
Career changers and shortage occupations
Schleswig-Holstein encourages career changers, particularly in STEM subjects and at vocational schools. The prerequisite is a completed Master’s degree; the preparatory service must also be completed and concludes with appointment as a civil servant. An important note: Many career changers are unaware that they are eligible for benefits from the very first day of the special scheme. It is therefore crucial to look into the medical examination provided by private health insurance at an early stage.
Frequently asked questions
When do I need to apply for the teacher training programme in Schleswig-Holstein?
For the 1 February start date, applications must be submitted by mid- to late September of the previous year; for the 1 August start date, the deadline is usually in March. The exact deadlines can be found on the website of the Schleswig-Holstein Ministry of Education.
Can I extend my preparatory service due to family commitments?
Yes. If you are looking after a minor child or caring for a relative, you can apply to extend your teacher training programme whilst reducing the number of hours worked.
What insurance options do I have during my teacher training?
As standard, there is a subsidy (50 per cent of the costs) combined with private health insurance for trainee teachers. Alternatively, the flat-rate subsidy (Hamburg model) is available, under which you remain in the statutory health insurance scheme – a decision that is irrevocable for your entire career as a civil servant.
What happens in the event of a severe disability?
People with a severe disability (GdB of 50 or above) receive compensation for their disadvantage; the age limit for appointment as a civil servant is raised to 48–50 years, and the health requirements are relaxed.
What are the career prospects after the Second State Examination?
Upon successful completion, trainee lawyers can apply for vacant posts in Schleswig-Holstein or nationwide. Appointment as a probationary civil servant (BaP) leads to classification in the full pay grade A12/A13, which corresponds to a gross salary of approximately €4,200–€4,700.
Conclusion – what prospective teachers should know
The teacher training programme in Schleswig-Holstein is a demanding but well-structured introduction to the teaching profession. The financial terms are transparent, with clear allowances for families, and the option of compensation for disadvantages improves conditions for people with disabilities. Experiences shared by trainees show that the biggest challenges often lie in balancing the high demands of the job with personal circumstances – such as childcare or one’s own health situation. Planning ahead, considering your choice of insurance and exchanging experiences with other trainee teachers (e.g. on the lehrerforen.de forum) can make the transition easier.
Sources: lehrerforen.de – The forum for teachers · ohrenseite.info – My experiences during my teacher training · Info-Beihilfe.de – Teacher training in Schleswig-Holstein 2026 · referendarrat-sh.de – Experience reports. Last updated: 28 October 2026.
