Questions and answers
What is the number of lessons to be taught?
At grammar schools, you teach 23.5 lessons of 45 minutes per week in a full-time position. At high schools it is 25.5 lessons.
How long are the holidays?
In Lower Saxony there are around 12 weeks of school holidays, six of which are in summer, two weeks in autumn, two weeks over Christmas and two weeks over Easter. There are also some public holidays, which make for long weekends.
How much will I earn?
How much salary you end up with in your pocket depends on various factors – your qualifications, your taxes and social security contributions, whether you are married or whether you have children, as there are different tax brackets for this in Germany. Employees with children pay less tax than singles.
Here are two examples:
- Single, no children, no recognised qualification as a teacher: Gross earnings in the first year are around €3500, net earnings c. €2300
- Married, two children, spouse not working, recognised teaching qualification: Gross earnings in the first year are €4000, net earnings c. €2900
Earnings increase in the following years. Before you sign a contract, we will be happy to calculate for you how much money you will earn with us.
What qualifications do I need and which certificates must I provide?
The minimum requirement for working as a teacher in Germany is a university degree in a teaching subject. Before we can offer you a contract, we need to check whether the German authorities recognise your degree.
We therefore need a scan of your certificates (university certificate, qualification or activity as a teacher at a school, university or other institution) and possibly a translation to check whether or not we are allowed to employ you.
How big are the schools?
Our high schools have between 300 – 500 pupils and are taught by 30 – 45 teachers. Our grammar schools and vocational school have approx. 700 – 1000 pupils and are taught by 55 – 80 teachers. The schools can choose their pupils and teachers themselves to ensure a good, harmonious composition of pupils and staff. This contributes to a good working atmosphere and respectful interaction.
How are the schools equipped?
The St. Benedikt School Foundation ensures that all schools are equipped with very modern facilities and work with digital tools. The use of iPads and digital smartboards is a normal part of most lessons.
Is health insurance included?
Almost everyone in Germany has health insurance. Half of the costs for health insurance is paid by employers and half by employees. Your contribution to health insurance is automatically deducted from your salary; so are the taxes you have to pay. Healthcare in Germany is very good, and although additional insurance is offered, it is generally not necessary.
Your health insurance also covers your children and your spouse if he/she is not working.
Will I be allowed to work in Germany?
We welcome everyone, regardless of which country they are from, and are happy to assist you with the necessary work and residence permits.
If you come from an OECD member country, you will generally have no problems obtaining a permit to work as a teacher in Germany. If you come from a non-OECD country, we will be happy to check whether a residence and work permit is possible. So please do not hesitate to apply to us!
Do I need to be Catholic?
No, but for permanent employment you must be a member of a Christian church.
Will I get a pension?
If you work in Germany, you automatically pay into the various social insurance schemes. If you pay into the pension fund, you have the right to receive a pension even if you no longer live in Germany. The retirement age in Germany is currently 67.
