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“There has been a long-standing mismatch between the number of graduates from teacher training programs and the actual staffing needs of schools. This leads to a shortage of qualified teachers and an aging teaching workforce,” said Pavel Mentlík, Dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of West Bohemia in Plzeň (FPE UWB). In response, FPE is expanding its offer of lifelong learning programs that enable entry into schools for people who did not originally study education.

Lenka Benediktová, Vice-Dean for Lifelong Learning at FPE, explained: “It’s not uncommon for people to find meaning in working with children after years in a different field and want to share their experience. We offer them a pathway through qualification programs that allow them to gain the necessary pedagogical education.”

The faculty offers programs such as the Qualification Program for Lower and Upper Secondary School Teachers and the Program for Teachers of Vocational Subjects at Secondary Schools. These are designed for university graduates who have subject expertise but lack formal teacher training.

There is also interest among high school graduates who want to work in schools as teaching assistants, educators, practical training instructors, or vocational training supervisors. “We offer specialized qualification programs for them as well, allowing them to begin working in these roles after completion,” Benediktová added.

However, lifelong learning is not limited to newcomers to the field. Current teachers also take advantage of these opportunities to broaden their qualifications. There is growing interest in areas such as psychology or training for school counselors. Increasingly, teachers are also pursuing special education qualifications, which are now crucial for working with diverse classroom groups.

“We regularly adjust our program offerings based on the current needs of schools. We know the system can’t function without new qualified people, and we aim to provide high-quality, accessible education for everyone who has the desire to teach,” Benediktová summarized.

Most qualification programs can be studied in a part-time format alongside employment. Applications for individual programs are open until the end of August. Full information is available here.