Warm farewell: Christineschaffenroth is retiring!

Warm farewell: Christineschaffenroth is retiring!

Christineschaffenroth retired from the Illschwang elementary school on August 1, 2023. After almost two decades in school service, especially in grades 1 and 2,schaffenroth not only leaves behind a variety of lived experiences, but also leaves a lasting impression on generations of children in their first years of school. Rector Gabi Pirner praised her commitment at the farewell, especially for organizing music days and the “Get Fit” competition.

The farewell celebrations were characterized by a warm atmosphere. schaffenroth received numerous gifts, including a voucher from the staff for her sporting hobbies. In addition, school association chairwoman Brigitte Bachmann-Mühlinghaus and Illschwang's first mayor Dieter Dehling presented her with a rose bush as a symbol of personal growth and stability.

Farewell full of memories

An emotional highlight of the celebration was the song “I'll give you a rainbow,” which was sung by class teacher Daniela Schießl and the children of class 1a. The teaching staff also contributed to the celebration by presenting a rewritten serenade to the song “At 66 Years”. Parents' council chairwoman Sonja Übler presented a personalized tea cup and running socks to thankschaffenroth on behalf of the parents.

schaffenroth had been responsible for teaching since training in the 2006/07 school year and moved to Illschwang in 2012 after the school building in Schwend was closed. Her tireless commitment and passion for the teaching profession were recognized by colleagues and parents alike and were expressed in warm words and gifts.

A context of challenges

The farewell toschaffenroth comes at a time when more and more teachers are retiring early. According to a report by BR.de, the decline in Bavarian teachers who teach up to the standard age limit is becoming increasingly visible. Many educators apply for retirement early, often as a result of excessive demands and an increased workload. One in four teachers is permanently ill, and in primary and secondary schools it is even one in three.

Julia Bernreuther from the Munich Teachers' Association emphasizes that the demands placed on teachers have increased significantly in recent years. In particular, caring for children with behavioral problems and social problems increases the pressure on educators. The frequent interruptions to lessons and the need to take on administrative tasks further aggravate the situation.

The Bavarian Ministry of Culture plans to expand measures to improve working conditions in order to promote professional satisfaction among teachers. This could include, among other things, smaller classes and a better teamwork system. Further suggestions include the introduction of teaching assistants and permanent contact points at schools for teachers with problems.

The farewell to Christineschaffenroth not only represents the personal phase of the life of a committed teacher, but also reflects the challenges that the education system is currently facing.