17.03.2026 Talents New study shows pathways into computer science teaching

Germany needs more computer science teachers - because more and more federal states are introducing computer science as a compulsory subject or expanding the range of subjects on offer. As a result, the need for qualified teachers who can teach pupils digital skills is also growing. The new study "Become a computer science teacher!" shows ways in which this demand can be met.

"The study provides an overview of the ways in which the individual federal states have opened up to counter the shortage of computer science teachers. Along the three phases - teacher training, preparatory service and school service - it shows the diverse entry opportunities into the computer science teaching profession for those interested from study and professional areas without a teaching background," says Dr. Felix Streiter, Managing Director of the Carl Zeiss Foundation.

In addition to the traditional teacher training course, many federal states are now also opening up alternative routes into the teaching profession, for example for graduates of computer science-related courses or specialists from the IT sector. There are many reasons for a change: the desire for a meaningful job with young people, a new career start or a reorientation.

This is where the project comes in: it makes possible (re)paths visible and offers structured information to support all those interested in entering the IT teaching profession.

The study is funded by the Carl Zeiss Foundation and implemented as a joint project by the Gesellschaft für Informatik e. V. and the Department of Computer Science Education at the University of Oldenburg.