Robert Bosch Foundation reports in its German School Barometer 2026 that the share of teachers who see student behavior as the biggest challenge has risen from 35 percent in 2024 to 46 percent. Teachers at lower secondary, intermediate, and comprehensive schools (55 percent) and vocational schools (53 percent) are particularly affected.
Specifically, 25 percent of respondents report problematic social behavior, 13 percent cite lack of motivation and willingness to learn. Psychological issues are mentioned by seven percent, while aggression, violence, and bullying each account for five percent.
For the first time, the foundation also asked about handling political opinions in the classroom. 18 percent of teachers feel uncertain due to a perceived neutrality requirement. In eastern Germany, uncertainty is nearly ten percentage points higher than in the west. The study authors emphasize that teachers are by no means obliged to conceal their opinions or to accept anti-constitutional statements as legitimate.
82 percent of surveyed teachers want to pursue further training accordingly, but more than a third feel left to their own devices. Study director Katharina Thoren calls for multiprofessional teams in schools. For the School Barometer, a total of 1,547 teachers were surveyed in November and December 2025.
Source: www.zeit.de
