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educational trip teacher NRW
Educational trip for teachers in NRW: Your opportunities for professional development
Are you a teacher in NRW looking to advance your career? Educational leave and special leave provide attractive opportunities for professional development. Find out what requirements need to be met, which offers are available to you, and how to submit your application. For further questions, please contact us.
The topic, briefly and concisely
Officials in NRW do not have a direct entitlement to educational leave under the AWbG, but they can apply for special leave according to FrUrlV NRW. Approval is at the discretion of the headteacher.
Employed teachers in NRW are entitled to educational leave under the AWbG, provided the application is submitted at least 6 weeks before the start of the course.
An open communication with the headteacher and the evidence of the benefits of the professional development for the school are crucial for the approval of educational or special leave. This can improve teaching quality by up to 15%.
Discover how you, as a teacher in NRW, can take advantage of educational leave and special leave to further your professional development and acquire new skills. Find out more now!
What is Bildungsurlaub?
Bildungsurlaub is a legally anchored entitlement for employees in Germany, allowing them to be released from work for professional or political continuing education. The aim is to promote personal and professional development. In North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), this entitlement is regulated by the Employee Continuing Education Act (AWbG NRW). This article provides you with an overview of the opportunities and framework conditions for teachers in NRW to take advantage of Bildungsurlaub.
Why is Bildungsurlaub relevant for teachers?
As a teacher, you face the challenge of imparting knowledge and accompanying young people on their educational journey every day. Lifelong learning is essential to meet constantly changing demands. Bildungsurlaub offers you the chance to further educate yourself in your subject area, learn new pedagogical approaches, or engage politically. This not only has a positive impact on your professional competence, but can also enhance your personal development. Our class trips in NRW offer you further inspiration for your teaching.
AWbG NRW: Understanding the Legal Foundations
Employee Training Act (AWbG NRW)
The Employee Training Act (AWbG NRW) forms the basis for educational leave in North Rhine-Westphalia. It governs the entitlement to leave from work for training purposes. However, there are important restrictions that are particularly relevant for teachers.
Entitlement to Educational Leave
Fundamentally, civil servants, and thus many teachers, do not have a direct entitlement to educational leave under the AWbG. The entitlement is primarily aimed at employees as defined by the law. For employed teachers who are not civil servants, there is an entitlement under certain conditions. A key requirement is that the employment relationship is primarily based in NRW. Additionally, the employment relationship must have existed for at least six months. Further information can be found on the District Government NRW website.
Special Leave for Civil Servants (Leave and Holiday Ordinance – FrUrlV NRW)
For civil servants, including most teachers, there are alternative leave options regulated under special leave.
Paragraph 26 FrUrlV
Paragraph 26 of the Leave and Holiday Ordinance (FrUrlV NRW) offers an alternative to educational leave for civil servants. However, this form of leave comes with restrictions and is at the discretion of the headteacher. Approval often depends on how beneficial the training is for the school and how well the teacher coordinates with the school administration. It is important to demonstrate the training's benefit to the school and show willingness to compensate for any class disruptions. Our student trips may provide inspiration in this matter.
Special Leave vs. Educational Leave
It is important to understand the difference between educational leave under AWbG and special leave under FrUrlV NRW. Educational leave is a legal entitlement for employees, whereas special leave is at the discretion of the employer (usually the headteacher). For civil servants, special leave is often the only way to be released for training measures. The DGB Bildungswerk NRW offers further information on this.
Educational Leave: Entitlement for Teachers in Detail
Beamte vs. Angestellte Lehrer
The entitlement to educational leave differs fundamentally between civil servant and employed teachers.
Beamte
No direct entitlement to educational leave under AWbG: As a civil servant, you do not have a direct legal entitlement to educational leave under the Employee Continuing Education Act.
Option for special leave under FrUrlV NRW (Paragraph 26): Instead, you can apply for special leave according to Paragraph 26 of the NRW Release and Leave Regulation. Approval, however, is at the discretion of the school management.
Employed Teachers
Entitlement to educational leave under AWbG if requirements are met: Employed teachers generally have an entitlement to educational leave under the AWbG, provided they meet the stated requirements (at least 6 months of employment, workplace in NRW).
Compliance with deadlines and formalities (application 6 weeks in advance): It is important to comply with deadlines and formalities. The application must generally be submitted at least 6 weeks before the start of the educational event.
Further information can be found in the Lehrerforum.
Reasons for Rejection by the Employer (School Principal)
Even if there is an entitlement to educational leave, the employer (in this case the school principal) can reject the application if certain reasons exist.
Operational Reasons
The school principal can reject the application if urgent school concerns stand in the way. This may be the case, for example, if class cancellations cannot be compensated for or if important projects are pending. It is therefore advisable to submit the application early and offer alternative solutions to minimise class cancellations.
Holiday Planning
The holiday planning of other colleagues can also be a reason for rejection. If many teachers have already applied for leave at the same time, the school principal may reject the application to maintain regular classes. Early consultation with colleagues and school management is therefore recommended.
Education events: Secure recognition
Provider Recognition in NRW
In NRW, the focus is on the recognition of education providers rather than certifying individual events. This means that you must ensure the education provider offering your course is recognised in NRW. This is an important prerequisite for your educational leave to be acknowledged. A list of recognised providers can usually be found on the website of the relevant district government.
Requirements for Recognition of Education Providers
To be recognised as an education provider in NRW, certain requirements must be met.
Minimum Duration of Existence
The provider must have been established for at least two years to qualify as a recognised provider for educational leave. This ensures the continuity and quality of the educational events offered.
Quality Seal
A recognised quality seal is also required. This could be a certification such as DIN ISO 9001 or another recognised quality management system. The quality seal serves as proof of the quality of the educational offerings and the professionalism of the provider. Further information on provider recognition can be found on the Further Education in NRW page.
Responsible Authority: District Government
The district government is the responsible authority for the recognition of education providers.
District Government Detmold
The District Government Detmold specifically handles applications from education providers outside NRW. If the provider is not based in NRW, you must therefore contact the District Government Detmold. For providers within NRW, the locally responsible district government is in charge. The District Government offers detailed information about the application process.
Special leave: Make use of alternative forms of leave
Special Leave for Special Occasions
In addition to educational leave and special leave according to FrUrlV NRW, there are further opportunities for teachers to take leave in special situations.
Childcare
There are regulations for special leave in case of a child's illness. Employed teachers who are legally insured have a right to child sickness benefit. Civil servants usually continue to receive their regular salary. The number of days available for childcare varies depending on employment status (employed vs. civil servant), insurance status (membership in statutory health insurance), and whether the teacher is a single parent. The regulations are complex in detail, so it is advisable to consult the relevant personnel department. The Education Lexicon of GEW NRW provides further information on this.
Hospital Accompaniment
It is possible to apply for special leave to accompany the child in hospital. Different regulations apply here as well, depending on employment status. However, attempts are usually made to find a solution to ensure the child's care. The exact regulations are laid down in the Leave and Holiday Ordinance of the state of NRW.
Leave for Voluntary Work
Educational leave can be indirectly used for volunteer work. Although educational leave is primarily intended for professional and political education, the knowledge and skills acquired can also be applied in the context of voluntary work. In addition, there is the Special Leave Act in NRW, which provides for leave for voluntary activities in child and youth welfare.
Application: Observe Practical Guidelines
Deadlines and Formal Requirements
When applying for educational or special leave, certain deadlines and formal requirements must be observed.
Application at least 6 weeks before the course starts, in written form
The application for educational leave must generally be submitted to the employer (headteacher) in writing at least 6 weeks before the course starts. It is advisable to send the application by registered mail to provide proof of timely receipt. Ensure that all necessary documents are attached.
Required Documents
Certain documents must be attached to the application to ensure the recognition of educational leave.
Proof of recognition of the educational provider, programme details
You must provide proof of the recognition of the educational provider in NRW. This could be a copy of the certificate of recognition or an excerpt from the list of recognised educational providers. Additionally, you must provide detailed information about the educational event programme, showing that the event meets the requirements of the AWbG.
Communication with the Employer (Headteacher)
Open communication with the employer (headteacher) is crucial for the approval of educational leave.
Open communication and proof of benefit to the school
Engage in dialogue with your headteacher and explain why the planned further education is beneficial for your professional development and for the school. Show how you can incorporate the acquired knowledge and skills into teaching. Offer to make up for missed lessons, for example by preparing tasks for the students. Through open and constructive communication, you increase the chances of your application being approved. Our school trips offer you further opportunities for this.
Continuing Education: Conclusion and Outlook for Teachers
Summary of Key Points
Educational leave and special leave provide teachers in NRW with valuable opportunities for professional development. While civil servants are not directly entitled to educational leave under the AWbG, they can apply for special leave according to the FrUrlV NRW. Employed teachers are entitled to educational leave under certain conditions as per the AWbG. It is important to adhere to deadlines and formalities and to demonstrate the benefits of the further education for the school. Open communication with the headteacher is crucial for the approval of the request.
Importance of Further Education for Teachers
Continuous further education is essential for teachers to meet the constantly changing demands in the educational sector. Educational leave and special leave provide the opportunity to delve deeper into specialist areas, learn about new pedagogical approaches and engage politically. This not only has a positive impact on professional competence but also promotes personal development. Our educational trips offer you a wide range of possibilities for this.
Future Developments
It is possible that the legal regulations regarding educational leave and special leave will change in the future. It is therefore advisable to keep regularly informed about the latest developments. There are also constantly new developments in the area of educational offers. Pay attention to innovative formats and topics that are relevant to your work as a teacher. The Bildungsurlauber.de website provides a good overview of this.
The use of Bildungsreise lehrer nrw is an important step towards personal and professional development. Inform yourself thoroughly about your options and use the offers to expand your competencies and improve your teaching.
GoTuro: Your Partner for Educational Travel
At GoTuro, we understand the importance of further education and offer you tailored educational trips that are customised to your needs. Our offerings combine adventure, culture, and relaxation to provide you with an unforgettable and educational experience. We prioritise sustainability and inclusion to ensure that our trips make a positive contribution to society.
Our Educational Travel Offers
We offer a wide range of educational trips designed to suit the diverse interests and needs of teachers:
Adventure and Experience Trips: Discover new cultures and landscapes on our adventure and experience trips.
Cultural and Educational Trips: Immerse yourself in the history and culture of different countries and regions.
Sustainable and Inclusive Trips: Experience the world in a responsible way and support local communities.
Our trips are carefully planned and accompanied by experienced guides to provide you with an optimal learning experience. We work with renowned educational institutions and experts to ensure that our trips meet the highest quality standards.
Your Benefits with GoTuro
With GoTuro, you benefit from:
Tailored Educational Trips: We adapt our trips to your individual needs and interests.
Experienced Guides: Our guides have extensive knowledge and competently accompany you on your journey.
Sustainable and Inclusive Offers: We prioritise sustainability and inclusion to make a positive contribution to society.
Discover the world with us and broaden your horizons! Our school trips offer you and your students unforgettable experiences.
Plan your educational trip: Start now!
More useful links
The Ministry of Culture and Science NRW provides information about the legal foundations and framework conditions for employee further education in North Rhine-Westphalia.
The District Government NRW offers detailed information on educational leave for employees and civil servants in North Rhine-Westphalia.
The DGB Education Centre NRW offers a guide on the topic of special leave and educational leave in North Rhine-Westphalia.
The Education Lexicon of GEW NRW provides information on the topic of special leave for teachers.
FAQ
Do civil servants in NRW have a direct entitlement to educational leave?
No, civil servants, including most teachers in NRW, do not have a direct entitlement to educational leave under the Employee Further Education Act (AWbG). However, there is the option of special leave under Paragraph 26 of the Leave and Holiday Regulation (FrUrlV NRW).
What alternative to educational leave do civil servants in NRW have?
Civil servants can apply for special leave under Paragraph 26 FrUrlV NRW. However, approval is at the discretion of the headteacher and often depends on how beneficial the further education is for the school.
What must employed teachers in NRW consider regarding educational leave?
Employed teachers generally have an entitlement to educational leave under the AWbG if they meet the requirements (at least 6 months of employment, workplace in NRW). It is important to comply with the deadlines and formalities, especially the application submission at least 6 weeks in advance.
Can the headteacher reject an application for educational leave?
Yes, the headteacher can reject the application if there are urgent school-related concerns or if it affects the holiday planning of other colleagues. It is advisable to submit the application early and offer alternative solutions.
What does provider recognition mean in NRW?
In NRW, providers are recognised rather than individual events being certified. Teachers need to ensure that the provider where they wish to take a course is recognised in NRW.
Which authority is responsible for the recognition of providers?
The authority responsible for the recognition of providers is the district government. For applications from providers outside of NRW, the District Government Detmold is responsible.
Is there special leave for teachers in NRW due to a child's illness?
Yes, there are regulations for special leave due to a child's illness. Employed teachers who are legally insured have an entitlement to child sickness allowance. Civil servants usually continue to receive their regular salary.
How can educational leave be used indirectly for voluntary work?
Although educational leave is primarily intended for professional and political further education, the skills and knowledge acquired can also be applied in a voluntary capacity. Additionally, there is the special leave law which provides leave for voluntary activities in child and youth welfare.
