New beginning at the PH Feldkirch: Elisabeth Haas takes over the rector's office

New beginning at the PH Feldkirch: Elisabeth Haas takes over the rector's office

The University of Education in Feldkirch has a new management. The Tyrolean Elisabeth Haas took over the office of rector on October 1, 2024. She steps into the footsteps of Gernot Brauchle, who has been on duty for over ten years. His term of office was characterized by difficulties, and Haas is now faced with a number of challenges, including a restless atmosphere at the educational institution.

Haas expressed her goals right at the beginning of her term. As part of an interview, she emphasized the need to increase the attractiveness of the teacher profession, especially in view of the current developments in the educational landscape. The shortening of the duration of the studies in the secondary area also plays a role. "As a principal, it is particularly important to me that young, dynamic students come to our house and develop joy in the apprenticeship and receive the best possible training here," she said.

transition and its challenges

A particularly pressing problem is the lack of teachers that affects more and more schools. This also includes career changers that represent a valuable resource. Haas plans to improve the framework conditions for these new teachers: "We will still look here in the future, how can we professionalize this? I can say that it is often a high -motivated colleague who go to school. And we shouldn't lose them under any circumstances." This initiative is crucial to bring fresh perspectives and motivation into the education system.

In addition, she announced that she was expanding education research at the University of Education. This should not only benefit the students, but also the schools in the region who can benefit from such innovations.

collaboration with the country

The importance of cooperation between the university and the country was particularly emphasized by the Bildarbättin Barbara Schöbi-Fink. "We also always have topics on the part of the country that we would have liked to have worked on together with the University of Education," said Schöbi-Fink. A current topic is language support, an area in which you have had good progress for years and want to explore further research opportunities.

However, the new rector is not only confronted with positive challenges. Haas also has to face the unsolved problems that were left by her predecessor. There are reports of tensions in the college and about demands by students who want more practical relevance in their training. In addition, hygienic standards that are considered insufficiently have become a serious topic. "I am informed, but I will take a look at it in peace and form my opinion, in order to be exchange with the Vice Rector, the Institute Directions and the College in order to find the best possible solutions here," said Haas about the upcoming challenges.

The upcoming changes and the new management of the University of Education in Feldkirch are undoubtedly of great importance for the educational landscape. The pressure to increase the attractiveness of the teaching profession and at the same time tackle existing problems will play a central role in the coming time. The first steps of Elisabeth Haas are observed closely because it could significantly influence the course of this institution.

For more information on this topic, you can read the current reports at Vorarlberg.AT