The decree in the field of Education 2021 (Dekret über Maßnahmen im Unterrichtswesen 2021) introduced a measure that did not exist in this form in Belgium: Since the school year 2021/2022, teachers in the German-speaking Community of Belgium can receive a permanent employment contract from the beginning of their service, provided that they have the required title, meet major language criteria and are appointed for the whole school year. 

Previously, teachers only received a permanent contract after having served for at least 720 days in the same position at the same school. This extended permanent contract however still exists, since it offers additional rights to the more experienced teachers.

The German-speaking Community is heralding a paradigm shift with the permanent contracts from the beginning of service, which will have a positive effect on the stability of the teams of docents in schools and thus facilitate school development processes. In addition, the recruitment effort will be reduced, as all those who meet the title criterion no longer have to reapply, so that the school managements and sponsors will also be relieved and the bureaucratic effort will decrease.  

In parallel, this is measure is also meant to increase attractiveness of the teacher profession and, on a longer term to combat the shortage of teachers.

This decree does not only affect those entering the teaching profession, but also applies to the existing teachers. For lateral entrants, however, the acquisition of a teaching qualification is a condition for enjoying a permanent contract from the beginning of service in the future, since this is part of the required title. Meanwhile, an analysis will be conducted in order to evaluate and monitor this complex and extensive measure. 

Source:  Eurydice Unit Belgium - German Community