Further education

In 2006, two thirds of graduating teachers gained employment 1 month after completing their studies.

The recommendations of the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education (EDK) for the continuing education of teaching staff define continuing education as part of the professional mission of teachers. At the same time, teachers must be allowed to set personal priorities in the choice of their continuing education in order to shape their professional careers.

Continuing education of teachers

The range of possibilities for continuing education of teachers is very extensive and ranges from courses of a short duration, through to multi-semester study courses, which run in parallel to professional work. Depending on the course, the participants receive either a confirmation of attendance or a recognised certificate.

Courses of continuing education

Continuing education enables teaching staff to take over demanding management functions in the school or to use their specialist knowledge to take an active part in school developments. Continuing education courses can be recognised Swiss-wide by the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education (EDK). To date, the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education (EDK) has issued profiles for continuing education courses in media education / ICT and career guidance teaching (for the lower secondary level); other profiles are being compiled, e.g. for school management continuing education courses. The continuing education courses are recognised if they meet the requirements of the Regulation on the Recognition of Certificates of Continuing Education for Teaching Professions passed by the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education (EDK) on 17 June 2004, as well as the requirements of the corresponding profile issued by the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education (EDK).

Diplomas

For continuing education courses which amount to at least 30 ECTS points, a Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) can be awarded; for continuing education courses which amount to at least 10 ECTS points, a Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) can be awarded, as long as the course was completed at a university.

In order to be recognised by the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education (EDK), continuing education courses leading to a Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in the field of teacher education must also comply with the Guidelines on the Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Teacher Education issued by the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education (EDK) on 15 December 2005. MAS courses amount to 60 ECTS points and are completed with a Master's thesis.

For organisations and institutions responsible for school management continuing education courses, there is a possibility of accreditation by the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education (EDK). This accreditation process is to be replaced by the recognition of continuing education in school management.